2025-2026 Lead Certified Academic Language Therapist

Company: Orton Academy
Location: Colorado Springs
Posted on: April 21, 2025

Job Description:

Are you ready to transform the way students with dyslexia learn and thrive?

All the relevant skills, qualifications and experience that a successful applicant will need are listed in the following description.

Orton Academy is searching for a passionate, student-centered Lead Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) who is committed to making literacy accessible and empowering students with dyslexia to achieve academic success.

At Orton Academy, we believe that students with dyslexia deserve evidence-based instruction tailored to their unique learning profiles. Our structured literacy approach ensures that students gain the skills and confidence they need to overcome challenges, develop self-advocacy, and unlock their full potential. We need a leader to join our Instructional Leadership Team who understands that education is about more than just reading-it's about changing lives.

This role is designed for an innovative educator who thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and research-based literacy instruction. If you're ready to lead with expertise, inspire educators, and make a real difference in the lives of students with dyslexia, we want you at Orton Academy.


About Orton Academy

Orton Academy is a groundbreaking 2-8 charter school authorized by D11 in Colorado Springs, CO. We are a regional leader in dyslexia education, utilizing research-based instruction to create personalized learning experiences that enable students to overcome learning challenges. Our curriculum is rooted in the science of reading and structured literacy, ensuring that students receive the targeted support they need to succeed.

At Orton Academy, we don't just teach-we empower. Our students develop the skills, confidence, and strategies to navigate their academic journeys and beyond. Through individualized instruction, small class sizes, and a supportive learning environment, we are redefining what's possible for students with dyslexia.

Learn more about our unique approach at https://ortonk8.org


Philosophy and Vision Alignment

Our Why:

We exist to ensure that students with dyslexia have access to high-quality, research-based instruction tailored to their unique learning needs.
We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to develop confidence in their abilities and achieve their full potential.
We are committed to instilling hope, igniting purpose, and empowering students to succeed academically and personally.

Our How:

By implementing evidence-based instructional methods that prioritize the science of reading.
By fostering an inclusive, nurturing, and student-centered learning environment.
By equipping students with self-advocacy skills and strategies that empower them for lifelong success.

Our What:

We are a community of educators, students, and families committed to breaking down learning barriers and championing student success.
We provide specialized instruction tailored to the needs of students with dyslexia, ensuring they develop essential literacy and academic skills.
We ensure that every graduate leaves Orton Academy with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to excel in their future pursuits.

As Lead CALT, you will bring this vision to life, leading the dyslexia intervention program, mentoring educators, and ensuring students receive the highest quality instruction.


Core Responsibilities

I. Program Leadership & Instructional Delivery

Leads the dyslexia intervention program, utilizing our Take Flight curriculum, overseeing scheduling, training, and student support.
Provides structured literacy instruction using a prescribed curriculum with fidelity to research-based methodologies.
Develops lesson plans and instructional materials tailored to individual student needs.
Conducts small-group and individualized interventions to support literacy development.
Utilizes data from assessments to drive instructional decisions and monitor student progress.
Differentiates instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs.
Collaborates with school staff to integrate literacy support across the curriculum.

II. Student Progress Monitoring & Support

Implements progress monitoring tools and assessments to measure student growth.
Maintains accurate records of student performance and intervention effectiveness.
Provides opportunities for student goal-setting, self-assessment, and reflection.
Communicates with parents, teachers, and administrators regarding student progress and instructional needs.
Identifies students requiring additional support and collaborates with staff to provide interventions.

III. Training & Professional Development

Provides training and support to staff on dyslexia intervention best practices.
Coaches and mentors teachers in structured literacy instruction.
Participates in ongoing professional development to enhance instructional expertise.
Stays current on research and best practices in dyslexia therapy and literacy intervention.

IV. School & Community Engagement

Establishes positive relationships with students, staff, and families to foster a collaborative learning environment.
Supports school-wide literacy initiatives and dyslexia awareness efforts.
Contributes to a positive school culture by maintaining high expectations for student achievement and behavior.
Ensures compliance with school policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.


Qualifications

Education & Training:

Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) required
Preference for candidates with Qualified Instructor (QI) certification or willingness to pursue QI certification.

Experience:

Successful teaching experience in a school setting.
Experience providing structured literacy intervention to students with dyslexia.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Expertise in structured literacy instruction and dyslexia intervention.
Strong ability to differentiate instruction and adapt curriculum for diverse learners.
Advanced oral and written communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
Experience using data-driven instructional strategies to support student progress.
Proficiency in using assessment tools for progress monitoring and decision-making.
Ability to train and mentor other educators in literacy instruction.


Work Environment & Physical Demands

Work is performed in a classroom setting.
Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.


Salary, Benefits, and Terms

Salary: $60,000-$70,000/annually
Benefits:Paid time off.
100% employer paid plans offered for employee health, dental and vision
401(K) with a 100% match up to 5% of compensation; please note: this is not a PERA-eligible position


Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: 3115 Larkspur Drive, Colorado Springs
Work year and hours shall be those established by Orton Academy.
Performance evaluations will be conducted in accordance with school policy.


Equal Employment Opportunity

Orton Academy seeks to comply with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability.

The Board of Directors at Orton Academy has contracted with Minga Education Group (MEG) to provide employment services for all staff that work at Orton Academy. Through this partnership, MEG provides OA with employment services, a personnel system for human resources, benefits, payroll services, as well as access to a 401(k) plan. For naming purposes, Minga Education Group is the employer.


Mandatory Background Checks: In alignment with our commitment to student safety, all candidates are required to undergo a comprehensive background check, which includes reviewing criminal records and will require fingerprinting. Please be aware that certain findings in the background check may disqualify a candidate from employment in a school setting. These may include, but are not limited to:

Convictions for violent crimes, such as assault or domestic violence.
Convictions for offenses against children, including abuse or endangerment.
Drug-related offenses, particularly those involving the distribution or trafficking of controlled substances.
Certain felony convictions, depending on their nature and recency.
History of certain misdemeanors that may raise concerns about a candidate's suitability for working in an educational environment. Submission of this application signifies your consent to this process and understanding of these criteria.

Verification of Qualifications: For roles that demand specific qualifications or certifications (such as teaching credentials), you will be asked to provide verifiable proof. We also conduct reference checks to validate your professional history and qualifications

Adherence to Colorado Education Laws: Our recruitment process strictly follows the guidelines and regulations set forth by the Colorado Department of Education. We expect all applicants to be familiar with and adhere to these standards.

This employer utilizes E-Verify



For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.

https://ortonk8.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1455730-547222.html

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