Friday, July 17, 2015

Heading home already

Well I finally figured this out and now it's time to head home. Today we presented what we learned at our summer institute to the group. My group was a group of 5 wonderful people from all over and our topic was surface dyslexia.  All of our groups powerpoints will be put together in a booklet.

That's good because.....My brain is so filled with strategies, interventions, assessments and brain functions that I'm glad I'll have emails of new friends and mentors and powerpoints with brain based information from dynamic and experienced leaders in education.

I am filled with inspiration, but it will take me some time to digest it all.

Thank-you Fund For Teachers!!!


Here is some scenery from Cape Cod!


Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Made it to the Cape!


After all the waiting, anticipating and planning, I finally made it to my fund for teaching fellowship in Wellfleet, MA. The place is a beautiful setting to learn about how our brain processes and how to help those students that need a little extra thought to figure out how they learn best based on the latest brain research out there.

I'm feeling a little intimidated by the massive intellect, experience and problem solvers that have gathered together for this summer institute.  We range from program coordinator, specialists, administrators, neuropsychologists to a wonderful first year teacher who has had her own struggle with dyslexia and is wise beyond her years. We've also come from all parts of the world including Australia, Israel and Germany.

Yesterday we learned about the different sub types of dyslexia, which part of the brain is affected in each type and some possible interventions for each group and for specific age groups.

Today we were introduced to a new assessment for dyslexia called "far."  This is so new and innovative that it has just came out a few weeks ago, it is less time consuming, more targeted and it efficiently gives a place to start using specific interventions.  We also broke up into our groups so that we can begin our study to share with the group on Friday.

Good stuff here, exciting and very relevant to anyone working in a school setting!

For those interested, here's the book that has some great information!
Essentials of Planning,Selecting, and Tailoring Interventions for Unique Learners
Excellent Book on interventions!

I hope to have some pictures up tomorrow- trying to figure out technology!



Monday, April 27, 2015

Good News!


I got my grant!
In December I was talking to a fellow teacher that told me about this amazing professional development opportunity for teachers called "Fund for Teachers." She teaches in the transitions program and said that she applied for and received a grant to go to New York to study the stock market right there on wall street.  I looked into the program and knew exactly what I wanted to do.  I teach students with learning disabilities and I wanted to know more about how to help my students.  Not only with their learning difficulties, but also with their strengths 

I searched online and found this summer institute in Wellfleet, MA.  

I filled out the Fund for Teacher application in January and.......in April I found out..... that...... I got the grant and an amazing opportunity to work with a world renowned neuropsychologist.  I hope to learn and apply the most recent best practice on assessments, interventions and the latest brain research for students with learning difficulties.

This blog will be my journey and then a record of how I use this experience to help inspire students, families and my community!