Title: Principal-Blind Department SDB00185
State Role Title: Education Administrator II
Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience
Pay Band:
Agency: VA School for the Deaf & Blind
Location: VA School for Deaf & Blind
Agency Website: www.vsdb.k12.va.us
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
This job posting is internal only for existing Virginia School for the Deaf
The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind is seeking a Principal for the Blind Department to oversee and manage the daily operations of the school and to provide quality individualized educational programs and services to the students enrolled while maintaining compliance with the Virginia Department of Education and state and federal Special Education laws and regulations.
The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB) is located in the historic, vibrant city of Staunton, Virginia. VSDB provides superior education for students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/vision impaired, deafblind, and deaf or blind with other disabilities.
VSDB offers PreK-12 education with both residential and day student options.
VSDB believes that disabilities are challenges not barriers and supports each student in their goal to be independent and to reach their highest academic potential!
VSDB prepares students for life!
The VSDB offers:
• Great comprehensive benefit package
• Supportive and positive team setting
• School-Residential partnership that supports a 24/7 learning environment
This is a 12 month position with state benefits, including health insurance, retirement, life insurance, and disability coverage.
The beginning date for this position is the beginning of our next school year in July 2026.
Responsibilities include:
Providing quality educational programming for the student population of VSDB, collaborate with the Residential Program in order to ensure consistency across both the Residential and School programs, and serve as a resource for children with sensory impairments
throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in educational administration from a regionally accredited college or university.
Hold a valid teaching license issued by the Board of Education with an endorsement in Administration and Supervision.
Hold or be eligible for a valid Virginia teaching license issued by the Board of Education with an endorsement in Special Education-Visual Impairments pre-k-12.
Administrative experience in a K-12 or special education setting.
Current CPR and First Aid Certification is required or must be obtained per school policies.
A minimum of 5 years' experience as a full-time classroom teacher with prior experience teaching children with a sensory impairment.
Ability to design and implement appropriate instruction for children with sensory impairment, including blindness, visual impairments, deafblindness, and visual impairments with other disabilities.
Knowledge of child growth and development, and special needs of children with disabilities, including the areas of blindness, visual impairments, and deafblindness.
Knowledge of curriculum and curriculum development.
Minimum proficiency level of "Intermediate" in American Sign Language as measured by the Sign Language Proficiency Interview
Skill in automated office operations, including word processing, database management, graphics and spreadsheet software applications using Microsoft Office and Google.
Demonstrated effective classroom experience as a teacher and ability to give constructive feedback to teachers to improve their instructional practice.
Demonstrated an effective level of organizational skills.
Demonstrated experience and knowledge of budgeting and fiscal management skills.
Demonstrated effective communication skills in written English to articulate and exchange information.
Demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize needs, and work efficiently under strict deadlines.
Effective managerial skills that include collaboration, delegation of authority, timely and accurate completion of required activities and positive professional relationships.
Demonstrated knowledge of Virginia Special Education laws, regulations, process, the development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and the ability to ensure compliance.
Performs other related duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent to ensure effective operation of the education department.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain a positive learning and work environment in order to support effective student and staff relationships and positive morale.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with parents/families and community stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to supervise staff and work effectively and collaboratively within a team environment.
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality for both student and staff situations.
Additional Considerations
*
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
For full consideration, please submit college transcripts with application materials.
If selected as a finalist with VSDB, candidates can expect the following:
Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check; verification of education (relevant to employment); and other checks based on the position.
Application Requirements: Application and/or résumé for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or résumé.
Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé.
VSDB is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
VSDB values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer
Contact Information
Name: Jody Beelendorf
Phone: 540-332-9069
Email: jody.beelendorf@vsdbs.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.