FIMC-VI Logo

FIMC-VI

Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired

Personnel Support and Recruitment

Professional Learning Community (PLC) & Book Study

  • Tools for TVIs: The Itinerant Teacher’s Handbook by Stacey Chambers was designed to provide information and guidance to itinerant teachers of students who are blind or visually impaired (TVIs).  It covers the itinerant roles and responsibilities and other topics important to the success of itinerant teachers, which are not necessarily included in teacher preparation programs. It will assist all itinerant teachers in finding the answers to essential, practical questions.
  • The book is organized into nine chapters. Each chapter provides research-based explanations of various topics, as well as examples of real-world situations, and resources to learn more.
  • This PLC & Book Study will guide you through the relevant areas an itinerant teacher would most likely encounter daily or throughout the year working with students who are blind and visually impaired in various educational settings. You will be sent an invitation to join a Canvas Course that will contain all of the required assignments. This PLC/Book Study will cover the entire book. Each week, the assigned chapters will have an activity that you can complete to assist you in your job duties as an itinerant teacher. To earn a certificate for inservice points, you will be asked to complete at least 5 activities of your choice from the 13 provided. You will also be provided with access to additional resources, many of which are Florida-specific.
     
  • When: August 2025 - May 2026 | 3:30pm - 4:00pm EST
  • Where: Monthly Zoom Meetings
  • PLC & Book Study Syllabus
  • Zoom Meeting Registration
  • Canvas Course Registration

Please register for both the Zoom meeting and the Canvas Course
 

FIMC-VI Mentor Connection Program 

  • If you are a certified TVI and/or O&M instructor who is new to this field or to the State of Florida and you would like a professional mentor to communicate with throughout the school year, complete the Mentor Request form.  Communication can take place via phone calls, email, virtual platforms, etc.​

  • FIMC-VI will help connect you with an experienced TVI and/or O&M instructor in the State. Mentorship is dependent on the mentor's time and availability.

 

Florida Department of Education Administrative Rules for Educators of Students Who Are Visually Impaired

Certification

 

Florida Exceptional Student Education Eligibility and Assessments for Students with Visual Impairments

 

Florida State Standards for Education of Students Who Are Visually Impaired

Course Standards for Expanded Core Competencies (Florida educator certification in Visually Impaired (Elementary and Secondary Grades K-12) required):

Course Standards for Orientation and Mobility (Florida educator certification in Visually Impaired (Elementary and Secondary Grades K-12) Plus Orientation and Mobility Endorsement required):

 

Teacher Preparation Programs at Florida State University 

Are you alternatively certified or teaching out of field and need to learn the specialized skills to work with students who have visual impairments? Are you an educator or paraprofessional who wants to become a TVI? 

Florida State University now offers an online program to prepare teachers who can provide effective instruction to students who are visually impaired.

This program is offered online and specifically tailored for teachers who are working. 

A new cohort begins each August. 

Deadline to apply is July 1st (Application)

Funding from TEACH grants is available to those who agree to teach full time for at least 4 years at a school or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families. Other scholarships are available.

Email Tim Puch (Tim.Puch@fsu.edu) to learn more!

Scholarships available through other agencies

Field Recruitment Efforts

"Grow Your Own" Programs 

National Recruitment Resources