1. Scholarship Program Scholarship Program Informational Presentation Informational Presentation “Grow Your Own” Your Own” Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Iowa Braille School

2. Grow Your Own was created to encourage people to enter the fields of: Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Specialist Dual TVI/O&M Why is this being offered?

3. Grow Your Own is designed for almost anyone committed to completing a qualified training program: Individualized financial support Accessible to people at various stages of their educations and careers Who can take advantage of this program?

4. First… Review license requirements in Iowa to determine what training you require. This can be done on the Iowa Board of Education Examiners (BOEE) website: http://www.iowa.gov/boee How can I determine if this is right for me?

5. Once on the BOEE website: 1.Click “Endorsement Information” 2.Click “Requirements for Special Education Endorsements THEN… For TVI License Requirements: 1.Click “Special Education Teaching Endorsements” 2.Click “Visually Disabled” OR… For O&M License Requirements: 1.Click “Support Services Endorsements” 2.Click “Orientation and Mobility” How can I determine if this is right for me?

6. Second… Find a training program: For TVI, consider the University of Northern Iowa How can I determine if this is right for me?

7. Visual Impairment Teacher Training Program Visual Impairment Program Overview - https://www.uni.edu/coe/departments/special- education/programs/visual-impairments https://www.uni.edu/coe/departments/special- education/programs/visual-impairments Program Contact: Susan Brennan, Ph.D. Email: susan.brennan@uni.edususan.brennan@uni.edu Phone: (319) 273-7841

8. Visit AER’s website to find other programs across the country: By College or University Name: http://www.aerbvi.org/modules.php?name=News &file=article&sid=113 By State: http://www.aerbvi.org/modules.php?name=News &file=article&sid=107 How can I determine if this is right for me?

9. Candidates will be selected based on: Educational needs of Iowa students o Specific field (TVI/O&M) o Geographic location (flexibility to relocate) Credentials Length of time to complete training program Enrollment in UNI’s program What is the selection process?

10. Those selected for the scholarship will be allowed up to a maximum of $10,000 in tuition and associated costs: Prior to internship/student teaching: 75% of tuition and fees per semester Must attain minimum of “C” for undergraduate courses or “B” for graduate courses to remain in the scholarship program What does the program offer?

11. During Internship/Student Teaching : 75% of tuition and fees per semester May apply for stipend to cover additional costs of completing education o Stipend requests based on balance of remaining maximum benefit and considered on case-by-case basis What does the program offer?

12. Following program completion: 3-year minimum employment commitment Competitive salary Comprehensive benefit package Access to mentors Rewarding career in the field of vision services What else?

13. Application Deadline: December 14, 2012 Required Application Materials: 1.Letter of interest, including your proposed plan of study 2.Application form (http://www.iowa-braille.k12.ia.us/vnews/display.v/SEC/About%20Us%7CEmployment%20Opportunities) (http://www.iowa-braille.k12.ia.us/vnews/display.v/SEC/About%20Us%7CEmployment%20Opportunities) 3.Copies of transcripts Submit Application Materials to: Justin Ruegg, Director of Human Resources Iowa Braille School 1002 G Avenue Vinton, IA 52349 jruegg@iowa-braille.k12.ia.us (319) 472-5221, ext. 1226 How do I apply?

14. Questions? Contact: Justin Ruegg Director of Human Resources jruegg@iowa-braille.k12.ia.us (319) 472-5221 ext. 1226 (800) 645-4579 ext. 1226 Questions