Teacher of persons with visual impairment

Teacher of persons with a visual impairment

Renfrew Educational Services is a not-for-profit, registered charity operating as an independent school. We are an acknowledged leader in program development for students with disabilities. For 52 years Renfrew has offered a wide range of programs and services to children and youth from Calgary and surrounding areas. Renfrew Educational Services is committed to providing inclusive and supportive educational environments for all children and youth. Our mission is to empower children and youth with disabilities to reach their full potential through tailored educational programs and compassionate teaching. Please refer to the Renfrew Educational Services webpage: http://www.renfreweducation.org under the ‘Services & Programs’ for more information about the programs and services that Renfrew provides.

We are currently accepting applications for a permanent part-time and/or full-time Teacher of persons with a visual impairment for the 2025-2026 school year to support school programs in Calgary and surrounding areas.

Must be willing to travel in Calgary and surrounding areas.

We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including RRSP matching.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.
• Safe, supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Excellent mentorship and leadership
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and youth with disabilities and their families.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provides services as a resource in the ongoing development of specialized curriculum (all braille codes, adaptive technology, social skills, keyboarding etc.) for students with visual impairments. Serves as a resource providing guidance and support to teachers in the design and implementation of instructional strategies, resources, practices and/or transition plans.
• Develops, monitors, and evaluates special projects and courses for students with visual impairments.
• Accesses and interprets ophthalmology and/or optometric results and conducts functional vision assessments to determine educational implications and needs.
• Screens new students who have visual impairments to determine educational and resource needs. Assesses students with visual impairments and interprets and uses unique assessment data for instructional planning with students who are visually impaired (academic, social, compensatory and life skills).
• Provides instruction and direct student support unique to students with visual impairments including: prebraille, braille reading and writing, optical and non-optical devices, adaptive equipment computer technology, social skills, listening and transiti on planning.
• Assists in the development of IPP’s and Student Learning plans.
• Provides school-based school district/agency-wide professional learning activities that support teaching and learning for students with visual impairments
• Consults with school staff regarding environmental adaptations to meet the needs of the student (seating location, adaptation for board work, etc.).
• Collaborates with school staff in integrating students with visual impairments. Assists in maintaining adaptive equipment including setting-up, troubleshooting, and repairing.
• Develops and maintains a high level of knowledge and awareness of current theory and practice related to meeting the learning, behavioral and social-emotional needs of students with visual impairments.Develops and maintains a high level of knowledge and awareness of current adaptive technology unique to the learning needs of students with visual impairments.
• Maintains contact with community services and agencies in order to develop a coordinated program of services to assist schools and families to access appropriate resources.
• Makes specific recommendations for Educational and Braille Assistance based on ongoing assessment of students with visual impairments as required. Provides support, consultation, and specialized training to Educational Assistants in braille and adaptive technology as required.
• Engages with parents/guardians as members of the student learning teams.

Qualifications:

• Valid Alberta Teaching Certificate
• Masters in Vision Education preferred
• Trained in Unified English Braille (UEB)
• Successful teaching experience with students with a visual impairment
• An equivalent combination of directly related education and experience may be considered
• Knowledge and understanding of Alberta Education's Program of Studies, Standards for Special Education and Expanded Core Curriculum for Blind and Visually Impaired
• Ability to support professional learning
• Ability to build effective relationships, to establish rapport and influence various interest groups and stakeholders
• Ability to contribute towards an environment of creativity, diversity and innovation
• Ability to encourage initiative and informed risk-taking in others
• Ability to respect and value all individuals combined with sensitivity to diversity
• Ability to work as a member of an education team
• Trustworthiness, reliability and integrity
• A reliable vehicle, auto insurance with a minimum $2,000,000.00 liability and driver’s license is required

Pre-Requisite Security Clearance Documentation:

• Successful candidates must provide us with a valid ‘Calgary Police Check with Vulnerable Sector’ dated within 3 months prior to their start date.
• ‘Intervention Record Check through Alberta Child Services’ is also required, however, we can support you with completing this during your onboarding.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• A current resume.
• A cover letter.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Please send your application to the Staff Resource Team at:

employment@renfreweducation.org

Attention: Teacher of persons with a visual impairment

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Renfrew Educational Service is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.