Pay Grade:  Teacher Hiring Scale (T92)

# Days:  192

Serves students in PK-12th Grades

Reports to Director of Special Education

Primary Purpose:

The Dyslexia Teacher provides specialized, multisensory, instruction that teaches phonics and the structure of language to students identified with dyslexia (and related disabilities) at Blanco ISD campuses, in special education settings, using research-based instruction, in accordance with the Texas Education Agency, State Dyslexia Handbook, and district dyslexia policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate
• Valid certification in English as a Second Language (ESL), preferred
• Must become certified in the district’s intervention program(s) (this will require 6-8 training days) by the first day of school/first opportunity provided
• Licensed Dyslexia Therapist equivalent to a Certified Academic Language Therapist, or successfully enrolled in the program to become a certified therapist, preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of the reading process
• Knowledge of dyslexia and related disorders
• Knowledge of special needs of students with dyslexia
• Knowledge of multisensory instructional delivery methods
• Knowledge of dyslexia assessment, the meaning of the evaluation, and identification
• Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation
• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Ability to instruct students and to employ classroom management skills
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

• Minimum of five years teaching experience
• Knowledge of instruction of students identified with dyslexia and related disorders
• Demonstrated competency in reading instruction

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

1. Work in a classroom, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity, as assigned.
2. Provide research-based support for students with dyslexia and related disorders, using the district's intervention programs with fidelity.
3. Implement an instructional, therapeutic, or skill development program for assigned students and show written evidence of preparation, as required.
4. Develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons and other instructional materials to student ability levels.
5. Plan instructional activities based on student formative/diagnostic assessment.
6. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning needs of students assigned.
7. Present subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, Texas Dyslexia Mandate, board policies, and administrative regulations.
8. Work cooperatively with teachers to accommodate curricula as needed to present subject matter and assist special education students in regular classes with assignments according to guidelines established by the §504 Individual Accommodation Plan/Individualized Education Plan for dyslexia students.
9. Encourages student enthusiasm for the learning process and the development of good study habits.
10. Use technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process.

Student Growth and Development

11. Manage time and schedule to maximize instruction and intervention time for students with dyslexia.
12. Provide case management duties for students with IEPs.
13. Progress Monitor student progress in core subject areas.
14. Assist teachers and staff in understanding and identifying dyslexia and related disorders.
15. Assist and collaborates with Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSP) regarding dyslexia and related disorder evaluations and analysis of student testing.
16. Prepare and facilitate §504/ARD meetings, as necessary, in the identification of dyslexia and related disorders, in determining a need for evaluation, making placement decisions and accommodations.
17. Assist teachers and staff in disaggregating and analyzing data from the district universal screener, diagnostic and curriculum assessments to identify trends and target the focus of instruction.
18. Serve as the instructional literacy leader at the campus level and as a resource in the development and improvement of campus dyslexia programs.
19. Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formative and diagnostic testing.
20. Provide support for family and community engagement, as well as, district/campus reading initiatives.
21. Enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.

Classroom Management and Organization

22. Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
23. Manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
24. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
25. Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.

Communication

26. Confer with parents concerning individual students experiencing reading difficulties or requiring intervention, and with any parents requesting such a conference.
27. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
28. Evaluate and provide feedback on student performance on a routine basis utilizing the district’s data sources.
29. Maintain accurate student accounting records, progress monitoring and reports in compliance with state and local guidelines.

Other

30. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
31. Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
32. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
33. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
34. Provide follow-up literacy training at the campus level, as determined by campus/district needs.
35. Work collaboratively under the direction of the Department of Special Education and the district's Dyslexia Program Coordinator and staff to implement strong literacy core instruction and support for students with dyslexia and/or related disorders.
36. Maintain confidentiality of information.
37. Perform other duties as assigned by the Department of Special Education and the district's Dyslexia Program Coordinator.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting   

Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: Frequent districtwide travel; occasional statewide travel; occasional prolonged and irregular working hours

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); ability to instruct

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.