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 Anne Spitz has added to their wishlist Aug 04, 2022
Ms. Anne Spitz
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Dennis Haley Elementary School
Class Information:
Students per Class: 12
Class Description:
I am an itinerant teacher of the visually impaired. I work in 4 schools, but spend most of my time at the Haley School. All my students have low vision and require magnification to see materials. I also have a student with physical disabilities who is learning to use an eye gaze device to communicate. Some of my students have additional diagnoses of autism or neurological delay. Some of my students are academic students who are learning braille and technology such as screen readers. These students require computers that are Windows based so I can use the NVDA open source (free!) screenreader. This is crucial for leveling the playing field. Unfortunately our district only uses Macs and Chromebooks- these are not the best OS for visually impaired students. . I work with classroom teachers daily to adapt curriculum.
Position:
Itinerant Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Needs:
All my students have visual impairments. They range from low vision to profoundly visually impaired and learning braille. Some students have physical disabilities and are nonverbal. I travel to 4 schools as students are in different types of schools and classrooms. Most of my caseload is economically disadvantaged and speak English as a second language. There are many barriers.
My Philosophy:
I believe that every child deserves to reach their potential. My obligation is to figure out what accommodations and technology will help them to access curriculum and express themselves. I also believe families and teams need to buy in and be trained to support their child. In addition to the general education curriculum, I teach my students the expanded core curriculum for children who are visually impaired (mobility, technology, living skills, social skills, braille, etc). I love my work!
Personal Information:
About Me:
I am a licensed teacher of the visually impaired and also licensed in elementary education. I am currently an itinerant TVI, but have previously taught a resource room and preschool classrooms. I have a passion for teaching braille and technology. I live with my family in Boston.
College and Degrees:
Boston College BA Elementary Education MEd Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Activities:
Professionally, I mentor newer teachers in the field. I present at workshops for teachers of the visually impaired at the local, state, national and international levels. I have contributed to a book and participated in research in my field. I have devoted my time to advocating for equitable access for large print and braille readers in the arena of formal assessment.
Favorite Books:
Into Thin Air Something Must Be Done About Prince Edward County The Witches: Salem, 1692
Favorite Quotes:
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart. Helen Keller
Interests:
Personally, I love to bake and travel with my family. We love living in Boston and all the city has to offer. My husband and three teens love to test and compare the best ice cream parlors in our city and travels! Living by the water is one of my favorite aspects of Boston.
Employment History:
2014- Present, TVI, Bodton Public Schools, MA 2010-2014 TVI, Dover Public Schools, MA 1996-2014 TVI, North River Collaborative, MA 1995-1996 TVI, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA 1992-1995 Coordinator of Floater Teachers, John Hancock Child Care Center, MA
Percent of Students are:
     Special Needs: 31 %
Percent of Students are:
     White/Caucasian : 15 %
     Hispanic: 43 %
     African American: 32 %
     Native American: 2 %
     Asian: 8 %
Free/Reduced Lunch Program Enrollment:: 70 %
ESL Enrollment:: 30 %
Average number of students in class:: 18 students
Number of students I teach:: 12 students