Chattanooga Metro - Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI)
WHAT YOU'LL DO
As a Thrive TVI you will provide specialized instruction and support to students K12 with visual impairments including students who are blind, low vision, or deafblind within the school setting. You will evaluate functional vision and learning media, develop IEP goals targeting compensatory academic skills and expanded core curriculum (ECC) needs, and consult with school teams to ensure full educational access. You are a full member of the community.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
EVALUATION & ELIGIBILITY
Conduct functional vision evaluations (FVEs) and learning media assessments (LMAs) to determine how a students visual impairment affects educational access and identify optimal learning media
Assess expanded core curriculum (ECC) needs across all nine domains
Write evaluation reports that are educationally relevant, legally defensible, and accessible to IEP team members and families
Participate in eligibility determination meetings and translate functional vision findings for educational planning purposes
IEP DEVELOPMENT & DIRECT INSTRUCTION
Develop individualized IEP goals targeting compensatory academic skills, braille literacy, assistive technology proficiency, and expanded core curriculum domains
Provide direct instruction in braille (Unified English Braille), large print adaptation, and use of low vision devices as appropriate to each students visual profile
Teach students to use assistive technology for visual access including screen readers (JAWS, NVDA), refreshable braille displays, magnification software, and video magnifiers
Adapt and modify instructional materials in accessible formats (braille, large print, tactile graphics, digital accessible formats) for student use across all academic areas
Maintain accurate, timely service logs and progress notes in compliance with state documentation requirements
COLLABORATION & CONSULTATION
Consult with general and special education teachers on visual accommodations, classroom environmental modifications, and accessible instructional materials
Coordinate with Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialists on student travel training, environmental access, and ECC goal alignment
Partner with school psychologists, SLPs, OTs, and special education teachers on integrated IEP teams
Train paraprofessionals and classroom staff on supporting students with visual impairments
Communicate with families about student vision needs and upcoming IEP decisions
QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED
Bachelors or masters degree in Visual Impairment Education or Special Education with a TVI specialization
State certification or licensure as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI); ACVREP certification preferred or required by state
Active state certification in good standing, or documented initiation of transfer prior to start date
Proficiency in Unified English Braille (UEB); ACVREP Braille Literacy certification preferred
Knowledge of IDEA, expanded core curriculum for students with visual impairments, and functional vision assessment methodology
PREFERRED
1+ years of TVI experience in a school-based setting
Certification in Orientation and Mobility (COMS) dual-certified candidates strongly preferred
Experience with deafblind students and multisensory impairment (MDVI) populations
Familiarity with assistive technology for visual access
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