Title Teacher for the Visually Impaired (TVI) with Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS) 

Location NCOESC service areas 

Reports To Direct Supervisor

Scheduled Days As per employment contract / Full time or part time available 

FLSA Status Exempt

Job Summary  

Under general direction, the Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI), certified in Orientation and Mobility (COMS), provides consultative and/or direct services to students whose visual impairment impacts educational performance. In collaboration with the student’s IEP team, the TVI/COMS supports access to the curriculum and promotes independence across educational settings.

This role includes working directly with students, as well as collaborating with families, educators, and related service providers to ensure appropriate programming and supports are in place. The TVI/COMS travels to assigned schools and settings to deliver services that address both educational and orientation and mobility needs, enabling students to safely and effectively navigate their environments.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong communication skills and the ability to provide professional recommendations in a collaborative and respectful manner to support student success.

Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) – Responsibilities May Include:

• Collaborate with families and IEP teams to develop goals and objectives related to visual impairment
• Support student transitions across educational settings (early intervention through high school and postsecondary transition)
• Provide direct instruction and/or co-teaching in areas aligned to the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), including:
  • Visual efficiency
  • Braille and tactile literacy
  • Assistive technology
  • Auditory and social skills
  • Use of low-vision devices
• Consult and collaborate with families, educators, and related service providers
• Recommend and implement environmental modifications and instructional strategies to support access
• Develop, adapt, and/or acquire instructional materials to meet individual student needs
• Maintain current student records, including vision reports when available
• Support access to the general education curriculum and participation in school and community activities
• Promote student independence, self-advocacy, self-determination, and social-emotional development

Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) – Responsibilities May Include:

• Provide direct instruction in safe, efficient, and independent travel skills across school, home, and community environments
• Conduct assessments to determine student orientation and mobility needs
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate and support student mobility and access needs
• Develop and implement orientation and mobility goals within IEPs/IFSPs
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date student records, including ETRs, IEPs, progress notes, and related documentation
• Attend and contribute to IEP/IFSP, evaluation, and transition meetings
• Provide consultation and training to staff and families to support student mobility and independence
• Share resources and strategies to enhance student participation in educational and social settings
• Support students’ inclusion in peer group activities and school/community environments
• Provide guidance to families on supporting mobility skill development at home
• Participate in school-related activities such as conferences, open houses, and team meetings

Professional Expectations

• Adhere to all state, federal, and district policies and procedures
• Maintain current knowledge of best practices in visual impairment and orientation and mobility services
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams across multiple settings

Minimum Qualifications               

• Valid Ohio teacher’s license/certificate with the teaching field of Visually Impaired (PK-12) [196109]
• Valid Ohio License with the Teaching Field of Orientation and Mobility Specialist 
• Valid driver's license
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills; including strong interpersonal relationship skills including cultural sensitivity & competence
• Preferred experience with diverse populations, including those with disabilities
• Proficiency with use of technology hardware and basic software (i.e., Microsoft office), email, and office equipment (i.e., copier, fax, scanner, telephone, etc.). Proficiency with web-based applications (i.e., Google Docs, DEWs website, social media, etc.), and NCOESC databases
• Ability to preserve confidentiality of student information and records
• May require successful completion of communicable disease, child abuse, CPR, first aid, CPI and/or behavioral management training or other training as needed

Clearances Criminal justice fingerprint/background (FBI/BCI), and public health clearances.