Professional Knowledge

  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of laws, policies, and procedures related to visual impairments.
  • Clearly explain vision-specific concepts, principles, and methodologies to educational teams.
  • Understand and communicate all areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC).
  • Know the sequence and scope of instruction across ECC domains.
  • Understand low-incidence disability issues and the unique needs they present.
  • Recognize a wide range of visual pathologies and their functional implications.
  • Understand developmental patterns in children with visual impairments across all domains.
  • Identify and explain the intersection of visual impairments with additional disabilities.
  • Stay informed on options and supports for students with progressive vision loss.
  • Accurately describe the roles of TVIs, Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Specialists, and related professionals.

Assessment Strategies

  • Conduct informal classroom observations to evaluate visual functioning and accommodations.
  • Update Functional Vision Evaluations (FVEs) and Learning Media Assessments (LMAs) as needed.
  • Select and administer appropriate assessments tailored to students with visual impairments.
  • Write clear, professional reports that guide instructional decisions.
  • Interpret eye medical reports and apply findings to educational planning.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date data collection systems.
  • Design authentic, individualized opportunities for students to demonstrate skills.

Instructional Planning

  • Create specific, measurable learning objectives aligned with IEP goals.
  • Integrate ECC assessments into annual planning.
  • Design lessons that promote independence, flexibility, and student choice.
  • Use backward chaining and other evidence-based methods to support skill development.
  • Align long-range planning with both academic and ECC-related outcomes.
  • Understand and incorporate transition planning across educational and vocational contexts.
  • Utilize Federal Quota Funds effectively to access and distribute materials.

Instructional Practice

  • Implement instructional strategies grounded in current research and best practice.
  • Collaborate meaningfully with general and special educators, therapists, and families.
  • Foster student motivation and manage behaviors in positive, proactive ways.
  • Match instructional delivery to students’ visual and developmental levels.
  • Adjust pacing and modality based on student cues and learning preferences.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in teaching braille (including literary and Nemeth codes).
  • Teach the use of tools such as the Cranmer Abacus and low vision devices.
  • Incorporate and model a wide variety of assistive technology tools.
  • Design lessons that are relevant, engaging, and connected to real-life experiences.

Differentiated Instruction

  • Understand the psychosocial implications of vision loss on students and families.
  • Design developmentally and age-appropriate learning activities.
  • Anticipate barriers and proactively adapt instruction.
  • Vary teaching strategies to accommodate individual learning styles and cultural backgrounds.
  • Provide targeted support to promote challenge and success.
  • Address communication needs and provide crisis support when necessary.

Positive Learning Environment

  • Foster environments that promote independence, confidence, and inclusion.
  • Ensure students have access to appropriately adapted materials and tools.
  • Build respectful, trusting relationships with students and school staff.
  • Maintain student dignity and advocate for equal access across settings.

Professionalism

  • Demonstrate commitment to student development and success.
  • Uphold ethical standards, legal responsibilities, and school policies.
  • Seek solutions to challenges and remain flexible and resourceful.
  • Engage in ongoing professional development and reflective practice.
  • Mentor, collaborate, and share knowledge with colleagues in the field.
  • Stay informed on publications, organizations, and resources related to visual impairments.
  • Conduct self-audits to assess gaps in knowledge and improve professional performance.

Communication

  • Use a range of communication methods to build collaborative partnerships.
  • Maintain timely and effective documentation of team communications.
  • Engage families respectfully and constructively.
  • Support educational teams through shared decision-making and resource sharing.

Teacher Impact

  • Serve as a positive force in the school climate and VI field.
  • Align professional growth goals with the ECC and National Agenda.
  • Participate in mentoring, research, and professional presentations.
  • Reflect on and evaluate teaching practices for continuous improvement.
  • Submit high-quality FVLMA and other reports in a timely manner.

Resources

​Looking for a way to evaluate your own growth? Visit the Printables page for a free, checklist-style TVI Self-Assessment Tool, designed to support your reflection, evaluation, and career goal setting.

Printable Resource

The following supporting printables can be found on the Premium Resource Library page and Premium Program Printables page.
TVI Professional Standards & Self Assessment Handout
TVI Professional Standards & Self Assessment Handout

Resource Access

Instructional articles on this site are open access and do not require an account. Free Members may access select free resources and goal banks.
Downloadable printable resources, lesson plans, recorded presentations, and ECC instructional units are available to Premium Subscribers.

Full Article List

Guide: Start Here
Tools (VI Basics)
Plan: Referrals & Eligibility
Referral & Eligibility​ ​Medical Vision Information 
FVLMALow Vision Evaluations
Other Evaluations
Plan: IEP Planning
Plan: Collaboration & Accessibility
​Collaboration Accessible Materials ​Classroom Access Instructional Access Technology Access ​Additional Supports Service Delivery Models  ​
Teach: Compensatory Skills
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development ​Alternative Communication ​Emergent Literacy ​Braille Code
​Beginning Braille ​ Braille Fluency & Comprehension  Writing Braille ​​​Nemeth Code Instruction 
​​​Tactile Graphics ​Print Concepts ​​Abacus  ​​Organization Skills​ ​​Study Skills ​​Time Management
Teach: Sensory Efficiency Skills
​Auditory & Listening Skills ​​Visual Efficiency Skills ​​Optical Device Use ​Tactile Readiness
Teach: Assistive Technology 
AT Overview ​AT Use & Maintenance Braille AT ​iOS Instruction Audio Access​ ​Video Magnifiers ​​​Basic Computer Use Computer Access ​Productivity
Teach: Social Skills
Social Skill Basics​
Non-Verbal Skills​​​​ Verbal Communication Skills Cooperative Skills Identity & Self-Awareness ​Interactions & Relationships Managing Challenges & Safety
Teach: Self Determination
Teach: Independent Living Skills
Personal Care ​Hygiene & Grooming ​Personal Health Mealtime Skills ​​​ Food Preparation
Household Skills Clothing Management ​Money & Budget Shopping & Consumerism Phone Use ​Safety & Emergency Preparedness ​​Services & Community Resources
Teach: Orientation & Mobility
Teach: Recreation & Leisure
Teach: Career & Vocational
Printables
Free Resources​ Premium Resource Library 
Teaching Strategy Printables 
​Premium Program Printables
​Premium FVLMA Printables
​ECC PrintablesCompensatory Skills Printables
Sensory Efficiency Printables
Assistive Technology Printables
Social Skills Printables
Self Determination Printables
Independent Living Printables
Recreation & Leisure Printables
Career & Vocational Printables
Evelyn Jane Stories 
Learn: Teaching Strategies & Planning
Learn: ​ECC Units
Beginning of the Year Units ​​Fall UnitsWinter Units ​​Winter Units ​​Spring UnitsAnytime Units
Learn: ​Interactive Activities
Learn: Recorded Presentations
Learn: Complete Set Bonus ​