How to Become a Certified Dyslexia Teacher

The International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council has created an accreditation process that helps teachers identify dyslexia training programs in the United States. Multisensory Structured Language education incorporates training processes that help people with dyslexia to gain reading and writing skills not offered in regular classroom education. Although there is no standard certification for dyslexia teachers, accredited schools provide certificates of completion that can be used when applying for dyslexia teaching jobs.

Instructions

1. Contact the department of education in the state in which you wish to teach in order to learn more about its certification and licensing process. Most states will require the completion of a state-approved teaching program and a state certification exam to teach within the public school system. Private schools do not usually require a teaching license. Some states may have licensing requirements for dyslexia teachers. For example, Texas has Dyslexia Therapist and Dyslexia Practitioner Licensing requirements.

2. Choose a multisensory education program accredited by the IMSLEC. Accredited programs include courses in sound-symbol association, comprehension and phonological awareness. IMSLEC-approved programs are found in 25 U.S. states, including New Mexico, Ohio and Wisconsin. A complete list of programs along with contact information and the program's most recent accreditation date is available on the IMSLEC website.

3. Complete the multisensory education program. Program fees, dates and times will vary. However, each program will provide a combination of classroom study and hands-on training with dyslexic students. Programs generally take two years to complete. Some programs may have time limits for completing the program. For instance, Neuhaus Education Center in Houston requires specialists in training to complete the program within five years of enrollment.

4. Tutor students to gain further training. After successfully completing an IMSLEC training program, gain further experience and knowledge about teaching dyslexic students through tutoring. Find tutoring jobs by contacting local tutoring companies, registering with tutor listing agencies like Tutors Teach or advertise as a dyslexia tutor in the local newspaper or with online classified websites such as Craigslist.

References

• IMSLEC: School Accreditation Process
• IMSLEC: Accredited Programs
• Neuhaus Education Center: Dyslexia Specialist Preparation Program
• Texas Scottish Rite Children's Hospital: Dyslexia Therapist Training Program
• Texas Department of State Health Services: Dyslexia Therapist and Dyslexia Practitioner Licensing Program

Resources

• IMSLEC
• Tutors Teach: Dyslexia Tutors
• The International Dyslexia Association