Dyslexia Therapist Training Program
In Partnership with Region 13 ESC
2026 Application
Introductory Summer Course: June 8-26, 2026
Class Minimum: 10
Training Location
All training will be held in person at the Region 13 Education Service Center.
Region 13 ESC
5701 Springdale Rd
Austin, TX 78723
Application Checklist
Application & Acknowledgement Form
Once you have reviewed all the training requirements, please complete the application and acknowledgement form below.Letters of Recommendation
Please provide two (2) professional letters of recommendation. If you are working in a school, you must have a letter of recommendation from your principal. Email all letters of recommendation to Kelly O’Mullan at kelly@dyslexiacenterofaustin.org.School Support Form
If you are working in a school, please have your current principal complete the School Support Form.Official College Transcript
Please have your university send an official copy of your college transcript—only the highest degree attained—to Kelly O’Mullan at kelly@dyslexiacenterofaustin.org.Interview
Once you’ve submitted your application, the Dyslexia Center of Austin will reach out to set up an interview via Zoom. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and help us set you up for success.
Introductory Training Course—1st Year
Cost—$3,500 for Training and Introductory Materials Kit
The Introductory Kit includes most, but not all, materials required to teach one (1) group of 6 students. Click here for a list of additional materials.
Academic Requirements
Introductory Summer Course
June 8-26, 2026
Monday through Friday for three (3) consecutive weeks from 8:00 am—5:00 pmHomework Assignments
Trainees will receive a list of required homework assignments upon notification of acceptance into the program. Trainees are expected to read academic articles and chapters and write one-page reports summarizing each article or chapter. Reports must be submitted to Canvas by the due date.
Introductory Seminars
Attend four (4) one-day seminars throughout the school year from 8:00 am—5:00 pm.
Introductory Year—Book Reports
Read two (2) academic books from an approved list and write a one-page report on each book. Reports must be submitted to Canvas by the due date.
Introductory Year—Dyslexia-Related Conference
Attend one (1) professional conference related to dyslexia (5-6 hours of professional development)
Clinical Teaching Requirements
Demonstration of Teaching Competency
Submit five (5) recorded demonstration lessons of a Take Flight group
Submit self-critiques of the demonstration lessons
Demonstration lessons are observed and evaluated by a Qualified Instructor with accompanying suggestions, critique, and evaluation for the Therapist-in-Training.
One-on-one consultations with a Qualified Instructor
Supervised Teaching Requirements
Teaching Experience Using Take Flight
Trainees must implement and maintain at least three (3) Take Flight classes consisting of 1-5 students per group.
Option 1: A minimum of 60 minutes per group, four (4) days/week (Recommended option during training)
Option 2: A minimum of 45 minutes per group, five (5) days/week
Student Progress Monitoring
Periodically, progress-monitor students. Prepare and submit progress monitoring data in the required format.
Trainee Progress Reports
Prepare and submit periodic progress reports that document supervised teaching situations and clinical training hours.
Qualifying for the advanced year
Demonstration Lessons
To qualify for the advanced year of training, all five (5) introductory year demonstration lessons must be completed and passed before May 31st.
Take Flight Lessons
To qualify for the advanced year of training, trainees must reach Take Flight Lesson 67 with at least one group before May 31st.
Advanced Training Course—2nd Year
Cost—$2,000 for Training and Advanced Materials Kit
The Advanced Kit includes most, but not all, materials required to teach one (1) group of 6 students.
Academic Requirements
Advanced Summer Course
Monday through Friday for one (1) week from 8:00 am—5:00 pm
Homework Assignments
Trainees will receive a list of required homework assignments at Seminar 4. Trainees are expected to read academic articles and chapters and write one-page reports summarizing each article or chapter. Reports must be submitted to Canvas by the due date.
Advanced Seminars
Attend four (4) one-day seminars throughout the school year from 8:00 am—5:00 pm.
Advanced Year—Book Reports
Read three (3) academic books from an approved list and write a one-page report on each book. Reports must be submitted to Canvas by the due date.
Advanced Year—Dyslexia-Related Conference
Attend one (1) professional conference related to dyslexia (5-6 hours of professional development).
Clinical Teaching Requirements
Demonstration of Teaching Competency
Submit five (5) recorded demonstration lessons of a 2nd-year Take Flight group
Submit self-critiques of the demonstration lessons
Demonstration lessons are observed and evaluated by a Qualified Instructor with accompanying suggestions, critique, and evaluation for the Therapist-in-Training.
One-on-one consultations with a Qualified Instructor
Supervised Teaching Requirements
Teaching Experience Using Take Flight
Continue to maintain at least three (3) Take Flight classes consisting of 1-5 students per group.
Option 1: A minimum of 60 minutes per group, four (4) days/week (Recommended option during training)
Option 2: A minimum of 45 minutes per group, five (5) days/week
Student Progress Monitoring
Periodically progress monitor students. Prepare and submit progress monitoring data in the required format.
Trainee Progress Reports
Prepare and submit periodic progress reports that document supervised teaching situations and clinical training hours.
Additional Training Information
Demonstration Lessons
Ten (10) demonstration lessons are required for certification, five (5) completed during the first year and five (5) completed in the second year. These lessons should be recorded and sent to a Qualified Instructor (QI) with your lesson plans and self-evaluation. A score of 85 or above is needed to pass.
A demo with a score of 85 or below must be redone. A demo over 65 minutes will not be accepted. Demonstration lessons must be received on or before the due date. You must communicate with the instructional team should there be a delay.
One (1) point will be taken off the demonstration score for each day late. Trainees will have two opportunities to pass a demonstration lesson. Should a third complete demonstration lesson be required, trainees will be charged $100/additional demonstration lesson.
If trainees are not moving through the curriculum as prescribed, they may be asked to submit additional demonstration lessons. Trainees will be charged $100/additional demonstration lesson.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory. Attendance requirements are based on the standards set forth by the accrediting organization. You must make arrangements in advance with the training staff to obtain approval for absence and to determine procedures for making up any missed instruction. You will be responsible for recording the class or seminar and completing a full write-up on the training content. You may be exited from the program if you do not obtain prior approval.
Homework/Class Expectations
Dyslexia Therapist Training is equivalent to fifteen (15) hours of graduate-level coursework; therefore, graduate-level writing is expected. During the Introductory Summer Course and Advanced Summer Course, trainees are expected to read academic articles and chapters and write one-page reports summarizing each article or chapter. Throughout the Introductory Training year, trainees must read five (5) academic books from an approved list and write a one-page report on each book. Reports must be submitted to Canvas by the due date.
Extended Training
Upon completion of all coursework, if you have not met the criteria of 700 clinical teaching hours, you will be required to continue supervised teaching and recording clinical teaching hours until this requirement is satisfied. If you have not received a score of 85 or higher in demonstration lessons, additional demonstrations may be required, and attendance in additional seminars and lectures may also be required. Dyslexia Center of Austin reserves the right to charge trainees an additional fee in such circumstances. Progress will be monitored regularly until all requirements are complete.
Accommodations
If any accommodations (under ADA) are needed for you to be successful in the two-year training program, you must submit them in writing with appropriate documentation at least two (2) weeks before the beginning of the Introductory Course.
Photo Release
I grant to Dyslexia Center of Austin the right to take photographs, videotape, or digital recordings of me and my property, and I authorize Dyslexia Center of Austin, its assigns, and transferees to copyright, use, and publish such photos in print and/or electronically. I agree that Dyslexia Center of Austin may edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish, or distribute the photographs and may use such photographs of me with or without my name and for any lawful purpose, including, for example, such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web content. I waive any right to financial or other remuneration arising or related to the use of the photographs.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Dyslexia Center of Austin does not and shall not discriminate based on race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors.
2026 Application & Acknowledgement Form
I acknowledge that I have received and read the policies contained in this packet. I agree to comply with the policies and practices of the Dyslexia Therapist Training Program at the Dyslexia Center of Austin as a condition of my participation.
Upon submitting this form, you will receive an email confirmation from the Dyslexia Center of Austin acknowledging receipt of your application and an invitation to schedule an interview.
Should you have any questions, feel free to email Kelly O’Mullan.