Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) - Recruitment of Vision Professionals

Blind/Visually Impaired, Deafblind

Share

Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI)

  • Educate students of all ages (birth - high school) in rural and urban communities.
  • Provide direct services to students and consultative services to families, teachers, medical personnel, and government agencies.
  • Teach reading and writing braille and support instruction in academic and daily life skills.
  • Instruct using a wide range of technology, such as apps designed for visual impairments, braille devices, accessibility features available on smartphones, tablets, computers, and more.

Academic Requirements

Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI):

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university
  • Initial teaching certification in elementary or secondary general or special education; elementary or secondary education (special education preferred, not required)

Financial Incentives

Both SFASU and TTU offer a service grant. Each university distributes funds according to its program guidelines, and it is a competitive process. For additional information contact advisors at the university of your choice.

Contacts

General information about becoming a TVI in Texas:

Contact: Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI)

Email: outreach-certifications@tsbvi.edu
TSBVI Professional Preparation Website 
Stephen F. Austin State University

Program Contact: Heather Munro
Email: omvi@sfasu.edu
SFASU TVI Website 
Stephen F. Austin State University

TVI Program Contact: Rona Pogrund
Email: rona.pogrund@ttu.edu
TTU Sowell Center Website

Video Testimonials

Stephan Slawson

Stephan Slawson's Personal Story on Becoming a Vision Professional Stephan Slawson is both a teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI) and a certified orientation and mobility specialist (COMS) in south Texas. Learn more about how Stephan was inspired to become a vision professional.

- [Person] It's such a privilege to work with these kids and families. - [Person] I love my career. - [Person] Vision professional, what's that? - [Person] Helping change lives for the better. I'm fulfilling my purpose. It's my passion. - [Person] I am part of the solution. (light music) - [Stephan] I started out as a teacher working with children with varying disabilities, and I loved my work. Then there came a time when I was working with a student who was blind and I was able to collaborate with the TVI. That was a turning point for me. We helped that kid with life skills, making purchases at a store, using public transportation, even how to ask for help if he got lost. I was so impressed with what this TBI was able to do for kids with visual impairments, I decided I wanted to have that kind of impact. My why is simply having a job that I love and helping these kids. The students I support each day are some of the most amazing people that I know. They have each changed my life in such a positive way. Coming to work is a joy and never an obligation. - [Announcer] If you seek a sense of fulfillment in sharing your talents to enhance the lives of others, this is the profession for you. There are job opportunities for vision professionals across the state of Texas, and funding is available to support tuition costs for certification. - [Stephan] I became a vision professional, and I know you can too.

Sarah Williamson

Sarah Williamson's Personal Story on Becoming a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments Sarah Williamson shares how she became a teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI). She began her teaching career working with students with complex medical needs in the classroom and student's home. When she had a student with a visual impairment in her classroom, she began collaborating with the TVI to meet the student's educational needs. After this experience, Sarah was hooked and became a TVI!

- [Narrator] It's such a privilege to work with these kids and families. - [Narrator] I love my career. - [Narrator] Vision professional, what's that? - [Narrator] Helping change lives for the better. - [Narrator] I'm fulfilling my purpose. It's my passion. - [Narrator] I am part of the solution. (upbeat music) - [Sarah] I started out in special education, working with kids with ongoing health issues. It was such a pleasure to instruct such a wide range of children with varying needs. Then I began working closely with the TVI in my district. She encouraged me to apply to a college program to become a vision professional. It was a TVI certificate program, covering everything from eye anatomy to learning braille. Now, every day brings something new. I may be in a home teaching an infant to reach for toys or locate sounds in the environment. Or I may be in a school teaching braille on how to use specialized vision equipment. Some days, I even work remotely. I love being an advocate for each child and teaching them to advocate for themselves. My why is watching my students succeed, grow, and use their new skills. It really touches my heart. - [Narrator] If you seek a sense of fulfillment in sharing your talents to enhance the lives of others, this is the profession for you. There are job opportunities for vision professionals across the state of Texas, and funding is available to support tuition costs for certification. - My name is Sarah Williamson. I am a teacher of students with visual impairment. I became a vision professional. You can too. (upbeat music)