Vision Teacher

Northwestern Illinois Association (NIA) seeks a Vision Teacher to support students with visual impairments across member school districts. In this collaborative, student-centered role, you will assess functional vision, provide direct and consultative instruction in Braille, assistive technology, and compensatory skills, and help design IEP goals and accommodations. You will coach educators and families, model effective strategies, and travel between schools to deliver services. NIA offers strong professional development, multidisciplinary teamwork, and the opportunity to make a direct, regional impact on students with special needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct and consultative instruction to students with visual impairments across member districts
• Conduct functional vision and learning media assessments and contribute to IEP development
• Teach Braille, assistive technology, and compensatory skills to support access to curriculum
• Collaborate with general and special educators, related service providers, and families
• Recommend and support use of low- and high-tech assistive devices and accessible materials
• Train school staff and families on strategies and tools for students with visual impairments
• Monitor and document student progress and maintain required records and reports
• Travel between schools within the cooperative to deliver services and consultations

Required Skills

• Instruction for students with visual impairments
• Braille literacy and Nemeth Code
• Assistive technology for visually impaired students
• Developing and implementing IEPs
• Vision assessments and progress monitoring
• Orientation and mobility collaboration
• Differentiated instruction and accommodations
• Collaboration with general and special educators
• Family and district staff training
• Documentation and compliance with IDEA/Illinois regs