Job Responsibilities
To inform teachers of the visual condition of a student with
visual impairments in their class and to supply materials and
supplies for the students.
To supply services to students with visual impairments based on
their individual education plans.
To teach Braille to student who need Braille and transcribe print
to Braille/Braille to print for Braille readers.
|
Job Requirements
In this area it is difficult to certify in teaching the visually
impaired unless one leaves the state because the population (the
blind) is one of low frequency. When classes are offered they are
often offered in clusters for a semester or two. They are
concentrated and useful when they are offered.
|
Uppers
The best part is being itinerant and being able to travel from school to school.
I get to see the differing climates at schools yet I don't have to stay at one
all day. I don't have to eat school lunches and I get school holidays.
|
Downers
Some places I don't have a desk or a place to pull kids aside and
sometimes I miss lunch. There are a few principals who don't
realize that you are doing something at another school and treat
you like you haven't been doing anything when you're not at their
own school. Getting paid for mileage is made into a chore filing
for it each month and we operate on a teacher's salary.
|
Lifestyle
The work hours are 8 hours per pay. If I go to an elementary school fisrt thing
in the morning I follow their schedule of 7:25-2:30. If I go to a secondary
school first thing in the morning I follow their schedule of 7:50AM-3:30PM.
Sometimes I may need to stay later. Some workshops are paid for but you have to
apply early. Forget about ordering supplies for yourself but you can borrow from
the lending warehouse/depository at the school for the blind for the kids. You
have to pick up the Braille and large print textbooks yourself. They are not
delivered.
|
Compensation
Insurance is paid but it has changes every year for the past 2-3
years. You have to apply for mileage by the 5th of each month for
the previous month. One does not get paid for the things you by
yourself for use in a class.
|
Advice to Jobseekers
Don't expect to get paid well. Maybe in another state, but not
here. If you have children, a car and a house you may need a part
time or summer job to make ends meet.
|
