[nfbwatlk] Teacher of the Blind Opening at WSSB

Mon Mar 22 18:59:10 UTC 2010

Below is a posting for a teacher at the Washington State School for the Blind.  I hope I am not stepping on anyone toes when I say that I have a negative reaction to the motto that precedes the announcement.

-----Original Message-----
From: jobs-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:jobs-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Hyde, David W. (ESC)
Sent: Monday, March 22, 2010 10:58 AM
To: 'jobs at nfbnet.org'
Subject: [Jobs] Opening in Washington State
Importance: High

From: Dean Stenehjem [mailto:Dean.Stenehjem at wssb.wa.gov]
Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2010 9:42 AM
To: TOVI: Administrative Question; cosb at tsbvi.edu
Subject: TVI - WSSB Outreach Position Announcement
Importance: High

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Striving to educate blind and visually impaired children for independence and success!

Recruitment Announcement:  Teacher of the Visually Impaired

Agency:                       Washington State School for the Blind 

Location:                     Spokane WA and surrounding areas (itinerant)

Salary:                         Paid in accordance with Vancouver SD salary schedule (Salary schedule is available at http://www.k12.wa.us/safs/PUB/PER/SalAllocSchedule.pdf <https://email.wssb.wa.gov/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.k12.wa.us/safs/PUB/PER/SalAllocSchedule.pdf> )

Position details:               Scheduled between 182 to 190 days per year; full-time; permanent after successful completion of 12 month probationary period.

Open Date:                       March 10, 2010

Closing Date:                    March 25, 2010                                     

________________________________

Agency profile:  The mission of the Washington State School for the Blind is to provide specialized quality educational services to visually impaired/blind youth ages birth-21 within the state of Washington.  Our purpose is to serve as a statewide demonstration and resource center and provide direct/indirect services to students both on campus and in the children's local communities.

Philosophy:  WSSB believes that all students can benefit from a menu of diverse services that can be provided through partnerships with LEAs and ESDs.  The ease of movement between LEAs, ESDs, and WSSB is critical to overall programs for BVI within the entire state.  No one school or agency can accomplish what these children need without this spirit of cooperation and sharing.

Benefits:  Employees of the WSSB receive State of Washington employee benefits including medical, dental, long term disability, and life insurance.  Teachers are eligible for enrollment in the Teachers Retirement System Plan 3 and deferred compensation plan.  Optional programs also include Washington Guaranteed Education Tuition Program (GET), Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) and medical flexible spending account (FSA).  Teachers accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month and 1 personal holiday per calendar year.  For more information about WSSB, please visit our website at www.wssb.wa.gov.

Position profile:  This position requires a certificated teacher of the visually impaired who will provide specialized educational services to students and districts in Spokane, WA and surrounding areas.  Working independently under the direction of the Outreach Director, the incumbent will provide instruction and services to best meet the unique needs of each visually impaired student and the districts being served 

Core responsibilities include but are not limited to:

*         Perform or facilitate necessary assessments: learning media, functional vision, technology, and orientation and mobility.

*         Provide direct and consultative services as per Individual Education Plans (IEP).

*         Provide workshops and in-services as needed to assist families and school district personnel in understanding the unique needs of the visually impaired learner.

*         Assist districts in obtaining necessary alternative format materials and equipment as identified through the IEP process.

*         Work collaboratively with families, students, and district personnel to develop IEP goals and objectives in expanded core curriculum.  Expanded core curriculum addresses the following areas:

o        Literacy 

o        Technology

o        Self-help/daily living skills 

o        Career and vocational education

o        Self-advocacy skills

o        Travel skills

*         Prepare meaningful instruction geared to the student's assessed needs, as identified in the IEP.

*         Provide consultation to the classroom teachers and other involved personnel, and adapt materials as needed to enable the BVI learner to benefit from instruction.

*         Maintain ongoing communication with all parties involved in the child's education including the parents.

Key Competencies include but may not be limited to:

*         Excellent communication and organizational skills

*         Effective time management skills

*         Ability to set high expectations that support the acquisition of student's independence and success.

Required Qualifications:

*	Bachelors degree in educational or other relevant field of study.
*	Current Washington State Teaching Certification or can obtain a Washington State Teaching Certificate.
*	Certification as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired from an accredited and nationally recognized university program.
*	Three years of teaching experience as a teacher of the visually impaired.

*	Must pass Federal criminal background check.
*	Must have Braille Literary Usage Exam Certification or Library of Congress certification, or be able to obtain either.

Desirable Qualifications:

*	Masters degree in Teacher of Visually Impaired Learner program.
*	Orientation and Mobility certification.
*	Five years teaching experience as an itinerant teacher of the visually impaired.
*	Experience working with children with multiple disabilities including blindness.

Note: This position is covered by a union shop provision.  Therefore, as a condition of employment, candidates who are appointed are required to become members of the WPEA, or arrange to pay to that union a fee equivalent to its regular monthly dues.  The union shop provision shall be effective on the first day of the month following the employee's initial 30 days in this classification.

How to apply:  Please send a completed State Application <http://www.wssb.wa.gov/Content/community/employment.asp>  (http://www.wssb.wa.gov/Content/community/employment.asp <http://www.wssb.wa.gov/Content/community/employment.asp> ), letter of interest, detailed resume and references to the address or email listed below.  For more information please call Dee Amundsen, Outreach Director, at (360)696-6321 ext 124 or Jessica Sydnor, Human Resources Manager, at (360)696-6321 ext 129.

Applications must be submitted no later than midnight March 25, 2010.

Please mail applications to: 

WA State School for the Blind

Attn: Human Resources

2214 E 13th St

Vancouver WA 98682

FAX: (360)737-2120

Or Email to:

Jessica.sydnor at wssb.wa.gov <mailto:Jessica.sydnor at wssb.wa.gov> 

Attn:  TVI Position

Background inquiries of convictions and pending criminal charges shall be completed on applicants prior to their appointment to positions in the State of Washington which are directly responsible for the supervision, care or treatment of children.  Information obtained from background inquiries will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's character; suitability and competence to perform in the position applied for and may result in the denial of employment.  Applicants are required to sign a release authorizing inquiry.  Failure to do so shall disqualify the applicant from employment in these positions. 

This announcement is published by the Washington State School for the Blind. The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 696-6321 ext 129.

Jessica Sydnor

Human Resources Manager

Washington State School for the Blind

2214 E 13th St

Vancouver WA 98661

360-696-6321 ext 129

NOTE: This electronic mail message is intended only for the addressee shown above.  It may contain information that is privileged, confidential, or otherwise protected from disclosure.  Any review, dissemination, or use of this message or its contents by persons other than the addressee is strictly prohibited.  If you have received this message in error, please notify us by telephone at (360) 696-6321 ext. 129

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