Job Title: Dyslexia & Reading Specialist

Dept./School: Special Services/District Wide

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Pay Grade: Professional 4

Work Days: 210

Primary Purpose:

Facilitate the planning and delivery of Standard Dyslexia Protocol Instruction. Facilitates the implementation of supplementary Reading programs through special education services. Provides recommendations to special and general education staff on best practices for students with Dyslexia or related disabilities as well as other reading disabilities.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's Degree from college or university
• Master Degree preferred
• Valid Texas teaching certification in the area of English Language Arts and Reading

– or –

• Certified Academic Language Therapist / Practitioner

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Specific knowledge of Standard Protocol Dyslexia Instruction and ELAR
• General knowledge of best practices for Reading / Writing for students with disabilities
• Strong organizational, communications and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of Texas Dyslexia Handbook

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years teaching experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Conduct virtual SPDI on multiple campuses
• Provides training and mentoring support to campus staff.
• Participates in ARD meetings for students who have or may need dyslexia services.
• Works with the Director of Special Services and Special Education Coordinators in coordinating the dyslexia program throughout the district.
• Maintains compliance and promotes effective instruction.
• Writes PLAAFPs and goals in the area of Reading for students receiving SPDI.
• Assist Special Educators in writing PLAAFPS and goals in the area of Reading.
• Monitors IEP goals for students on caseload.
• Effectively communicates state and district dyslexia policy and guidelines to teachers and staff.
• Works with Special Education Coordinators to coordinate support activities for the dyslexia program.
• Communicates effectively with students, staff, parents and community.
• Works with district and campus staff members for effective implementation of the dyslexia program.
• Works collaboratively with others in developing TCA mission, goals and articulating a vision for the district’s dyslexia program.
• Provides coaching to special ed and general ed teachers on best practices for co-teaching in the area of ELAR.
• Researches programs and provides analysis of such programs to determine possible implementation in the district.
• Manages data from Reading and Dyslexia programs.
• Connects students with reading difficulties to online audio book libraries and assistive technologies.
• Works with the district and campus administrators to develop and provide dyslexia professional development programs.
• Works directly with the multilingual department to ensure that all students who may have the characteristics of dyslexia receive the appropriate services or programs, regardless of home language.
• Provides care and protection of district property and account for all equipment issued. Orders materials necessary for effective implementation of the dyslexia program.
• Supports district and campus rules for conduct.
• Articulates the district’s mission and goals and conduct activities as needed to provide parent information, training and communication regarding dyslexia services.
• Encourages and promotes parental and community involvement in the educational process.
• Projects a positive image to the community.
• Remains current in all legal requirements for dyslexia services and procedures.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Additional Requirements: 

• Must be able to drive and have reliable transportation available during working hours in order to go to assigned work locations. 
• Districtwide Travel Required
• Extended stay at times

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress.

Occasional prolonged or irregular hours. Regular district wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned; moderate lifting and carrying. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Tolerate moderate standing, stooping, bending, and lifting 20 lbs. occasionally. Biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases.

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The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

I added this based on the new legislation recently passed