A workspace with a wooden desk holding a spiral notebook, a black marker, a yellow plastic pineapple, and a laptop placed on a clear plastic container. The laptop screen displays a webpage titled 'Great Expectations Education' with colorful pencils.

Research and Continuing Professional Development

As a dyslexia specialist teacher, understanding and implementing effective pedagogical approaches is paramount in ensuring the success and well-being of individuals with additional needs. The field of education is constantly evolving, and staying abreast of the latest pedagogical research is essential for delivering high-quality, evidence-based instruction tailored to the unique needs of learners. Continuous Professional Development is a vital component of this journey, empowering educators to refine their skills, integrate innovative techniques, and adapt to advancements in research and technology. Below, you will be able to see some of my recent pedagogical influences.

The Teaching of Reading

22nd June 2023 (1 hour) - attendance at ‘Evidence-Based Reading with Chris Such’ , facilitated by FFT Education.

Memory

13th June 2023 (1.5 hours) - Attended ‘Working Memory & Academic Success - with Dr Pakiam Alloway’. facilitated by Buckinghamshire Patoss

Autism

September - November 2022 - The Autism Advocate: an 8 week course, led by Kieran Rose.

4th May 2023 - ‘The Art of Low Demand Parenting - in the Real World’, webinar attendance with Naomi Fisher

18th October 2023 - ‘Understanding and Helping Your Demand Avoidant Child’, webinar by Naomi Fisher.

Dysgraphia and handwriting difficulties

October 2nd 2023 - Attendance at the ‘International Dysgraphia Awareness Day’, coordinated by SEND Group. Talks covering the importance of Handwriting, Keyboarding and SEND (Amanda McLeod); Solving Handwriting Problems (Klara Backes); The Power of Rhythm for Sensory Regulation and Handwriting (Bridgette Nicholson) and Implementing Simple Strategies for Handwriting (Sue Smit).