ASSIGNMENT DETAILS

Position Title:   Teacher of the Blind or Visually Impaired
Department/Building:  Paul Bunyan Eduction Cooperative
Reports to:  Executieve Director - Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative
Assignment: 2025-2026 School Year - Ongoing
Hours: 8 per day, Monday through Friday
Salary Range:  $ 46,936 - $ 90,238  (Based on education and experience; wages outlined in the Brainerd Public Schools Certified Master Contract located on district website)
Union:  Ed MN 
FLSA:  Overtime Exempt

BENEFITS:  Health, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, TRA, 403b and PTO/ESST 

APPLY ON-LINE:   www.isd181.org    - Please include your teaching license and transcripts with your application materials

Job Summary

The Teacher of the Blind or Visually impaired provides direct, consultative and coordinated services for students with vision impairments across member districts. This role supports equitable access to the curriculum, independent, and self-advocacy through specialized instruction (including Braille and assistive technology), functional vision, and learning media assessments, adaptations, resources, and professional collaboration. This position actively participates in identification of students, IEP development, transition planning, professional learning, and regional initiatives to promote inclusion, reduce isolation, and enhance skills for students with visual impairments. 

This position works with the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative and services the school communities of Aitkin, Brainerd, Crosby-Ironton, Crosslake Community Charter, Discovery Woods Charter, Pequot Lakes, Pillager, and Pine River Backus. 

Qualifications 

Certification/License:

• Current Minnesota teaching license for Teacher of the Blind or Visually Impaired

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Special Education with emphasis in visual impairments
• Experience working with students who are blind or visually impaired 

Other Requirements:

• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with families, educators, administrators, related service providers and outside agencies.
• Understanding of confidentiality practices and special education law.
• Valid drivers license

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of visual impairments , educational implications, and evidence-based instruction strategies
• Proficiency in teaching Braille reading, writing,tactile graphics, and other braille codes
• Ability to conduct functional vision assessments, learning media assessments, and interpret ophthalmological reports
• Skilled in assistive technology selection, implementation, and training for students and staff
• Competence in curriculum modification, classroom adaptations, and multi-disciplinary collaboration
• Knowledge of resources, community agencies, and external supports (e.g. State Services for the Blind)
• Ability to design measurable IEP goals and monitor student progress
• Strong organizational skills for documentation, reporting, and program planning

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instruction and Assessment

• Provide direct instruction in Braille codes, assistive technology, individual disability characteristics, compensatory skills, daily living, and transition skills.
• Conduct functional vision and learning media assessments to recommend learning media and instructional strategies
• Translate and adapt instructional materials to accessible formats (Braille, large print, tactile graphics).
• If appropriate, train and work with a Braillist.

Consultation and Collaboration

• Consult with general and special education teachers, related service providers, administrators, and families regarding vision-related needs and classroom access strategies
• Demonstrate and model instruction strategies, assistive technology, and support progress monitoring
• Collaborate with Orientation and Mobility Specialist and reinforce O&M skills taught

Professional Development and Support

• Provide inservice training and professional learning on best practices for students with visual impairments
• Coordinate with external agencies and community resources to support student services

Program and Regional Engagement

• Participate in regional activities that promote inclusion, reduce student isolation, and build community
• Maintain accurate records, census reporting, and documentation in compliance with district and state requirements

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Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel between schools and regional activities.
• Ability to provide direct instruction, including Braille instruction requiring fine motor skills.
• Ability to lift and transport instructional materials and assistive technology equipment.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, talking, and listening.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

• Work primarily takes place in school settings and home visits, with occasional regional events
• Requires flexibility in adapting to multiple educational environments and student needs.