Teacher of the Visually Impaired and/or Certified Orientation and Mobility Teacher

Supervisor: Managing Director of Special Services, Executive Director of Student Success & Learning

Division: Special Services

Location/Assignment: Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and/or Okanogan counties

Salary Range: $85,934.00 - $102,152.00 (Level 1), $90,863.00 - $108,006.00 (Level 2)

Salary based on 191-day position. Salary range dependent upon experience and expertise.

Benefits:

• Insurance benefits - Through the program, includes medical, dental, vision, life, & LTD (if hired for more than 79 days)
• Retirement - Through the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)
• Sick leave - accrued at 8 hours per month
• Personal leave - 2 days per year

General Description:

This position is a rare opportunity to join an exciting team. The regional North Central Educational Service District 171 (NCESD 171) is seeking a dynamic team player interested in making an impact in the lives of district staff as the Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) for 29 School Districts within our NCESD region. The Teacher of the Visually Impaired provides assessment and instructional services to visually impaired children, including individual student assessments, direct instruction, and consulting with school staff, parents, and outside agencies. The TVI will determine children’s eligibility for services and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.

Qualifications

Required:

• Current WA State Teaching Certificate, as well as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired Endorsement, or the ability to obtain
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License and ability to commute regularly within the NCESD region
• Equity mindset and a desire to advocate for students with disabilities and their families
• Positive professional references from former supervisors and colleagues
• Capacity to produce high-quality written reports, including evaluations, IEPs, and professional correspondence
• Exceptional verbal communication skills and the ability to engage in complex conversations effectively.
• Current knowledge of all relevant state and federal regulations for special education and Medicaid rules and regulations
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in the course of work
• Evidenced professionalism, including organizational skills and a commitment to follow through on tasks
• Ability to learn and utilize the latest technologies within the field of education and low vision/blind instruction
• History of professionalism in maintaining student records accurately and confidentially
• Eagerness to participate in ongoing professional development
• Attend essential agency and district meetings as well as conferences as necessary
• Current WA State Education Staff Associate (ESA) Certification in Orientation and Mobility, or the ability to obtain
• Current WA State Certified in Braille
• Master's degree in special education

Preferred:

• 3 years of successful experience in the field
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
• Certification in both Orientation & Mobility and Teacher of the Visually Impaired is preferred

Job Responsibilities:

• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, contribute to shared goals, and support a culture of collective responsibility and belonging
• Communicate clearly and professionally using two-way communication with students, families, staff, administrators, and community partners
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills by analyzing student needs, researching evidence-based practices, and implementing effective solutions
• Manage time, caseloads, schedules, and documentation efficiently while adapting to shifting priorities and frequent interruptions
• Exhibit adaptability, resilience, and openness to change in complex and evolving educational environments
• Build and maintain trusting, respectful interpersonal relationships that support student success and inclusive practices
• Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and accountability through consistent attendance, punctuality, and proactive communication
• Work independently under broad organizational guidelines while aligning practice to district, NCESD, state, and federal requirements
• Conduct functional vision assessments, learning media assessments, and/or orientation and mobility (if certified) evaluations to determine educational impact and service needs
• Develop and implement specialized instruction and services aligned to IEP goals for students with visual impairments
• Provide direct instruction in compensatory skills, sensory efficiency, assistive technology, independent living skills, and orientation and mobility (if certified)
• Collaborate with general and special education staff to adapt instructional materials, environments, and teaching strategies for visual access
• Serve as a consultant and resource to educators, families, and related service providers regarding visual impairment and access needs
• Participate actively in evaluation teams and IEP development, contributing assessment data, recommendations, and progress monitoring
• Maintain accurate, confidential documentation supporting compliance with NCESD, district, state, and federal requirements
• Serve as a liaison between NCESD and local districts to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery

Professional Growth & Responsibilities:

• Meets or exceeds performance expectations in the following areas:
• Lead, Serve, and Support
• Team Work
• Problem Solving
• Communication
• Adaptability
• Critical Thinking
• Time Management
• Interpersonal
• Attendance
• Supports and implements NCESD policies, regulations, procedures, and administrative directives; demonstrates loyalty to the NCESD and other administrators
• Supports and follows the policies and procedures of the agencies served
• Submits records, reports, and assignments promptly and efficiently
• Deals with obstacles and constraints positively
• Demonstrates ability to adjust to and use new approaches in the performance of his/her duties
• Seeks and takes advantage of opportunities for professional growth
• Demonstrates open, clear communication, a positive, caring attitude, and the ability to work with students, staff, and parents
• Assists in upholding and enforcing school rules, administrative regulations, and board policies and procedures.
• Maintains dress and appearance appropriate to a professional office setting
• Works cooperatively with NCESD and school district staff to coordinate services and solutions for the assigned district
• A new employee is subject to a 180-day probationary period and must be evaluated before its end. If work is found to be unsatisfactory, the employee is subject to termination
• Assists with other responsibilities as assigned by the Managing Director of Special Services, Executive Director of Student Success and Learning, Deputy Superintendent, or the Superintendent

Physical Demands:

• Frequent travel within the ESD 171 region. Some overnight travel may be required
• Sitting for extended periods of time may be required
• Lifts and carries a maximum of 40 pounds
• Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position

Timeline:

• Position opens: April 1, 2026
• Position open until filled with first screening after 12 pm on April 15, 2026
• Screening & Interviews begin as soon as possible
• Position begins September 2026

Note: Employment contingent upon successful clearance of a Washington State Patrol, FBI fingerprint criminal history background check, and Sexual Misconduct background check.

Application Procedure:

North Central ESD is accepting applications for this position online only. To access our online application, please visit ncesd.org/jobs/

All completed packets must be submitted online and include:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional Reference contacts
• Washington State Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Release

NCESD is an Equal Opportunity Employer