23-24 Teacher for the Visually Impaired (Immediate Opening)

KIPP New Orleans Schools (KNOS) is a non-profit network of 13 college-preparatory, public charter schools serving 6,200 elementary, middle, and high school students, and over 1,500 alumni.  While each of our schools is as unique as the community to which it belongs, we are united around a shared promise: To build academically excellent schools that create unlimited opportunity for all students. For over 15 years, we have a proven track record of preparing students for success in college, career, and beyond!

At KIPP, you have the freedom to innovate and the support to grow. You never stop learning, and you’re part of a national network that’s leading the way in getting students from underserved communities to and through college. As we grow to serve more students in communities across the country, we need passionate teammates to join us and make their impact at KIPP. Where will YOU take us?  Click here to learn more about teaching and working at KIPP Public Schools!

As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race/ethnicity, economic status, age/ability, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, religion, country of origin, language(s) spoken, and/or other diverse backgrounds.

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Teacher for the Visually Impaired to join our regional Student Support Team. As an itinerant teacher for the visually impaired, you will play a crucial role in building out our program, facilitating the learning and development of students with visual impairments. Your expertise will empower these students to develop independence, and reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of visual impairments, specialized teaching techniques, special education requirements, and the ability to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide Specialized Instruction: Adapt curriculum materials, lesson plans, and instructional techniques to meet the unique needs of students with visual impairments. Develop individualized education plans (IEPs) and assess student progress regularly.
2. Support Student Mastery of Core Subjects: Employ various teaching strategies and materials to make learning accessible to visually impaired students (e.g., Braille, large print, auditory tools).
3. Assistive Technology and Adaptive Equipment: Integrate assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and specialized educational tools to enhance students' access to information, promote independence, and support their learning objectives.
4. Braille Proficiency: Teach Braille reading and writing skills to students who rely on this tactile method of communication. Facilitate Braille instruction through hands-on activities, exercises, and exercises in literacy and numeracy.
5. Orientation and Mobility Training: Collaborate with Orientation & Mobility provider on techniques, including the use of canes or other aids for safe and independent navigation in various environments.
6. Collaborative Planning: Work closely with general education teachers, support staff, and parents/guardians to develop and implement inclusive educational plans. Attend team meetings, contribute to the development of educational strategies, and provide ongoing progress updates.
7. Assessment and Progress Monitoring: Administer assessments and use appropriate evaluation tools to monitor students' academic progress, track their achievement, and make data-driven instructional decisions.
8. Individualized Support: Identify and address the unique learning needs and challenges of each student, providing individualized support and differentiated instruction as required.
9. Behavior and Emotional Support: Foster a positive and inclusive classroom climate that promotes emotional well-being, self-advocacy, and independence among visually impaired students. Implement behavior management strategies effectively.
10. Professional Development: Stay abreast of current research, best practices, and advances in the field of visual impairment education. Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance instructional strategies, assessment techniques, and knowledge of assistive technology.

1. Education: Bachelor's degree in Special Education with a specialization in Visual Impairments or a related field. Master's degree is preferred.
2. Certification: Valid teaching license/certification in Special Education with a visual impairment endorsement strongly preferred.
3. Experience: Previous experience working with students who are visually impaired. Familiarity with Braille instruction, assistive technology, and orientation and mobility training is advantageous.
4. Travel: The position will require daily travel between multiple school sites (gas stipend provided).
5. Knowledge: Thorough understanding of visual impairments and their impact on learning. Familiarity with specialized teaching methodologies, curricula, and resources for visually impaired students.
6. Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to effectively collaborate with students, parents/guardians, colleagues, and other professionals.
7. Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt instructional techniques, materials, and technology based on individual student needs and changing circumstances.
8. Empathy and Patience: Compassion and patience when working with students with visual impairments, as well as the ability to establish a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.
9. Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills to address the diverse learning needs of visually impaired students and find creative solutions to challenges.
10. Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational skills to manage individualized instruction plans, maintain accurate records, and meet administrative requirements.
11. Professionalism: Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to the field of special education.

• Successful completion of State and Federal Criminal Background Check

• Personal affinity to our mission and vision, as well as demonstrated commitment to our 5 core beliefs - Relentlessness, Equity, Achievement, Community, and Hope
• Provide documentation of either 1) received a COVID-19 vaccination or 2) have requested, and been granted, reasonable accommodation from the KNOS Director of Human Resources to be exempted from the requirements of this policy

The physical demands and environmental conditions described below are representative, but not exhaustive,  of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the role.  All of these physical requirements should be able to be performed with clarity, coherence and connectedness of the KNOS vision, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Must be able to sit and work at a desk/computer for extended periods of time
• Must be able to spend the majority of the day standing or mobile throughout KNOS facilities, as well as talk, hear, grasp, reach and lift up to 30lbs with or without accommodations
• Must be able to have repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement to work on computer and/or related office equipment
• Ability to handle potential high stress conditions 
• Must be able to travel between school sites and regional office
• Ability to complete physically demanding tech-related installation work

Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. Additionally, KIPP New Orleans Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package including health coverage and retirement.

• Healthcare (including  vision, dental, and short-term disability) provided for employees
   
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 5% salary match
   
• On-going professional development opportunities:
  • Mentor programs for new teachers
  • School-based PD over the summer, including 3-5 regional PD days
  • 3-4 regional PD days during the year for all KIPP New Orleans teachers
  • Ongoing coaching and school-based PD throughout the year
• Generous time off:
  • 90 PTO hours that equal 10 days a year
  • 29 holidays a year including Mardi Gras, Juneteenth, Thanksgiving, and Winter Break