The Atlanta Speech School
Reading Specialist for Children with Language-Based Learning Disabilities: The Wardlaw School
Start Date: August 2017
The mission of the Atlanta Speech School is to help each person develop his or her full potential through language and literacy. Established in 1938, the Atlanta Speech School serves children and adults with speech, hearing, language, or learning disabilities through clinical and educational programs, in addition to providing professional development for teachers and educators in partner schools and preschools. All of our programs are built upon a foundation of caring instruction, based on proven research, and strengthened with a depth of academic and clinical knowledge. We encourage applications for employment from professionals seeking meaningful careers and who are committed to the mission, values, and principles of the School.
The Wardlaw School for children with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities is currently seeking an outstanding professional to serve as a reading specialist in our multi-disciplinary, collaborative educational environment.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Wardlaw School is dedicated to serving children with average to very superior intelligence and mild to moderate language-based learning disabilities including dyslexia (reading disability). Children accepted into the Wardlaw School may exhibit underlying auditory and/or language processing problems that make it difficult for them to learn in their present educational setting. Our students are between the ages of 5 and 12 years old and are in kindergarten through 6th grade. Wardlaw School students typically have a diagnosis of dyslexia or “red flags” for dyslexia. They may also have difficulty understanding and/or using spoken language, expressing themselves through written language, or experience mathematical difficulties.
The Wardlaw School employs passionate professionals who strive to be leaders in their field and who are committed to excellence in the education of all children. Knowledge and understanding of research-based practices in the areas of language development, reading and math are the cornerstone for all that we do. We seek to hire innovators and thinkers who choose to work in an environment where they can truly make a difference in the life of a child. The Wardlaw School encourages all of its students, educators, specialists and clinicians to be engaged, perpetual learners.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION:
A Master’s degree in learning disabilities, reading or special education is required. In addition, all candidates should possess or be eligible for a current Georgia teaching certificate, eligibility for Georgia certification and/or certification from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association as appropriate. An understanding of the interaction between language and learning is expected and training in at least one multi-sensory reading method is required. Experience is preferred. The Wardlaw School is dedicated to ongoing staff development and provides opportunities for individuals to add to their repertoire of skills and methodology. We are looking for professionals who seek to be the best in their field and who enjoy working in a multi-disciplinary, collaborative environment. Opportunities are available to present locally and nationally.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION:
  • Plan and implement a remedial program of reading instruction for three groups of students enrolled in our full time program. Children in our program have a diagnosis of dyslexia and/or related language-based learning disabilities. Children are grouped by age, reading level and approach. Group size ranges from two to six. Our staff is trained in a variety of reading approaches and instructional decisions are made based upon a child’s learning profile and diagnostic teaching.
  • Provide individual remediation to students identified as needing an increased level of instructional intensity and frequency.
  • Administer standardized and informal tests to monitor progress
  • Complete the reading section of two written reports per school year and participate in parent-teacher conferences as appropriate.
  • Work within a collaborative framework maintaining communication with team members including your students’ lead classroom teachers, parents, director, speech-language pathologist.
  • The position is full time (5 days per week 7:45-2:45)
BENEFITS:
Salary is commensurate with experience.
This 187-day, full-time school position offers a generous benefit package including health/dental/life/vision and long term disability insurance; the School subsidizes health insurance premiums of staff and families. Other benefits include Flexible Spending Account; 403(b) Plan; cost reduction of some Atlanta Speech School services; complimentary meals during work hours; and accrued sick leave.
TO APPLY:
Please submit all of the following documents by March 15, 2017to ensure that your information is considered: cover letter, resume, copies of certificates and/or license, college transcript, and written submission describing how your particular skills, talents, and/or expertise would be beneficial to the Wardlaw School (please limit to 500 words).
Email:
Subject line: Wardlaw Reading Specialist
Please no phone inquiries

The Atlanta Speech School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.