Enables microtubule binding activity. Involved in establishment of mitotic spindle localization; negative regulation of microtubule depolymerization; and response to temperature stimulus. Located in cytoplasm and microtubule cytoskeleton. Expressed in several structures, including amphid neurons; germ line; motor neurons; touch receptor neurons; and ventral nerve cord. Used to study dyslexia. Is an ortholog of human DCLK1 (doublecortin like kinase 1) and DCLK2 (doublecortin like kinase 2).