What I Wish I Knew My First Year As A TVI

1. What I Wish I Knew My First Year As A TVI Stephanie Snyder TVI SASED Kateri Victor TVI/O&M SEDOM

2. Introduction The following topic areas represent areas we wish we knew more about prior to our first year of teaching. These areas were learned through experience and “as we went” throughout our first year. For the most part, we felt prepared to begin our careers as TVIs. We had exposure to all of the following topic areas; however, we wish we knew more.

3. Assistive Technology • Braillenote • PAC Mate • Victor Stream • JAWS • Scanning • Braille Translation Software • Braille Embossers • Windows Accessibility Features • Hotkeys • iPad & iPod

4. Resources • Illinois Instructional Materials Center (IIMC) • Downloadable forms • American Printing House for the Blind (APH) • Bookshare • Touch Typing • Talking Typer, Dance Mat Typing • Independent Living Aids • LS&S

5. Individualized Education Program (IEP) • Know your IEP program(s) • Have a “go to” person • Are you the case manager? Who is? • Goals • You do not need to “goal” everything you will work on • Keep data accurately • Report Writing • Concise • Grandma Test • Input date on current information • Finish draft goals one week ahead of meeting • Send Home • Contact parents to review goals

6. At the IEP Meeting • Greet the parents, re-introduce yourself • Provide brief update of progress • Bring current work samples to show • Start and end positive • Share, not over share

7. Data Collection • Must be driven by the goals written • What works for us: • Folder/Binder per student • Calendar • Keep track of attendance & brief notes on lesson • Make a chart/table for each objective to keep track of progress • Record as often as necessary • Work Samples • Student Summary • Functional Vision • Accommodations/Modifications • Goal page from IEP (your goals) • Communication log with parents • Keep track of all contact made with parents (method, time, date, initiator)

8. Communication • Building Personnel • Custodians, secretaries, principals, other teachers • Eat in teacher’s lounge when you can • Participate in staff activities • Teachers (of students on your caseload) • Provide them with a copy of student summary • Check in at least weekly • Attend team meetings, or prepare report if cannot attend

9. Communication • Parents • Getting to know you letter • Communication Record • Notebook • Emails (exchange addresses) • Re-introduce yourself • Translation as appropriate • Extreme parents: daily – never • Vision Team • TVI Colleagues • Orientation & Mobility Specialist • Group lessons/outings

10. Behavior Management • Every student is completely unique • Start with positive behavioral interventions with natural reinforcers • Things that have worked... • Get “in” on classroom/school reinforcement procedure • Shy students: ice breakers, group lessons

11. Itinerant/Classroom TVI • Classroom: you are the teacher- all day, everyday • Itinerant: you are a piece to the puzzle • Organization is everything • Trunk • Classroom • Mileage • Record each trip, each day • Know the process to submit for reimbursement • Schedule Building • Tips/Tricks • Purchase Order • Know the process through cooperative/district

12. Questions?? • We were in your shoes just two short years ago!! • ASK AWAY! 

13. Good Luck!! • Experience Based • Network!! • Cooperating teachers, classmates, professors