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Certification Information

How are VI teachers certified?

The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) issues endorsements in visual handicaps. An endorsement requires all VI teachers to be certified in some other area. In general, certification in special education and/or early childhood is preferred.

According to the 1999 certification requirements, candidates for a VI endorsement must have completed the following requirements:

• A bachelor's degree
• Valid Texas elementary, secondary, or special education certificate
• 21 semester hours directly related to teaching students with visual impairments, including:
• Physiological, psychological, and social factors of blindness
• Literary braille (grade 2)
• Special braille notations (including Nemeth code, braille music, scientific notation, formal and foreign language)
• Media, materials, and adaptations
• Methods of instruction (including low vision, the basics of orientation and mobility, vocational and career exploration, and multiple impairments)
• Assessment and programming
• Intervention and parent training
• Survey of exceptional children
• Three semester hours of a practicum working with students with visual impairments.

[State Board of Education Certification: Subchapter G. Program Requirements for Preparation of School Personnel for Initial Certificates and Endorsements §230.199(c)(7) or www.sbec.state.tx.us/sbec/rules/230g2.htm]

Stephen F. Austin State University and Texas Tech University offer training for VI teachers. Students may either seek certification or complete a full master's degree program. Stephen F. Austin also has undergraduate programs in O&M and VI. Regions II and XII may also offer training through the EPCP system. Although variations exist between the university and EPCPs, both are excellent options.

How are O&M specialists certified?

Currently, O&M specialists are certified through the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER). It is in the process of arranging for an independent agency (the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals) to revamp the certification process. These changes will be forthcoming within the next year. For the current status of these changes, please contact the AER offices, or visit their web site at www.aerbvi.org. The State of Texas requires that all O&M specialists be certified through either AER or, when applicable, the Academy.

Universities that train O&M specialists must meet AER/Academy guidelines and must have their programs approved by the Certification Board of AER. Stephen F. Austin State University and Texas Tech University offer training in O&M. Students may either seek certification or complete a full master's degree program. Stephen F. Austin also has undergraduate programs in O&M and VI. A successful candidate is recommended as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS).

The AER Certification Board meets four times a year. Participants who have met all of the requirements and submitted the required paperwork and fees are eligible to work as O&M specialists in the state of Texas, even if they have not yet been officially certified.

For more information, visit the AERBVI web site at: www.aerbvi.org/certification/universities.htm

What courses do VI professionals need?

The specific program of study will depend on the training option (VI or O&M) and on other additional factors. Below is a basic listing of course topics. Exact course titles vary by university and professional discipline.

Common courses

• All students will take the following courses:
• Foundations in Visual Impairments
• Structure and Function of the Visual System
• Methods for Students with Multiple Impairments
• Basic Orientation and Mobility.

VI Teacher

In addition to the common courses, the VI program of study includes:

• Braille
• Academic Methods
• Internship.

If not certified in special education, pre-service VI teachers must complete a survey of exceptionalities and a special education assessment course.

O&M Specialist

In addition to the common courses, the O&M program of study includes the topics listed below.

• O&M Seminar I
• O&M Seminar II
• Cane I
• Cane II
• Internship.

What is required to maintain certification for VI professionals?

VI teachers

VI teachers must meet all of the requirements for professional development as set forth by the State Board for Educator Certification. Certification for VI teachers must be renewed every five years.

O&M specialists

Certification for O&M specialists must be renewed every five years. In order to maintain that certification, specialists must submit information as required by AER or the Academy.

Can VI professionals be emergency certified? If so, what is required?

VI teachers

SBEC issues emergency permits for teachers of students with visual impairments. The requirements are listed below:

• Current certification in elementary, secondary, or special education
• One of the following requirements:
  • six semester hours directly related to teaching the visually handicapped or
  • one creditable year of classroom teaching experience, as defined in SBEC rule
  • competency in literary braille and/or other special braille notations; AND
• verification that the employing district, cooperative, or ESC has one or more fully certified teachers for the visually handicapped serving in this instructional program.

[State Board of Education Certification: Subchapter Q. Permits §230.504 (f)(2)(B) Visually Handicapped.]

Pending continuation of funding, all of the individuals in training to become a certified VI teacher will be assigned a mentor. The mentors are intended to assist the pre-service professionals in their professional growth, not to be supervisors or evaluators. Therefore, the VI certified supervisor may not be the mentor. Nor will the mentor be able to provide the district with evaluative information.

It should be noted that SBEC will be changing the certification requirements for all new teachers. For more information about the framework for the new licensure system, contact SBEC or visit their web site at www.sbec.state.tx.us/sbec/frmwork/index.htm.

O&M specialists

There is no emergency certification for orientation and mobility specialists.

What about hardship permits?

There are no hardship permits for either VI teachers or O&M specialists.

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