APSEA Job Board
2024-07-16 Education Support Teacher - BVI (Cape Breton, NS)
Cape Breton (Sydney and CB Highlands Areas), Nova Scotia, Canada .
contract . May 6, 2024
Description
COMPETITION #: 2024-07-16
INITIAL POSTING DATE: May 14, 2024
LOCATION: Cape Breton (Sydney and CB Highlands Areas)
POSITION: Full Time, Term
SALARY: In accordance with the APSEA/NSTU Agreement
APPLICATION BY: Open until filled
START DATE: August 1st, 2024 until July 31, 2025
About Us
Atlantic Provinces Special Educational Authority (APSEA) is an interprovincial cooperative agency established in 1975 by joint agreement among the Ministers of Education of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
APSEA provides educational services, programs, and opportunities for children and youth who are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired who reside in Atlantic Canada. Our employees support learners to reach their highest potential for an independent, self-sufficient, and fulfilling life.
What We Offer
APSEA offers meaningful opportunities to help make a difference in the lives of children, youth, and their families. We are committed to fostering a culture that is inspiring, supportive, and inclusive.
In joining APSEA's team, you would receive:
- Access to a Pension Plan
- Access to Nova Scotia Teachers Health and Dental benefits plan
- Professional learning opportunities
Position Overview:
Under the direction of the APSEA Supervisor of Programs – Blind or Visually Impaired (BVI), the Education Support Teacher (EST) - BVI provide leadership in the assessment, development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of inclusive, responsive and flexible program practices for learners who are BVI. This individual works collaboratively as part of the educational team and/or early learning team.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are among APSEA’s guiding principles. Moreover, diversity within APSEA is a strength that must be cultivated. It is the responsibility of every APSEA employee to foster a culture that embraces and promotes diversity.
Day-to-day, the Education Support Teacher:
- Provides Tier 1, 2, and 3 support to educational teams, families and community of care partners to support learners who are BVI and are eligible to receive APSEA services.
- Collaborates and supports the classroom teacher, other educational team members including APSEA team members, families, and community of care partners regarding inclusive, responsive and flexible instructional practices related to learners who are BVI.
- Provides support to families to enhance their child's development and independence, encouraging and involving families in both program development and delivery.
- Maintains knowledge of use and limitations of assessment tools to support the authentic and comprehensive assessment process related to learners.
- Assesses, recommends, and provides adaptive and access technology and alternate format materials that allow for access, active participation, and self- determination/self-advocacy.
- Supports processes to create a safe, equitable, positive, and supportive learning environment in which diversities are valued.
Qualifications and Experience You Bring:
- Master’s degree in education of Learners who are blind or visually impaired, or equivalent
- Valid Nova Scotia Teacher Certificate
- Competency to support the Expanded Core Curriculum - BVI
- Experience working with children and youth who are blind or visually impaired, including those with multiple exceptionalities
- Experience and/or training regarding working with children from infancy to late adolescence.
- Experience with assessment, program planning and delivery of instruction for children and youth who are blind or visually impaired, including those with additional exceptionalities.
- Experience teaching in a variety of settings (e.g., school, home, early learning centres, community)
- Knowledge of the Unified English Braille code and the ability to design tactile graphics.
- Ability to assess, develop, write, implement, and evaluate individualized programs.
- Competency with the use of technology and access technology.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and relate positively to children, families, early learning staff, APSEA staff, administrators, educational team members and community partners.
- Demonstrates confidentiality and professionalism with regard to access and distribution of student information.
- Strong commitment to professional growth and learning to remain current in the field.
- Experience working in a virtual learning environment.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Excellent communication skills in English, oral and written.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrated self-initiative and ability to work with limited supervision.
- Culturally responsive with the ability to apply knowledge, experience, and commitment in the areas of cross-cultural understanding, human rights and diversity.
- Regular travel: access to a reliable mode of transportation; may require overnight stays.
- Experience and training in early childhood education is an asset.
- American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency is an asset.
- French Language skills an asset.
Offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.
APSEA is committed to the full inclusion of all applicants. As part of this commitment, APSEA will ensure that applicants are provided reasonable accommodations, as required. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact Julia Pascucci, Human Resources Generalist at julia_pascucci@apsea.ca.