Job Openings

Tennessee School for the Blind

04/13/2021

BROAD SCOPE OF THE POSITION:

The Tennessee School for Blind (TSB) is seeking a new Director of Accessible Instructional Materials and Outreach Services to lead the operations of the Tennessee Resource Center for the Visually Impaired (TN RCVI) which is housed on the school’s Nashville campus. The TN RCVI provides accessible instructional materials (braille, large print, technology, etc.) for students across the state.   This dynamic leader plays an important part in ensuring that Tennessee students who are blind or visually impaired have the same access to instructional materials and the curriculum as their sighted peers. This partnership-oriented leader will have the opportunity to work closely with school districts from across the state to ensure their students have the materials needed for success.  The Director also leads the TSB Outreach Program which provides both direct and indirect instructional services for students in districts that may not have access to a teacher of the visually impaired or orientation and mobility specialist.  The Director will also serve as the state’s ex officio trustee with the American Printing House for the Blind, manage the state’s three Federal Quota accounts, serve as a liaison and resource for TN AMP’s Prison Braille Program, and participate as a member of the Director of School’s senior leadership cabinet. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

•        Supervises and evaluates the staff of the RCVI. 

•        Performs work associated with the procurement and production of accessible instructional materials.  Works with vendors to ensure that students receive their materials in a timely manner, preferably at the same time as their sighted peers.  This includes writing contracts for braille annually and Terms and Agreements for each large print production that is done using state funding.  Works with TSB accounting and procurement departments for ordering and vouchering of these materials. Works with publishers to determine the compatibility of books i.e., state and national editions, hardcover versus softcover, etc.  Oversees the TN Braille Production Center located in the TNRCVI.  Coordinates the annual review of TCAP braille tests in conjunction with the Tennessee Department of Education.

•        Demonstrates knowledge/skill with APH products and services, and serves as the ex officio trustee for the American Printing House for the Blind.  This requires management of the APH Federal Quota Funds for Tennessee School for the Blind, State of Tennessee, and Tennessee Private Non-Public Accounts.  Conducts the Annual Registration of Legally Blind Students for APH for each of these accounts and ensures that federal guidelines have been met and that each student who is eligible gets registered.  Attends APH annual meeting in Louisville, KY.  Disseminates information to TVI’s and Directors of Special Education on behalf of APH.

•        Serves as the school’s liaison and acts as braille advisor to the Tennessee Accessible Media Productions Prison Braille Program.  Acts as liaison for the Tennessee Department of Education with Tennessee Department of Corrections, and TRICOR Prison Industries.  Assigns braille transcription projects to the TN AMPS.  Works with the Braille Coordinator to ensure that quality braille is produced in a timely manner.

•        Works with local school districts, TSB, and private schools and outside agencies who have students registered for Federal Quota to provide the needed accessible materials for their students with visual impairments.  Work with parents to address the needs of their children with visual impairments regarding accessible materials and resources.

•        Coordinates requests for outreach services with local school districts.  Supervises and supports the Tennessee School for the Blind Outreach staff.  Conducts annual TEAM Evaluations for Outreach staff.

•        Serves as State NIMAC Coordinator.  This involves assignment of NIMAS files from the NIMAC to Accessible Media Producers and to bookshare.org for production of materials in accessible formats including braille, large print, and DAISY.

•        Positively serves as a team member and participates in regular team and departmental meetings, school and instructional meetings as required.

•        Participates in activities related to professional development and training/workshops. Acts as Conference Chair for the Annual Unity Conference.  Works with Tennessee AER and Vanderbilt University to provide ongoing professional learning opportunities throughout the year through the Unity Virtual Academy.  Coordinates ACVREP and PLU credits for all professional learning activities offered through the RCVI.

•        Performs other appropriate duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

•        Experience as a teacher of the visually impaired.

•        Hold a teacher of the visually impaired certification (master’s degree in visual impairments preferred).  Preferred TN certification but out of state licenses will be considered since this is not a teaching position. 

•        Leadership endorsement and/or experience preferred. 

•        Must have proficient skills in the Unified English Braille code.  Preference for applicants holding Library of Congress Certification in Unified English Braille or with a UEB Letter of Proficiency.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

•        Knowledge of Tennessee state textbook adoption cycles.

•        Knowledge of textbooks and accessible instructional materials and their production.

•        Ability to communicate effectively and cordially with teachers, local school district personnel and parents.

•        Knowledge of braille and willingness to obtain Library of Congress Certification in UEB.

•        Knowledge of APH products and services.

•        Knowledge of the responsibilities of the ex officio trustee for the American Printing House for the Blind.

•        Ability to respond effectively and positively to feedback.

•        Ability to work cooperatively with others and participate effectively in a team setting.

•        Strong, positive interpersonal skills.

•        Knowledge of copyright laws and how they apply to the production of accessible instructional materials.

•        Knowledge of accessibility devices and software.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

•        Selected applicants must verify experience/highest degree held.

•        Direct deposit of paycheck on a 12-month schedule is required.

•        TSB is a non-smoking facility in its entirety.

•        Selected applicant must comply with the State of Tennessee Employee Drug-Free Workplace Policy, and other policies.

•        Selected applicant(s) will be required to submit to and pass a TBI/FBI background check, to include Tennessee and Federal criminal history checks, child abuse records, employment verification, and professional/personal reference checks.

How to Apply:

A fully completed State of Tennessee Employment Application (which can be found at https://www.tsbtigers.org/career-opportunities.html) should be submitted to:

Kim Stein, Director of Human Resources

Tennessee School for the Blind

115 Stewarts Ferry Pike

Nashville, TN 37214

E-mail: Kim.Stein@tsbtigers.org

In addition to application (to include salary history and references), please include the following items:

Letter of Interest

Current Resume

Recent Letters of Recommendation, with signature

Copy of Educator Certification

Unofficial Copies of All Transcripts*

*An unofficial copy of transcripts must be submitted at the time of application. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this announcement.

Candidates with disabilities who require special accommodations or alternative communication formats should contact the Superintendent’s Office at (615) 231-7316 no later than five days prior to their scheduled interview to facilitate reasonable accommodations.   The State of Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity Employer; Discrimination on the Basis of Age (Over 40), Race, Sex, Color, Religion, National Origin, Disabling Condition or any other Non-Merit Factor is Prohibited.

E_mail: kim.stein@tsbtigers.org

Phone: 6152317309

Cert: Any Certification

Please see certification requirements in the description.