Mesquite: Student Intervention Specialist

Salary: $58,000 commensurate with experience 189-day work calendar for 24-25 school year.  

 Job Function:

The Dyslexia Specialist will provide therapy to identified dyslexic students. Apply knowledge of federal, state, and district requirements concerning dyslexia. Instruct students with dyslexia in any phase of the district selected dyslexia program. Assist in coordination of testing referral process and instruction of students with dyslexia. Provide instructional support and/or direct instruction, as mandated by Texas law, for students with dyslexia. Develop or modify curricula and prepare lessons and other instructional materials to student ability levels. Collaborate closely with teachers, leaders, and families to facilitate appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to improve reading and language skills of struggling readers that are identified as having dyslexia.  

Duties:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following. Other duties may be assigned by the 504/Dyslexia/RTI Coordinator or Campus Administration.

• Oversee implementation of the dyslexia services at assigned campus.
• Provide support to teachers including but not limited to implementation of dyslexia services, dyslexia identification, dyslexia accommodations, reading strategies, and dyslexia screening tools.
• Provide support in the early identification of dyslexic students including but not limited to conducting screenings, reviewing data and student work, providing recommendations for intervention, and testing referrals.
• Assist in managing the dyslexia testing referral process.
• Attend ARDs and 504 meetings as needed to advocate and support the needs of dyslexic students.
• Effectively implement the identified district dyslexia program with fidelity to meet the needs of individual students with dyslexia when needed at assigned campuses.
• Prepare lessons that reflect dyslexia accommodations for individual student differences.
• Attend dyslexia training.
• Respond to staff and parent inquiries in a timely manner
• Present the subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, board policies, and
• administrative regulations.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media technology, consistent with the needs and capabilities of the student groups involved.
• Ensure students demonstrate an acceptable level of academic progress. Assist students in analyzing and improving methods and habits of study.
• Assess the accomplishment of students on a regular basis and provide progress reports and grades as required.
• Present a positive role model for students that supports the mission of the school district.
• Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students and their parents
• Maintain a professional relationship with all colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Use acceptable communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
• Participate in the district staff development program.
• Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.
• Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
• Assume responsibility for compiling, maintaining, and filing all reports, records, and other documents required.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
• Be prompt in attendance to class periods and other assigned duties.
• Maintain good attendance, and when absent comply with notification procedures and provide adequatepreparation for substitute.
• Provide complete and accurate information and facts to supervisors in conducting district business.

Skills/Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of constituents or employees of organization.
• Ability and/or willingness to learn to use and understand Microsoft Office for spreadsheets, letters and other written communications in order to effectively communicate information with employees, administration and the Board.
• Willingness to learn and utilize the selected district software program to maintain student records.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to grasp, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and /or move up to 25 pounds.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Valid Texas teaching certificate required.
• Minimum 2 years teaching experience in English/Language Arts or reading.
• Experience working with students who have reading difficulties highly preferred
• Training and experience in Multi-Sensory Approach (MTA) instruction highly preferred
• Demonstrated success in raising the achievement levels of traditionally under-served students preferred
• Knowledge of a variety of reading intervention strategies and how to implement them in the classroom
• Must have reliable transportation