Teacher of the Visually Impaired

PURPOSE: To provide a safe classroom environment favorable to learning and personal growth; to establish effective rapport with students; to motivate students to develop skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for college and career readiness in accordance with each student's ability; and to establish good relationships with parents and other staff members.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree; AND hold an appropriate Mississippi Teaching Credential or valid emergency certification issued by the State of Mississippi Educational Board and endorsed in the field of instruction; Reference and background check are required 218 Endorsement: Visually Impaired (K-12)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, prepare, and deliver lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning.
• Prepare lessons to meet the diversity of students' backgrounds, cultures, skills, learning levels, language proficiencies, interests, and special needs.
• Select instructional goals that incorporate high levels of learning for all students.
• Plan units of instruction that are in alignment with state content standards and represent a coherent sequence of learning.
• Collect and organize data from assessments to provide feedback to students and adjust lessons and instruction as necessary. Incorporate assessments that demonstrate high expectations for all students into instructional planning.
• Demonstrate deep knowledge of content during instruction.
• Actively engage students in the learning process.
• Use questioning and discussion techniques to promote thinking skills.
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning targets.
• Manage classroom space and resources effectively for student learning and safety.
• Create and maintain a climate of safety, respect, and support for all students.
• Maximize time available for instruction.
• Establish and maintain high expectations and a culture of learning.
• Manage student behavior to provide productive learning opportunities for all students.
• Engage in continuous professional learning and apply new information learned in the classroom.
• Demonstrate professionalism and high ethical standards; act in alignment with the Mississippi Code of Ethics.
• Communicate necessary information regularly to students and parents/guardians regarding student progress and needs.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of students' progress and development, actively monitor growth, and refer students for additional support as needed.
• Update all necessary records accurately and completely as required by laws, district policies, and school procedures.
• Participate in department, school, district, and parent meetings. Cooperatively work with department heads and colleagues to be an active member of a professional learning community.
• Assume additional duties as assigned such as, but not limited to, bus duty, monitoring the cafeteria or hallway, serving on a committee, chaperoning an after-school activity, serving as a lead teacher or department chair, etc.
• Actively supervise and monitor students in areas and activities that take place on the way to and from school, in the classroom, in the hallways and restrooms, and during playground activities and recess, to ensure a safe school environment.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the supervisor or superintendent
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy of all MSDB records.
• Meet and instruct assigned classes at the assigned school and at times designated by the Principal and/or MSDB.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved.
• Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s).

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. Employees may perform other tasks and assume such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the supervisor, administrative staff, or superintendent.

The Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE), the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), and the Mississippi Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (MSDB) do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability in the provision of educational programs and services or employment opportunities and benefits.