Take Flight Dyslexia Therapist Training Program
In Partnership with Region 13 ESC
2027 Application
Thank you for your interest in the Dyslexia Center of Austin's Take Flight Dyslexia Therapist Training Program. We look forward to learning more about you and supporting you throughout the application process.
Minimum Cohort Size: 10 participants
Application Checklist
Step 1: Complete the Application
After reviewing the program requirements, complete the application.
Step 2: Submit Two Professional Letters of Recommendation
Applicants working in a school setting must include one from their principal. Please email letters of recommendation to Kelly O’Mullan at kelly@dyslexiacenterofaustin.org.
Step 3: Submit the School Support Form
Applicants working in a school setting should have their principal complete the School Support Form.
Step 4: Request Your Official College Transcript
Please have your college or university send an official transcript for your highest degree earned directly to Kelly O’Mullan at kelly@dyslexiacenterofaustin.org.
Step 5: Interview
Once we’ve received your application, applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual Zoom interview. We look forward to meeting you!
Year 1—Introductory Training
The Introductory Year provides the academic foundation and supervised clinical experience needed to begin developing the knowledge and instructional skills to become a Certified Academic Language Therapist.
Academic Requirements
Introductory Summer Course
July 12-30, 2027
Monday–Friday | 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
School-Year Seminars
Attend four full-day seminars (8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) throughout the school year to deepen instructional knowledge and strengthen clinical practice.
Professional Reading & Assignments
To reinforce course content, participants will:
Complete assigned readings from academic articles and professional texts, and submit one-page reflections
Read two approved professional books and submit a one-page reflection for each
Professional Learning
Attend one approved dyslexia-related conference or equivalent professional development (5–6 hours) to expand your knowledge and connect with leaders in the field.
Clinical Teaching Requirements
Teaching Experience
Participants are required to teach three Take Flight therapy groups, with 1–5 students per group, throughout the school year.
Instruction may be scheduled using one of the following models:
Option 1 (Recommended): 60 minutes per group, 4 days per week
Option 2: 45 minutes per group, 5 days per week
Demonstration Lessons
To develop instructional expertise, participants will:
Submit five recorded demonstration lessons
Complete a self-reflection for each lesson
Receive detailed observation, coaching, and individualized feedback from a Qualified Instructor
Participate in one-on-one consultation meetings to support continued professional growth
Progress Monitoring
Participants are expected to:
Monitor student progress using approved assessment procedures
Submit progress-monitoring data in the required format
Complete periodic trainee progress reports documenting supervised teaching experiences and clinical hours
Trainee Progress Reports
Participants will prepare and submit periodic progress reports that document supervised teaching situations and clinical training hours.
Qualifying for Year 2—Advanced Training
To continue into the Advanced Year, participants must successfully complete the following by May 31:
Successfully pass all five Introductory Year demonstration lessons
Reach Take Flight Lesson 67 with at least one group
These milestones demonstrate readiness to progress to more advanced coursework and clinical instruction.
Year 2—Advanced Training
The Advanced Year builds upon the knowledge and clinical experience gained during the Introductory Year. Through advanced coursework, supervised clinical teaching, and individualized mentoring, participants refine their instructional expertise and prepare for certification as a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT).
Academic Requirements
Advanced Summer Course
Participants begin the Advanced Year with an intensive one-week summer course, held Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., focusing on advanced instructional techniques, clinical decision-making, and continued implementation of the Take Flight curriculum.
School-Year Seminars
Attend four full-day seminars (8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) throughout the school year to deepen clinical expertise, collaborate with fellow trainees, and receive ongoing guidance from Qualified Instructors.
Professional Reading & Assignment
To strengthen clinical knowledge and instructional practice, participants will:
Complete assigned readings from academic articles and professional texts
Submit one-page reflections
Read three approved professional books and submit a one-page reflection for each
Professional Learning
Attend one approved dyslexia-related conference or equivalent professional development (5–6 hours) to remain current with research and best practices in dyslexia assessment and intervention.
Clinical Teaching Requirements
Clinical teaching continues to be the cornerstone of the Advanced Year. Participants refine their instructional expertise while continuing to provide dyslexia intervention using the Take Flight curriculum under the mentorship of Qualified Instructors.
Teaching Experience
Continue teaching three Take Flight therapy groups, with 1–5 students per group, throughout the school year.
Demonstration Lessons
To demonstrate continued growth in clinical practice, participants will:
Submit five recorded demonstration lessons featuring second-year Take Flight instruction
Complete a self-reflection for each lesson
Receive detailed observation, individualized coaching, and written feedback from a Qualified Instructor
Participate in one-on-one consultation meetings to support continued professional growth
Progress Monitoring & Documentation
Participants are expected to:
Monitor student progress using approved assessment procedures
Submit progress-monitoring data in the required format
Complete periodic trainee progress reports documenting supervised teaching experiences and accumulated clinical teaching hours
Additional Training Information
Demonstration Lessons
Participants must successfully complete 10 recorded demonstration lessons (five in the Introductory Year and five in the Advanced Year). Each submission must include a lesson plan and self-reflection and will be evaluated by a Qualified Instructor (QI), who provides individualized coaching and feedback.
A minimum score of 85 is required to pass.
Demonstration lessons must be no longer than 65 minutes and submitted by the published due dates.
One point will be deducted for each day a demonstration lesson is late.
Participants have two opportunities to pass each demonstration lesson. A third submission or additional required demonstrations will incur a $100 evaluation fee.
Attendance
Attendance at all summer courses and seminars is required. If an absence is unavoidable, prior approval must be obtained from the instructional team, and all assigned make-up work must be completed.
Coursework
The Take Flight Dyslexia Therapist Training Program is equivalent to 15 graduate-level credit hours. Participants are expected to complete all assigned readings, written assignments, and book reports and submit coursework by the designated deadlines.
Extended Training
Participants must complete 700+ hours of supervised clinical teaching and successfully meet all program requirements. Those needing additional clinical hours, demonstration lessons, or supervision may be required to extend their training. Additional fees may apply.
ADA Accommodations
Requests for accommodations must be submitted in writing with supporting documentation at least two weeks before the Introductory Summer Course.
Photo Release
Participants authorize the Dyslexia Center of Austin to use photographs and recordings for educational, promotional, and marketing purposes.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The Dyslexia Center of Austin provides an inclusive learning environment and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable law.
2027 Application & Acknowledgement Form
By submitting this application, I acknowledge that I have reviewed and understand the policies, expectations, and requirements outlined in this application packet. I agree to comply with the policies and practices of the Dyslexia Center of Austin’s Dyslexia Therapist Training Program as a condition of participation.
Upon submission, you will receive an email confirmation from the Dyslexia Center of Austin acknowledging receipt of your application and invitation to schedule a virtual interview.
We appreciate your interest in becoming a Certified Academic Language Therapist and look forward to learning more about your professional goals.
If you have questions about the application process, please email Kelly O’Mullan at kelly@dyslexiacenterofaustin.org.