The Mandatory Qualification course for teachers of children and young people with a vision
impairment (MQVI) at University of Birmingham is seeking to appoint qualified teachers of the vision
impaired (QTVI) as sessional teaching placement supervisors. The role offers an excellent
opportunity for continuing professional development and provides the opportunity to play a role in
the training of future QTVI in your region.
Numbers of supervisions allocated are variable each academic year. Placements generally take place
between October and May/June and each student on a 15 day placement receives two visits to
observe their teaching: generally one is conducted remotely via video conferencing and one is a visit
to the placement. Supervisors write a report following each visit and assess the student’s teaching
and accompanying evidence against criteria linked to grades and the MQVI outcomes. Payment per
supervision (2 x visits; 2 x reports and associated assessment) is currently expected to be approx.
£414 plus travel expenses.
We are seeking to appoint QTVI who are willing to supervise our students undertaking placement in
the following areas: Central, SE and SW London and the South East (Kent/Surrey/Sussex); London
Central and counties to the North of London (e.g. Buckinghamshire); East Anglia (Cambridgeshire,
Suffolk, Norfolk); the North East; the South West (Devon and Cornwall) and South Wales. Please
note a Welsh speaking QTVI is required for South Wales.
You should have experience of mentoring QTVI or managing QTVI appraisal and a wide range of
experience in teaching children and young people with vision impairment, including those who are
tactile learners, ideally across a wide age range. If you are working full time, you should have
agreement for release from your place of work to undertake supervision as visits take place during
core school hours: visits are generally around 1 hour-1.5 hours in length plus travel. Please note that
the University does not pay cover costs for this release.
If you would like an informal discussion or have questions about the role, Linda James, Practitioner
Tutor on the MQVI course is holding an informal discussion meeting on Thursday 12th September
at 5pm: please email her directly for a meeting link. It is anticipated that this meeting will be
between 30–45 minutes in length.
Application is via curriculum vitae and an expression of interest letter to be submitted by Monday
23rd September to Linda James at: l.a.james@bham.ac.uk. Your letter should clearly state which
geographical area you would be able to cover and include the name, role and contact details of tow
referees. Interviews will be arranged the week beginning 30th September. Appointment will be
subject to DBS (enhanced) check and attendance at a training session to be run remotely in
November: date TBC.