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Education of the Blind/Visually Impaired
There is a serious shortage of teachers of students with visual impairments both nationally and in New Jersey. There is an urgent need to prepare local teachers to serve local needs.
The College of New Jersey is the only New Jersey institution of higher education to offer a program in Education of the Blind/Visually Impaired.
Program Overview
Through its Department of Special Education, Language & Literacy, The College of New Jersey offers a 33 credit program that prepares teachers of the blind and visually impaired. The program leads to New Jersey certification in Teacher of the Blind/Visually Impaired and culminates in a master’s degree.
Graduates of this program will be prepared to serve as itinerant teachers in New Jersey’s schools. They will be skilled in the critical areas of braille literacy, assistive technology, collaboration and teaming, and specialized strategies for teaching children and youth who are blind/visually impaired to function independently in general education classrooms.
FAQs
- What is an itinerant teacher?
In New Jersey most students who are blind/visually impaired attend their neighborhood schools. Their educational needs are typically met by regular classroom teachers in cooperation with an itinerant teacher from the New Jersey Commission for the Blind/Visually Impaired. The itinerant teacher serves students in several schools, providing specialized materials, consultation with school personnel, and individualized instruction in braille and other blindness-related skills.
- What prerequisites are required to apply?
New Jersey teacher certification (or equivalent) in either elementary education, secondary education (with teachable major), or special education
- Do I need to know braille to apply?
No. You will learn how to read, write and teach braille as part of the program.
- What kinds of field experiences does the program offer?
After completing field-based assignments in several courses, you will complete a full-time student teaching experience under the supervision of a cooperating teacher who is certified in Teacher of the Blind/Visually Impaired.
- When I graduate, what will I be qualified to teach?
You will be certified to teach students who are blind/visually impaired in most grade levels. To be “highly qualified” at the high school level, you will need to pass the PRAXIS test in the specific content area.
- Does this program enable me to teach special education?
No. Teacher of Students with Disabilities is a separate certification. If you are interested in teaching special education, the department offers another master's program which culminates in that certification.
