TOSA - Cortical Vision Impairment - 1.0 FTE - Columbia Regional Inclusive Services

Posting Timeline

PPS strongly encourages and recommends everyone who is able, to be vaccinated and remain current on the COVID-19 vaccine.

This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.

This positon is for the 2024-2025 school year.

Position Details

Portland Public Schools (PPS) is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead change and inspire PPS students. At PPS, every employee, despite having different roles, is an educator. We hope to attract talented educators who model the core PPS Educator Essentials. With the District's focus on eliminating systemic racism and its adverse impact on student learning, we seek to hire individuals who bring to our district a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice. Non-Discrimination / Anti-Harassment Policy

• Provide expertise and assistance in curriculum and staff development, program implementation and coordination of region-wide assigned activities; motivate project/program participants to develop skills and attitudes that foster student success for students who are blind/vision impaired with complex disabilities
• Review, interpret and report on a variety of assessment tools and measurements for students with complex disabilities including those for Cortical Vision Impairment, DeafBlindness, non verbal, etc. ; apply data to assist professional educators to build capacity for instructional improvement related to content-specific goals for equity and excellence; provide leadership in data-driven decision making through the implementation of Professional Learning Communities.
• Participate in the evaluation and selection of academically appropriate and culturally relevant instructional materials, including educational technologies and software; order materials and supplies and maintain inventories.
• Understand how adult and K-12 learners and early childhood infants, toddlers, and children grow and develop, recognizing variations within and across cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional and physical areas, diversity of cultures and communities; develop, implement and insure systems to effect appropriate, challenging learning environments.
• Establish standards, learning objectives and goals for special education services for teams serving children and students with complex disabilities including those for Cortical Vision Impairment, DeafBlindness, non verbal, etc; monitor progress and effectiveness of programs; recommend and implement strategies to maximize effectiveness.
• Promote a culture of high expectations, providing program support directed at every student receiving high quality and culturally relevant instruction; support and implement the District's Racial Equity Policy that reflects and supports the racial and ethnic diversity of the student population and community.
• Update and maintain accurate and complete records of assigned programs and activities progress and development as required by school, district, state and federal policies, regulations and laws.
• Participate in, plan and conduct training, in-services, workshops and meetings as related to the special assignment; serve on a variety of district and community committees and task forces as assigned.
• Develop a variety of specialized curriculums which advance instructional practices and strategies; support professional educators and students to meet rigorous learning goals and engage and encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas.
• Understand central concepts, tools of inquiry and structures of deploying curriculum to adult learners and K-12 students; apply concepts to create meaningful learning experiences designed to engage adult and K-12 learners in critical thinking, creativity and collaborative problem-solving.
• Develop and implement instructional, coaching and/or mentoring practices and strategies that include multiple methods of assessment; provide formal training and instruction to adult learners to support students in meeting rigorous learning goals which engage and encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Research-based instructional strategies and models for improving instructional practices for students who are blind/vision impaired with complex disabilities including those for Cortical Vision Impairment, DeafBlindness, non verbal, etc
• Academic achievement standards that align to district goals and create a comprehensive, rigorous and coherent curricular program.
• Data-driven instructional decision making strategies. Adult Learning Theory.
• Effective curriculum development processes specific for students who are blind/vision impaired.
• Existing and emerging education and instructional technologies and software specific for students who are blind/vision impaired, have cortical vision impairment, and/or use alternative and augmentative communication

• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with adults and K-12 students from diverse backgrounds including those who are blind/vision impaired.
• Encourage and monitor the progress of adult learners and individual students and use information to adjust teaching strategies.
• Advocate, model and implement Portland Public Schools Racial Equity policy.
• Monitor student and staff progress.
• Identify key issues and trends in special education, low incidence disabilities, cortical vision impairment, among others.
• Provide professional development and coaching of a variety of content appropriate curriculums for students with complex disabilities
• Observe and evaluate formative and summative assessment systems.
• Update records accurately and completely as required by laws, district policies and school regulations.
• Develop and deliver presentations, training, workshops, and in-services to a variety of audiences.
• Prepare required reports on programs, students and activities.
• Participate in department, school, district and community meetings.
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for assigned programs and activities.
• Observe and evaluate program participant's performance and development.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Plan, prepare and deliver differentiated lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning and inquiry.
• Utilize relevant technologies and software.

• Must have a background in Vision Impairment, Cortical Vision Impairment and be licensed as a Teacher of students who are Blind or Visually Impaired.

• Certified Orientation and Mobility specialist
• Documented professional development in Cortical Vision Impairment.