[Pibe-division] can anyone how does a certified TVI in new york city take a total of 175 hours professional development over 5 years in area of certification

[Sara Rooz]

Hi everyone:
I am currently a certified teacher of the blind and visually impaired in New york City. I have initial certification and must take a profean autism workshop from an approved college and then apply for professional certification as certified tteacher of the blind and visually impaired as a professional certificate. The state requires that one takes 175 hours over 5 years of professional development in. I am wondering where tvis can take such continuing education courses in this area of expeertise? I have been told since I also hold a pernanent certificate of special education in can be in any area of secial education. Yet, since I work as certified tvi I would prefer professional developing corses or continuing education credits in my area of experience. The aer website coninuing education courses are basically for certified oandm and rehab instructors and the journal of blind ness and vvisually impaired has select articles that professionals such as certified orientation and mobility instructors can read an article and answer question and get continuing educations umunits beca. These professioanals receive certification from ACVRep. Does any Certified tvi have ideas for me how to find courses or continuing education credits in thosis field, rather having a course on learning disability or other disability since I do not werve this population anymore. I used to service the population of learning disabilities till 2008, when I was laid off my job. Thankfully, OI am gainfully employed as a certified rteacher of the blind and visually impaired as an independent related service provider. I have another questionregarding my certification, although it lasts for 5 yars I have only two years experience as a certified teahcher of the blind and visually impaired and not three. It has been difficult, as a blind person, to navigate the new york state website to get any imformation about my status of my certification nd approved providers. I asked someone sighted to email the information to me. Also, it is impossible to speak to a p[ersonat the new york state education deopartment since applications are processed and waiting time is long to get through to thhe coustomer representative. There is no one to even my query about that this will be my thired year of teaching and altyough my cetertificate expires and I will be applying for professional certification in this area , I di not meet the requirements as of now of three years of teaching experience? Does anyone have any suggestions how one make their needs to new york state education department. I have already contacted the relevant personnel in New York City and have been told to speak with the state. Thanks for any resources and ideas fellow tvis can suggest.
Sara Rooz certified teacherof the blind and visually impaired
independnent related service provider vision education services innew york city
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