(Using a computer is suggested to complete application. Phones are not always compatible.) This posting is a general talent pool. By submitting your application to our talent pool, you are not applying for a specific, active job opening. This submission does not guarantee an interview. Your application will be circulated between school buildings who have a vacancy in this area.

POSITION PROPERTIES

Position Title

Teacher- Special Education Learning Specialist

Schedule / Grade

Teacher Salary Schedule

Job Code

01TEACH075

FLSA

Exempt

Calendar

TEACH

Benefits

Eligible (Retirees not benefit eligible)

Contract Type

TEACH

Bargaining Unit

TCHR-NEA

Revised Date

03/10/2026

PURPOSE

The Visual Impairments (VI) Learning specialist will serve students who are blind or visually impaired in schools. The VI specialist will work with members of the student's school year to maximize the use of assistive technology and to facilitate.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Provide direct instruction in specialized skills for students with visual impairments, including braille, orientation and mobility support, use of assistive technology, and compensatory strategies.
Adapt and modify curriculum, instructional materials, and assessments to ensure accessibility for students with varying levels of vision.
Conduct functional vision assessments and learning media assessments to guide instructional planning and accommodations.
Collaborate with classroom teachers, special education staff, and related service providers to support inclusive education and ensure appropriate accommodations are in place.
Teach and reinforce daily living skills, self-advocacy, and independence to prepare students for postsecondary life.
Provide training and consultation to school staff, families, and peers on strategies to support students with visual impairments.
Support students in the use of low vision devices, screen readers, magnification tools, and other assistive technologies.
Maintain accurate documentation of student progress, IEP goals, and compliance with special education regulations.
Collaborate on 504 or IEP team to create and implement a plan for students with visual impairment.
Stay current with best practices, legal requirements, and advances in technology related to visual impairments through ongoing professional development.
Serve as district representative at all meetings for students attending state schools (Missouri School for the Blind). In charge of the evaluation and placement process, when IEP team recommendation is a state school.
Collaborate with administrators, colleagues and parents in a positive and productive manner.
Strives to implement by instruction and action, the District's philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives.
Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required.
Evaluates the learning problems of students on a regular basis, seeking assistance of District specialists as needed and/or required.
Take necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
Maintains accurate and complete records as required by law, District policy, and Administrative regulation.
Assists the administration in implementing all policies and/or rules governing student life and conduct and develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure while maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and appropriate manner.
Make provisions for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.
Attend staff meetings and serve on staff committees as needed.

Performs other duties as necessary to support the mission and vision of Columbia Public School District.

DISTRICT EXPECTATIONS

All employees of the District are expected to adhere to the policies and regulations of the Board of Education, maintain appropriate certification and competencies necessary for the position, and demonstrate the values of the district at all times. For information on polices, regulations and values, visit http://www.cpsk12.org.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To:        Director of Special Services

Supervises:        None

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum:  Bachelor’s degree, Missouri certification with an endorsement in Visually Impaired (TVI).

Preferred:  Experience working with students who are blind or have low vision in a school setting.

Ideal candidate will have a professional and friendly demeanor with a demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals in a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidate would have an interest/desire to work with tools and other equipment.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

Language: Read, analyze and interpret professional journals, Board policy, administrative procedures and forms and governmental regulations and guidance; Read, analyze, and implement curriculum and assessment data to plan instruction; Complete forms, write reports and engage in written correspondence with parents; Present information effectively and respond to questions; Write clear and complete lesson plans. These are essential functions of the job.

Computation: Work with mathematical concepts, such as probability and statistical inference, and analyze data for instruction; Apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations. These are essential functions of the job.

Reasoning: Solve a variety of problems in many different situations; Interpret instructions presented in written, oral, diagram or schedule form; Apply knowledge of current educational theory and instructional techniques while presenting subject matter to students; Demonstrate executive functions such as planning, organizing, remembering, and regulating information and behavior as they pertain to student performance and achievement. These are essential functions of the job.

Other Skills and Abilities: Identify needs and abilities of individual students and to adapt instructional methods accordingly; Establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers and parents; Perform multiple tasks simultaneously. These are essential functions of the job.

Technology: Integrate technology into daily instruction; present information to students using a variety of media; Access and present information from online sources in a manner that enhances instruction; lead and monitor students as they perform online research; Instruct in buildings/classes where students are actively using 1-to-1 technology such as laptop computers, iPads, and other devices; Lead students in creating and presenting multi-media projects when such assignments enhance student learning; Use district software for recording grades and finding student information; Readily utilize smart boards, projectors and other instructional technology provided by the district; Adhere to all District policies and procedures regarding technology use. These are essential functions of the job.

Physical Demands: An individual who holds this position must have the ability to: Speak and hear in an environment where numerous conversations and activities may be taking place simultaneously; Move around the classroom to interact with and manage students/groups of students; Read handwritten or printed material. These are essential functions of the job.

Attendance: Consistent and regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

Conditions and Environment: The individual who holds this position will regularly work in a school environment that is noisy and active.  Occasionally the individual will be required to work outdoors for short periods of time to perform such tasks as loading and unloading students from district transportation. These are essential functions of the job.

Prospective and current employees with disabilities are encouraged to contact human resources to discuss reasonable accommodations to perform the essential job functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer