26/27 Part-Time Dyslexia Specialist

Reports to: Campus Principal

About the Role

Provide students identified with dyslexia and other related learning difficulties an individualized, intensive, multisensory, phonetic instructional program that includes a variety of writing, spelling, and reading components. Offer students the opportunity to make significant gains in reading and develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from accredited university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements for assignment
• Knowledge of reading, writing, and spelling instructional strategies
• Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation
• Ability to assess students for dyslexia
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and use student data
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Minimum of three (3) years of successful teaching experience

Preferred: CALT (Certified Academic Language Therapist), LDP (Licensed Dyslexia Practitioner), experience with RBD (Reading By Design), Reading Specialist background

Responsibilities

Instructional Strategies

• Attend and successfully complete all district-required dyslexia training
• Collaborate with students, parents, and staff to develop an IEP through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned
• Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation as required
• Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for individual student differences
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, equipment, and technology that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by the Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed for students identified with dyslexia, in accordance with IEP or 504 guidelines
• Work with staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods in accordance with district requirements
• Participate in ARD Committee and 504 planning meetings
• Participate in selecting books, equipment, and other instructional media
• Maintain professional behavior and promote a positive image, appearance, and work ethic to represent the district
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion

Student Growth and Development

• Conduct assessments and ongoing progress monitoring of student achievement and use results to plan instructional activities
• Consult district and external resource personnel regarding students' educational, social, medical, and personal needs

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students
• Manage student behavior in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and the student handbook
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities

Other

• Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with parents, students, colleagues, and community members
• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for dyslexia specialists
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct the work of assigned instructional aide(s).

Work Environment

• Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking
• Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may lift and move textbooks and classroom equipment
• Environment: Work inside, may work outside; regular exposure to noise
• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours