The new Commissioner rules mention certified teachers of the visually impaired as necessary team members for many parts of the special education services provided to visually impaired and deafblind students. The State Board for Educator Certification has been reworking the entire teacher certification process in Texas for both regular and special education. That is good news for those who were apprehensive that this kind of expertise might no longer be required. However, there is a concern that decisions about how the VI credentials will be defined will be made too late, after revamping all the other systems for regular and generic special education teacher certification. Without quick action, there will be a time while systems for teacher certification in visual impairment are being designed and implemented during which no new teachers will be approved, aggravating an already existing shortage in VI teachers.
Any legislative session brings the promise of surprises.