Job Description
Enhance the effectiveness of learning for students with visual impairments, especially those who are blind and who use Braille. Assist visually impaired students who are in special education or general education classes by collaborating with other service providers on adaptations needed in order for the students to be successful in the classroom. Essential Functions / Key Responsibilities
1. Assist the teachers of the visually impaired by preparing adapted materials for students with vision loss.
2. Deliver Braille, low vision materials and equipment to students on campuses, districtwide.
3. Use Braille transcribing programs to format materials including textbooks, workbooks, teacher-made
materials, novels and reading assignments, math and science notations, tactile graphic, music notation and foreign languages into proper Braille code.
4. Travel to campuses to provide instructional reinforcement of Braille and adaptive visual skills with individual students under the supervision of the Visually Impaired teachers.
5. Establish and maintain good working relationships with department staff, school personnel, students and parents.
6. Participate in problem-solving to ensure Braille and tactile materials are prepared in such a way as to meet the individual needs of students.
7. Assist in maintaining an inventory of materials and equipment.
8. Support the mission of school district by serving as a positive role model for students.
9. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
10. Perform other related duties as assigned within the appropriate skill and experience capabilities expectedfor this position.
Minimum Requirements
• Must have one of the following educational requirements:
o Associates degree or higher from an accredited college/university.
o A minimum of forty-eight (48) semester college hours from an accredited college or university.
o High school diploma or GED equivalent recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional
accrediting agency and completion of the paraeducator training course provided by Stedi.org with a
passing score of 70% or higher or Treasuring Our Paraprofessionals certificate through Region XX (course
fees are the responsibility of the applicant)
• Eligible to obtain a paraprofessional certificate issued by the State Board of Educator Certification.
• Work experience with children who have significant vision loss; or, 2+ years of experience as an instructional
assistant with some knowledge of child development; or demonstration of proficiency in a specialized skill
area, or experience related to working with students, such as work in church-related schools, day camps, private schools, or licensed day centers; or similar experience.
• Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee
(approximately $50.00) paid by the employee.
Preferred Requirements
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written, with diverse groups of individuals utilizing tact and diplomacy.
• Demonstrated ability to read, write and communicate in English. (Spanish for Bilingual Instructional Assistant).
• Basic knowledge of vision loss and its implications for learning.
• Knowledge of Braille Code.
• Ability to type 35 wpm or more.
• Demonstrated ability to assist students with academic work at the academic grade level appropriate for the assignment.
• Demonstrated ability to follow an established work schedule that includes instructional assignments and student support services.
• Demonstrate the following core values: integrity, high expectations, commitment, respect, dedication to teamwork and passion for a student-centered environment.
Working Conditions Work Environment:
• Computer, computer software programs and peripherals, teacher resource materials and equipment, copier, fax, and other equipment applicable to position.
• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise. Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.
Physical Demands/Requirements:
• Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruptions/deadlines; frequent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, balancing, pulling and pushing; reaching, repetitive hand motions, hearing, speaking clearly, visual acuity and prolonged data input; occasional lift/carry light, moderate 15-44 pounds.
Supervisory Responsibilities / Direct Reports
• Supervision of Students on occasion
San Antonio ISD is committed to non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, culture, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, appearance, immigration/citizenship status, home language, socioeconomic status, or disability in its educational programs, services, and District business functions. Information on persons designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies can be found within SAISD Board Policies DIA(EXHIBIT) or FFH(EXHIBIT), available online at: https://pol.tasb.org/PolicyOnline?key=176. San Antonio ISD está comprometido a no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen étnico, cultura, religión, origen nacional, edad, sexo, identidad sexual, expresión de género, orientación sexual, apariencia, estado inmigratorio/de ciudadanía, idioma natal, estado socioeconómico o discapacidad en sus programas educativos, servicios y funciones de negocios del Distrito. La información sobre las personas designadas para manejar consultas sobre las políticas de no discriminación se encuentra bajo las Políticas de la Junta Directiva DIA (Prueba documental) o FFH (Prueba documental) de SAISD, disponible en línea bajo: https://pol.tasb.org/PolicyOnline?key=176
Employee
1. Assist the teachers of the visually impaired by preparing adapted materials for students with vision loss.
2. Deliver Braille, low vision materials and equipment to students on campuses, districtwide.
3. Use Braille transcribing programs to format materials including textbooks, workbooks, teacher-made
materials, novels and reading assignments, math and science notations, tactile graphic, music notation and foreign languages into proper Braille code.
4. Travel to campuses to provide instructional reinforcement of Braille and adaptive visual skills with individual students under the supervision of the Visually Impaired teachers.
5. Establish and maintain good working relationships with department staff, school personnel, students and parents.
6. Participate in problem-solving to ensure Braille and tactile materials are prepared in such a way as to meet the individual needs of students.
7. Assist in maintaining an inventory of materials and equipment.
8. Support the mission of school district by serving as a positive role model for students.
9. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
10. Perform other related duties as assigned within the appropriate skill and experience capabilities expectedfor this position.
Minimum Requirements
• Must have one of the following educational requirements:
o Associates degree or higher from an accredited college/university.
o A minimum of forty-eight (48) semester college hours from an accredited college or university.
o High school diploma or GED equivalent recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional
accrediting agency and completion of the paraeducator training course provided by Stedi.org with a
passing score of 70% or higher or Treasuring Our Paraprofessionals certificate through Region XX (course
fees are the responsibility of the applicant)
• Eligible to obtain a paraprofessional certificate issued by the State Board of Educator Certification.
• Work experience with children who have significant vision loss; or, 2+ years of experience as an instructional
assistant with some knowledge of child development; or demonstration of proficiency in a specialized skill
area, or experience related to working with students, such as work in church-related schools, day camps, private schools, or licensed day centers; or similar experience.
• Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee
(approximately $50.00) paid by the employee.
Preferred Requirements
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written, with diverse groups of individuals utilizing tact and diplomacy.
• Demonstrated ability to read, write and communicate in English. (Spanish for Bilingual Instructional Assistant).
• Basic knowledge of vision loss and its implications for learning.
• Knowledge of Braille Code.
• Ability to type 35 wpm or more.
• Demonstrated ability to assist students with academic work at the academic grade level appropriate for the assignment.
• Demonstrated ability to follow an established work schedule that includes instructional assignments and student support services.
• Demonstrate the following core values: integrity, high expectations, commitment, respect, dedication to teamwork and passion for a student-centered environment.
Working Conditions Work Environment:
• Computer, computer software programs and peripherals, teacher resource materials and equipment, copier, fax, and other equipment applicable to position.
• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise. Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.
Physical Demands/Requirements:
• Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruptions/deadlines; frequent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, balancing, pulling and pushing; reaching, repetitive hand motions, hearing, speaking clearly, visual acuity and prolonged data input; occasional lift/carry light, moderate 15-44 pounds.
Supervisory Responsibilities / Direct Reports
• Supervision of Students on occasion
San Antonio ISD is committed to non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, culture, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, appearance, immigration/citizenship status, home language, socioeconomic status, or disability in its educational programs, services, and District business functions. Information on persons designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies can be found within SAISD Board Policies DIA(EXHIBIT) or FFH(EXHIBIT), available online at: https://pol.tasb.org/PolicyOnline?key=176. San Antonio ISD está comprometido a no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen étnico, cultura, religión, origen nacional, edad, sexo, identidad sexual, expresión de género, orientación sexual, apariencia, estado inmigratorio/de ciudadanía, idioma natal, estado socioeconómico o discapacidad en sus programas educativos, servicios y funciones de negocios del Distrito. La información sobre las personas designadas para manejar consultas sobre las políticas de no discriminación se encuentra bajo las Políticas de la Junta Directiva DIA (Prueba documental) o FFH (Prueba documental) de SAISD, disponible en línea bajo: https://pol.tasb.org/PolicyOnline?key=176
Employee
About SAN ANTONIO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SAISD is as diverse and historically rich as the city whose name it shares. As San Antonio’s founding school district, SAISD neighborhood schools have served the heart of the Alamo City for more than 100 years. Today, SAISD serves about 44,000 students across more than 75 schools in our culturally proud, urban community.
We offer a wide variety of programs, including dual-language, career exploration and college-preparation. Along with traditional school models, we also offer academies comprising non-traditional grade ranges such as PK-8.
True to our roots, SAISD continues to pave the way in San Antonio with the city’s only public Montessori school, single-gender campuses, and K-12 International Baccalaureate framework. Additionally, the District has grown 5 P-TECH programs in just a few years.
Outside of the traditional classroom, the spirit of SAISD can be found in programs and activities from extensive athletics to fine arts – including a mariachi curriculum that was pioneered in our District before being modeled across the nation.
From forward-thinking academic and extracurricular programs at our neighborhood schools to a growing list of specialized schools, SAISD students can customize their own educational experience and find what truly drives them. Every student has a journey, and SAISD is supporting that path wherever it may lead for each of its students.
