Viola Monus
Wheaton,IL
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive experience at the New York City Department of Education, specializing in visually impaired students. Expert in developing individualized education plans and fostering student engagement through innovative lesson planning. A positive role model and mentor, I advocate for accessibility and promote self-advocacy skills, ensuring all students thrive.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired
New York City Department of Education, Educational Vision Services
10.2008 - 08.2025
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
- Facilitated engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards and curriculum requirements.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance student learning outcomes and support services.
- Mentored and trained new teachers on pedagogical best practices and classroom management strategies.
- Conducted Functional Vision Assessment
- Adapted materials such as large print, braille text, tactile graphic to make education fully accessible to visually impaired students.
Teacher of Students With Visual Impairments
Nyack School District
09.2006 - 10.2008
- Developed individualized education plans tailored to students' unique visual impairments
- Implemented assistive technology to enhance learning experiences for visually impaired students
- Collaborated with teachers and specialists to create inclusive classroom environments
- Conducted assessments to monitor student progress and adapt instructional strategies
Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired
New York City Department of Education, Educational Vision Services
10.1997 - 08.2006
- Developed individualized education plans for visually impaired students, enhancing learning experiences.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive support services for students.
- Utilized assistive technologies to improve accessibility and engagement in classroom activities.
- Implemented adaptive teaching strategies, fostering independence among visually impaired learners.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and adjust instructional methods accordingly.
- Mentored novice teachers in specialized techniques for supporting visually impaired students' needs.
Group Lead Teacher for Visually Impaired CHILDREN
Lighthouse Inc. Child Development Center
09.1995 - 10.1997
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning needs.
- Led classroom activities fostering social, emotional, and cognitive development in children.
- Mentored and trained new teachers on curriculum standards and effective teaching strategies.
- Collaborated with parents to create supportive home-school connections for student success.
Teacher of Students With Visual Impairments
Helen Keller Services for the Blind
03.1995 - 08.1995
- Created and implemented child-based, hands-on curriculum to promote student interest and compensate for vision loss.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units of study that reinforced key concepts across subject areas, promoting deeper understanding for students.
- Implemented assessment tools to monitor student progress and inform instructional decisions.
- Coordinated parent-teacher conferences, strengthening community involvement in education.
Teacher of Students With Visual Impairments
Institute of Human Dynamics
02.1994 - 03.1995
- Provided training and support for staff on best practices in teaching visually impaired students
- Advocated for accessibility resources within the school community to promote equity in education
- Led workshops for parents on strategies to support children with visual impairments at home
- Mentored new teachers in specialized techniques for engaging visually impaired learners
Teacher of Students With Visual Impairments
School for the Blind
08.1988 - 10.1993
- Maintained ongoing communication with parents regarding their child''s progress, challenges, and successes within the school setting.
- Assessed students'' functional vision and recommended appropriate accommodations for optimal learning experiences.
- Promoted self-advocacy skills in visually impaired students by teaching them how to effectively communicate their needs to peers and adults alike.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Implemented Braille instruction to increase literacy skills among students with visual impairments.
- Selected and adapted instructional materials according to the unique needs of each visually impaired student, ensuring access to the same curriculum as sighted peers.
Education
Master of Science - Teaching The Blind And Visually Impaired, Special
Hunter College
New York (City), NY01-1999
Skills
- Classroom management
- Relationship building
- Critical thinking
- Lesson planning
- Motivating students
- Student engagement
- Parent-teacher communication
- Positive role model and mentor
Timeline
Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired
New York City Department of Education, Educational Vision Services
10.2008 - 08.2025
Teacher of Students With Visual Impairments
Nyack School District
09.2006 - 10.2008
Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired
New York City Department of Education, Educational Vision Services
10.1997 - 08.2006
Group Lead Teacher for Visually Impaired CHILDREN
Lighthouse Inc. Child Development Center
09.1995 - 10.1997
Teacher of Students With Visual Impairments
Helen Keller Services for the Blind
03.1995 - 08.1995
Teacher of Students With Visual Impairments
Institute of Human Dynamics
02.1994 - 03.1995
Teacher of Students With Visual Impairments
School for the Blind
08.1988 - 10.1993
Master of Science - Teaching The Blind And Visually Impaired, Special
Hunter College