Primary Purpose:
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. Provide students the opportunity to make significant gains in reading and develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
Bachelors degree from accredited university
Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements for assignment
Special Knowledge/Skills:
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
Experience:
Student teaching approved internship or related work experience
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Instructional Strategies
- Collaborate with students parents and other members of 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 and 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 according to IEP or 504 guidelines.
- Work with other members of staff to determine instructional goals objectives and methods according to district requirements.
- Participate in ARD Committee and 504 planning meetings on a regular basis.
- Participate in selection of books equipment and other instructional media.
Student Growth and Development
- Conduct assessments and ongoing progress monitoring of student achievement and use results to plan instructional activities.
- Consult district and outside resource individuals regarding education social medical and personal needs of students.
Classroom Management and Organization
- Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical social and emotional development of students.
- Manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and 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 specialist.
- 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).
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment
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