Special Education Teacher - Dyslexia

Job Title: Special Education Teacher - Dyslexia
Wage/Hour Status:  Exempt/Contract
Reports to: Principal                                                                     
Pay Grade/Days: Teacher/187
Dept./School:  Assigned Campus & Special Education Department                                           
Date Revised: October 2024  
Primary Purpose:
The Special Education Teacher of Dyslexia is responsible for providing specialized instruction and support to students with dyslexia, a specific learning disability that primarily affects reading and writing. The teacher will serve as a Special Education Case Manager to develop and oversee the implementation of student IEPs and provide specially designed instruction. Collect and analyze multiple sources of data to provide input on student progress. Maintain compliance with federal, state, and district policies or procedures. Provide specially designed Instruction, using research-based methodologies, to assist with student progress on IEPs.
 
Qualifications:
 
            Education/Certification:
      Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments
Specialized training or certification in dyslexia instruction (preferred)
 
 
Special Knowledge/Skills: Develop and implement individualized education programs (IEPs) that address the specific needs of students with dyslexia.
Provide explicit, systematic, and multisensory instruction in phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Utilize evidence-based teaching methods and strategies to support students' reading and writing development.
Knowledge of disability categories, and ability to develop Specially-Designed Instruction to address individualized needs
Expertise in differentiated instructional strategies, including academic and behavioral strategies
Ability to analyze data in order to recommend instructional practices
Ability to manage personnel, when necessary
Superior problem-solving skills
Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process
and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal-setting process and implementation
Knowledge of assigned curriculum (grades K-12 TEKS), State assessment objectives, and best practices for instruction
Strong organizational, communication (written and oral), and interpersonal skills
 
Experience:
      Successful experience as a dyslexia designee (preferred)
 
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
 

• Provide targeted instruction in reading, writing, and spelling using evidence-based methods and techniques.
• Employ multisensory teaching strategies that engage multiple senses to enhance learning.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment as determined by the needs of the assigned students with dyslexia and other related learning difficulties. 
• Collaborate with the general education teacher(s) to ensure that special education students are receiving the services outlined in their Individual Education Plan, and that students are making progress in the general education curriculum. This shall be on an individualized basis regarding student IEP’s
• Conduct ongoing formal and informal assessments of students with dyslexia and other related learning difficulties.
• Comply with all Special Education Case Manager responsibilities per the Case Manager Handbook, Special Education Department procedures, and campus/District procedures.
• Develop and implement individualized education plans that address the specific needs of each student with dyslexia.
• Report progress to the parent(s)/guardian(s) as outlined in student IEPs.
• Train the general education teacher(s) in how to effectively implement student IEPs before the first day of instruction and immediately following each ARD.
• Attend all required meetings, i.e. ARD meetings, Case Manager Meetings, staffings, faculty meetings, Student Assistance Team, PLCs, etc...
• Serve as a liaison between general education and special education, i.e. disseminate information gained from professional development trainings at the campus level.
• Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop IEPs through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned.
• Create an environment conducive to student learning.
• Maintain a professional working relationship with principals, colleagues, students, and supervisors.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly. 
• Develop and maintain professional competence through professional growth activities based on recent research and current trends in education.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 
Supervisory Responsibilities:
            Supervise assigned teacher paraprofessional(s).
 
           
Working Conditions:
 
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent district-wide travel; repetitive hand motions and prolonged use of computers.  Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing.  Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment.

Note:  This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job.  This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment.  The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.