Cutter Morning Star School District

 Job Description for

Reading Therapist/Dyslexia Specialist 

DEPARTMENT: Teaching JOB STATUS: Full Time

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: N/A REPORTS TO: Principal

GRADE/LEVEL: P-12 FLSA: Exempt

WORK SCHEDULE: Per contracted days

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Principal, the Reading Therapist/Dyslexia Specialist provides dyslexia services using the approved dyslexia program to all students who qualify.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To implement the district dyslexia program at the campus level ensuring that Federal,    State and District policies/guidelines are followed and in compliance 

To provide direct services in the area of reading/dyslexia: assessment, identification, interventions, technology and progress monitoring 

To maintain all necessary student records required by the dyslexia program 

To follow each program’s guidelines to implement with fidelity

To maintain all paperwork, data management, folders, and progress monitoring required 

To frequently communicate with parents on student progress

To communicate, collaborate and cooperate with colleagues, supervisors, parents, and students in a professional manner

To serve on the RTI committee for each school in order to help analyze results of screeners/testing 

To provide small group intervention 

To develop weekly  Lesson Plans 

To update the principal in a timely manner

To compile all the district’s dyslexia data as required by ADE

Other duties as assigned:  

To teach Cutter Morning Star approved curriculum

To be prepared to instruct all assigned classes at the designated time and place

To plan a program of study and prepare lesson plans and instructional materials that meet the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students

To create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and abilities of the students

To encourage students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior

To guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and in harmony with the goals, establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects

To take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment and facilities

To employ a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided the needs and capabilities of the individual or student groups involved

To assess the academic and social growth of students on a regular basis, keep appropriate and accurate records, and prepare progress reports as required

To maintain accurate and complete records as required by law, district policy and administrative regulations

To identify student needs, make appropriate referrals and develop strategies for individual education plans

To communicate regularly with parents by means of web-based reporting sites, newsletters, notes, phone calls, and conferences

To plan and coordinate the work of paraprofessionals, parents, and volunteers in the classroom and on field trips

To create an environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, interest centers and exhibits of student work

To adhere to all rules and regulations as stated in Cutter Morning Star School District Personnel Policies Handbook

To adhere to attendance and tardy policies for faculty and staff

To conduct oneself in a manner that represents the board of education, district, school, faculty, staff, students, parents, community and profession in a positive, supporting manner. 

To adhere to the professional ethical and legal standards 

To perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the employee’s supervisor, the principal, or the superintendent

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

* Experience teaching reading 

* Understanding of the foundational reading components and how to teach them. 

¦ Phonological and Phonemic Awareness 

¦ Sound Symbol Recognition 

¦ Alphabet knowledge

¦ Decoding Skills 

¦ Rapid Naming Skills 

¦ Encoding 

* Experience in Data Collecting and Analyzing 

* Trained and/or certified in the Dyslexia Program(s) used in the district 

* Experience in Intervention 

* Knowledge of RTI Process 

* R.I.S.E. trained

Competency Statements

*Knowledge of the schools and Cutter Morning Star School District policies and procedures

*Evidence of strong commitment to quality education

*Evidence of strong organizational skills

*Evidence of strong oral and written communication skills

Education

Minimum of Bachelor's Degree with an accredited educational institution and endorsements in the areas of the teaching assignment. Other requirements per job description.

Experience

1 year of successful experience with Highly Qualified designation status is preferred. Other requirements per job description.

Certificates & Licenses

Valid Arkansas certificate/ license or alternative certificate/license for compliance with the necessary ADE requirements to meet the position’s essential duties and responsibilities.

Computer Skills

Ability to apply basic computer programs (spreadsheet, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, others) to enhance job performance. (Others could include e-School, HAC/TAC, NWEA, TLI)

Other Requirements

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the school community.

Ability to speak clearly and concisely both in oral and written communication.

Ability to perform duties with awareness of all federal, state, and district requirements.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional documents. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to perform basic math operations to meet job expectations.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with situations appropriately to meet job expectations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Abilities

Stand C

Walk F

Sit O 

Handling / Fingering F

Reach Outward F 

Reach Above Shoulder F

Climb O

Crawl O

Squat or Kneel O

Bend O

Lift/Carry

10 lbs or less C

11 – 20 lbs C

21 – 50 lbs F

51 – 100 lbs O

Over 100 lbs N

Push / Pull

12 lbs or less C

13-25lbs C

26-40 lbs F

41-100lbs O

N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this occupation.

O (Occasionally) Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.S+ hrs/day)

F (Frequently) Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)

C (Constantly) Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)

Other Physical Requirements

Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth perception)

The sense of Sound (ability to converse with others, conduct telephone conversations)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform with the essential functions.

TheCutter Morning Star School District HR Office has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the CMSSD reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Cutter Morning Star School District may deem appropriate.

The Cutter Morning Star School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

It is the policy of the Cutter Morning School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, or disability in its educational programs, activities or employment practices.