Dyslexia Specialist

State of Oklahoma•Oklahoma City, OK

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Dyslexia Specialist serves within the literacy team, ensuring all initiatives align with statutory requirements and OSDE policies while proactively adapting to evolving educational regulations. In this role, the specialist provides visionary direction, guiding the design and implementation of literacy projects that elevate reading instruction and inspire team excellence. They establish rigorous monitoring and evaluation systems, using data-driven insights to assess project impact and drive continuous improvement. The specialist also champions professional development, coordinating meaningful learning opportunities that strengthen educators’ skills and promote current best practices in reading instruction. Through strong collaboration and partnership-building, they cultivate productive relationships with educators, administrators, district leaders, and community organizations to support reading sufficiency across the state. Additionally, the Dyslexia Specialist ensures transparent and effective reporting and communication, regularly updating leadership and stakeholders on progress, milestones, challenges, and successes to maintain engagement and accountability. Please note: this role is 90% field with required travel to assigned coaching schools with occasional travel for statewide professional development and to the State Department of Education for team meetings. Funding Source: This position is supported by SB 1778 and HB 4030.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Literacy, or a related field [official transcripts required upon hire]
Five (5) years of successful literacy instruction experience (primarily elementary/early childhood) OR Master's degree in education and three (3) years of successful literacy instruction experience
Valid Oklahoma teaching certificate
Completion of 30+ hours of literacy training based on the science of reading (e.g., LETRS, AIM Pathways, IMSE)
Pass the Oklahoma Foundations of Reading test within 6 months of hire date
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship now or in the future
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
Must possess a valid driver’s license from a U.S. state or territory to perform necessary job-related travel

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in literacy, education, or National Board Certification [official transcripts required upon hire]
Additional endorsements or certifications such as certified structured literacy dyslexia specialist, CALP, CALT, or KPEERI
Experience with literacy data analysis, structured literacy interventions, and multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS)
Familiarity with the Strong Readers Act
Proficient in utilizing online platforms for effective communication and data management
Previously retired educator with evidence of being a highly effective elementary school teacher based on student reading scores on the statewide English Language Arts assessment or teacher evaluations
History of providing professional development, mentorship, or coaching to other professionals

Responsibilities

Ensure the literacy team's activities comply with all statutory requirements and align with OSDE policies; Stay abreast of educational regulations and make proactive adjustments to project strategies as needed.
Provide visionary leadership to the literacy team, guiding the development and execution of projects that align with the department's strategic objectives; Inspire and motivate the team to achieve excellence in reading instruction initiatives.
Establish and implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation processes to continually assess the impact of literacy projects; Utilize data-driven insights to make informed decisions and drive continuous improvement within the team.
Organize and promote professional development opportunities for educators within the literacy team, focusing on enhancing reading instruction skills and staying informed about the latest best practices.
Foster and maintain robust collaborations with educators, school administrators, district leaders, and community organizations; Establish strong partnerships dedicated to improving reading sufficiency and creating a supportive network for literacy initiatives.
Provide regular reports to department leadership and stakeholders, detailing the progress and outcomes of the literacy team; Effectively communicate project milestones, challenges, and successes to ensure transparency and stakeholder engagement.
Exhibit a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude. Build relationships, display integrity, and maintain professionalism in communication, behavior, and appearance. Embrace feedback for performance improvement.
Ensure reliable and punctual in-person presence for quality teamwork, productivity, and collaboration. Demonstrate commitment by being engaged, available, and dependable to colleagues and customers.
Identify and address evolving needs and challenges in education. Apply critical thinking, explore new ideas, and embrace innovative approaches to enhance educational outcomes for all students. Utilize creativity, resourcefulness, and forward-thinking to drive positive change and find solutions to complex problems in the field of education.
Maximize resource utilization and streamline operations. Optimize processes, eliminate redundancies, and leverage technology to enhance productivity and performance. Proactively identify efficiency opportunities and implement best practices for continuous improvement.
Go above and beyond to deliver exceptional assistance that surpasses expectations. Create positive experiences and build trust-based relationships. Maintain a positive and helpful attitude, using appropriate language, tone, and behavior to consistently reflect the agency positively and leave a favorable impression.

Benefits

Generous Benefits Allowance: Up to $21,934.08 annually, tailored to family size, for purchasing benefits.
Comprehensive Insurance Plans: Choose from a variety of insurance plans with no pre-existing conditions, exclusions, or limitations.
Flexible Spending Accounts: Manage healthcare expenses and/or dependent care with ease.
Full Participation in TRS: Enjoy employer-covered contributions (7.5% of annual salary) for Teacher’s Retirement System participation.
Generous Leave Policy: Full-time employees receive 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave in their first year.
Paid Holidays: Benefit from 11 paid holidays per year.
Employee Discounts: Access discounts with various companies and vendors.
Longevity Bonus: Earn a bonus after completing two years of service, with bonuses continuing annually thereafter.
Compensatory Time: FLSA Exempt and Nonexempt employees receive compensatory time.
Employee Assistance Program: Access support and resources through our Employee Assistance Program.