Division: Special Education

Position Type:
Full Time
10-Month
M-F: 8:00 a.m-4:00 p.m
(Job Grade: 17)

Summary
In alignment with KRESA values, this special education position will teach and / or provide teaching support for elementary and secondary school subjects and daily living skills to students who are visually impaired.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
• Instruct students in reading and writing, using magnification equipment and large print material or Braille system
• Confer with parents, administrator, testing specialists, social worker, and others to develop individual educational program for students; attend IEPT meetings
• Plan curricula and prepare lessons and other instructional materials, according to grade level of students
• Transcribe lessons and other materials into Braille or large print for students who are blind and/low vision
• Review and correct completed assignments, using such aids as Braille writer, slate and stylus, or computer
• Arrange for and conduct field trips designed to promote experiential learning
• Instruct students in academic subject areas and daily living skills such as hygiene, safety, and food preparation
• Encourage students to participate in verbal and sensory classroom learning experiences to ensure their comprehension of subject matter, development of social skills, and ability to identify objects encountered in daily living
• Meet with parents to discuss how parents can encourage student’s independence and well-being and to provide guidance in using community resources
• Generate and monitor progress towards the fulfillment of classroom and lesson objectives
• Provide Orientation and Mobility Instruction to students
• Counsel students
• Regular and consistent attendance
• Other duties as assigned
• Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Kalamazoo RESA handbook.

Minimum Skills and Education Required:
• Bachelor’s degree (TCVI only) one to three years satisfactory teaching experience with special education program experience preferred
• Michigan K-12 Teaching Certificate; Special Education Endorsement in VI 

Preferred Skills and Education:
• Orientation and Mobility certification through a recognized organization such as Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP)
• Embraces and supports KRESA philosophies related to diversity, inclusiveness, and anti-racism Ability to interact effectively with individuals from a wide range of cultures
•  Ability to discuss cultural differences with colleagues and clients
•  Ability to assess one's own strengths and limitations or challenges and integrate this understanding into interpersonal interactions
•  Effectively present information in front of groups and engage in audience Ability to communicate effectively including listening
•  Keep administrator abreast of activity Works in a team-oriented fashion
•  Ability to efficiently use computer and applicable software Ability to problem solve
•  Ability to read, analyze and interpret data
•  Ability to write reports, correspondence, policies and procedures Maintains confidentiality
•  Displays willingness to support and make decisions with sound judgment in timely manner Performs duties as workload necessitates
•  Adapts to frequent changes in the work environment Uses equipment and materials properly
•  Practices safe work habits

Physical Demands:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is frequently required to reach with arms and hands, stand, walk and sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to ten pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
 
Work Environment:   
Office environment with little exposure to excessive noise. Often involved in stressful situations.
The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or nonprescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the district.
 

 
Notice of Non-discrimination: It is the policy of Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency that no discriminating practices based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or sexual identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally protected category be allowed during any program, activity, service or in employment. The following position at Kalamazoo RESA has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Executive Director of Human Resources. Contact information: 269-250-9200, 1819 E. Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002.