Dyslexia Teacher

Dyslexia Teacher Job Description - Meridian School Dyslexia Teacher Job Description

Founded in 2011, Meridian School is a public, tuition-free charter school open to all students living in Williamson County. As a charter school, we are a school of “choice,” offering an inquiry-based curriculum and continuum for the International Baccalaureate Program K-12. Our mission is to “provide an invigorating, educational environment that develops responsible citizens who can artfully navigate our complex world and enjoy a good life with others.” Meridian has been recognized by the US News & World Report and others as one of the best schools in Texas.

Job Overview

As a Dyslexia teacher, you will provide therapy to identified dyslexic students. Apply knowledge of federal, state, and district “Procedures Concerning Dyslexia” for special education. Instruct and evaluate students with dyslexia in any phase of the program. Create and implement dyslexia goals in alignment with special education students’ Individual Education Plans. Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings as the representative for individuals with dyslexia. You may be asked to identify dyslexic students by administering and interpreting diagnostic tests.

You will also provide leadership to general and special education teachers in English/Language Arts and Reading instruction as well as RTI at all TIERED levels. Assist teachers in utilizing effective reading practices within the classroom setting. Assist in coordination of the special education referral process and instruction of students with dyslexia. Provide instructional support and/or direct instruction, as mandated by Texas law, for students with dyslexia. Provide special education students with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons and other instructional materials to student ability levels.

Qualifications Education/Certification:

• Texas Teacher Certification
• Elementary Certification Preferred
• Reading Specialist Certificate or Formal training for dyslexic students
• Training in Reading by Design program preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of dyslexia and the reading process
• Knowledge of the special education process, preferred
• Extensive knowledge and experience working with students who have reading difficulties
• Leadership ability and experience in providing staff development in the areas of reading and dyslexia to classroom teachers

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years teaching experience in English/Language Arts, Reading, or Dyslexia

Major Responsibilities and Duties

• Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the district's dyslexia program and show written evidence of preparation as required.
• Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differentiation.
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by the Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the dyslexic student.
• Conduct assessment of student progress and use results to plan instructional activities.
• Work cooperatively with special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education students according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP).
• Work with other members of staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district requirements.
• Seek the assistance of district specialists as recommended to plan for instruction.
• Use technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process.
• Help students analyze and improve study methods and habits.
• Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Seek assistance for students who are consistently performing below grade level.
• Be a positive role model for students, support the mission of the school district.
• 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 student handbook.
• Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
• Encourage students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
• 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.
• Plan and lead teacher training over dyslexia and services.
• Plan and lead dyslexia information parent night.
• Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance to ensure a consistent focus on student learning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Other

Maintain an extreme degree of confidentiality by following the Family of Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) for student information and by following the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) for employee and student information.

Work Environment

This position will operate in a professional, non-smoking educational environment, which at times can be busy with moderate noise and many unscheduled interruptions. This role will routinely use standard office equipment such as computers and peripherals, desks, phones, photocopiers and filing cabinets. The job may include long and/or irregular hours.

Due to the nature of this position and our business, fingerprinting and background checks will be conducted as a condition of employment.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided during the hiring and selection process to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Meridian School is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information, or any other legally-protected characteristic.