Teacher of the Visually Impaired

The North Adams Public Schools is seeking a Teacher of the Visually Impaired, beginning December 1, 2025. This position is subject to the North Adams Teachers Association contract ranging from $50, 479 to $91, 778 annually, commensurate with years of experience and educational attainment. Willing to negotiate reducing hours and salary to .6 FTE.

Job Goal: To provide direct and consultative vision services and/or orientation and mobility services to pre-schoolers and school age children grades K – 12 in the North Adams Public Schools.

Supervision: Reports directly to the Director of Student Support Services

Performance Responsibilities:

Ability to work effectively with teachers, support staff, and parents and advocate for children in order to effectively problem solve

Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills and ability to work with all stakeholders

Ability to meet the expectations of the Massachusetts Standards and Indicators of Effective Teaching Practice

Educate students to read or write Braille, as necessary

Obtain, distribute, or maintain low vision devices.

Design instructional programs to improve communication using devices such as slates and styluses, braillers, keyboards, adaptive handwriting devices, talking book machines, digital books, and optical character readers (OCRs).

Collaborate with specialists, such as teachers, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists, to provide client solutions.

Educate students to use tactile, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory, and proprioceptive information.

Educate students to use adaptive equipment such as large print, reading stands, lamps, writing implements, software and electronic devices.

Evaluate students' ability; write reports and attend TEAM meetings.

Write goals and objectives for students IEP and complete quarterly progress report.

Assess clients' functioning in areas such as vision, orientation and mobility skills, social and emotional issues, cognition, physical abilities, and personal goals.

Identify visual impairments related to basic life skills in areas such as: self-care, literacy, and communication.

Provide appropriate accommodations and supports to students who are diagnosed with Cortical Visual Impairments

The Committee's policy of nondiscrimination will extend to students, staff, the general public, and individuals with whom it does business; No person shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission to a public school of any town or in obtaining the advantages, privileges, and courses of study of such public school on account of age, race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.

Job Goal: To provide direct and consultative vision services and/or orientation and mobility services to pre-schoolers and school age children grades K – 12 in the North Adams Public Schools.

Supervision: Reports directly to the Director of Student Support Services

Performance Responsibilities:

Ability to work effectively with teachers, support staff, and parents and advocate for children in order to effectively problem solve

Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills and ability to work with all stakeholders

Ability to meet the expectations of the Massachusetts Standards and Indicators of Effective Teaching Practice

Educate students to read or write Braille, as necessary

Obtain, distribute, or maintain low vision devices.

Design instructional programs to improve communication using devices such as slates and styluses, braillers, keyboards, adaptive handwriting devices, talking book machines, digital books, and optical character readers (OCRs).

Collaborate with specialists, such as teachers, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists, to provide client solutions.

Educate students to use tactile, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory, and proprioceptive information.

Educate students to use adaptive equipment such as large print, reading stands, lamps, writing implements, software and electronic devices.

Evaluate students' ability; write reports and attend TEAM meetings.

Write goals and objectives for students IEP and complete quarterly progress report.

Assess clients' functioning in areas such as vision, orientation and mobility skills, social and emotional issues, cognition, physical abilities, and personal goals.

Identify visual impairments related to basic life skills in areas such as: self-care, literacy, and communication.

Provide appropriate accommodations and supports to students who are diagnosed with Cortical Visual Impairments

The Committee's policy of nondiscrimination will extend to students, staff, the general public, and individuals with whom it does business; No person shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission to a public school of any town or in obtaining the advantages, privileges, and courses of study of such public school on account of age, race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.

Position Type:Full-time

Job Categories:

Special Education > Visually Impaired

About Us: North Adams Public Schools (NAPS) is a vibrant educational community committed to high expectations for students’ academic achievement, trusting school-family partnerships, and fostering strong social-emotional intelligence. Under the leadership of Superintendent Tim Callahan, Ed.D., North Adams Public Schools provides a comprehensive learning experience that supports student development at every grade level in alignment with five core values: High Expectations for Student Achievement: We believe that all students CAN reach their full potential with the active encouragement and support of all members of our school community. Respect: We believe respect is the foundation of our school community. We aim to foster inclusivity, empathy, understanding, and civility among students, staff, and families where everyone feels valued and heard. Equity and Belonging: We believe in creating a safe, welcoming environment that supports ALL members of our school community. Family and Community Involvement: We believe in engaging families and the community in the educational process by building strong family-school relationships and active community partnerships. Meaningful Learning: We believe that learning extends beyond the classroom. We are committed to preparing students for success in their future endeavors and aim to foster a culture of curiosity, creativity, and continuous growth. Our grade-span schools encourage collaboration, coherence, and collective efficacy. Brayton Elementary School is home to students in grades PreK–2, beginning with an inclusive early childhood pre-kindergarten program and full-day kindergarten. Instruction at Brayton emphasizes early literacy and math skills as the foundation for future success. Students then transition to Colegrove Park Elementary School from third through sixth grade, where they engage in applying and evaluating knowledge to make meaningful, real-world connections. Drury High School, a designated Early College school, houses students in grades 7–12 and continues to prepare students for college, military service, or the workforce. Through our Early College program, students can graduate with 30 free college credits or more earned concurrently with their high school diploma requirements. The district’s Human Resources department is dedicated to recruiting, hiring, and retaining exceptional educators and staff who share the district’s vision and values. We offer competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive culture that encourages growth and well-being. Teachers new to the district benefit from a comprehensive mentoring and induction program tailored to individual needs, whether new to the profession or experienced. If our values resonate with you, we hope to receive your application for any of our open positions at North Adams Public Schools. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and community here in the beautiful Berkshires.

• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education certification as a Teacher of the Blind/Visually Impaired; Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education or related field; minimum of three years’ experience working with students with visual impairments
  
  Master's degree preferred. SEI Endorsement
  
  Physical Requirements: The position requires a moderate amount of walking, standing, sitting and climbing stairs and step stool whenever necessary. Activities also include moderate physical exertion in body movement such as reaching, bending, twisting, grasping, pushing, and pulling of objects. The position requires lifting objects of 20 pounds on a frequent basis, and over 20 pounds occasionally. There is a frequent requirement of fine manipulation associated with the required use of a computer, typewriter, keyboard, calculator, and other assistive devices.
  
  Environmental Conditions: The occupant is required to work indoors. The regular chemical solvents are toners, inks, and cleaning fluids.
• At least 3 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• Master degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

There are no application questions required for this job posting.

• Charlene Volff
• 10 Main Street, Second Floor
• North Adams, Massachusetts 01247
• Phone: 4137761458
• Fax: 413-776-1685
• Email: