If it's our job to inspire, encourage, and empower all of our students, why aren't we doing it with each other? I urge secret sufferers to declare their dyslexia -- your students will be inspired. I challenge colleagues to support teachers with learning needs and celebrate their bravery. It's time to talk about dyslexia.
Matthew James
Is this the first time you are reading about dyslexic teachers? Did it ever cross your mind that a dyslexic learner could grow up to become a teacher?Maybe you do not know what being dyslexic means?Let's start from there.
What is Dyslexia
The British Dyslexia Association defines Dyslexia as "a specific learning difficulty which primarily affects reading and writing skills. However, it does not only affect these skills. Dyslexia is actually about information processing. Dyslexic people may have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, which can affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills. Dyslexia can also impact other areas, such as organisational skills."
Dyslexia is commonly associated with young learners.Sadly,it is a condition which equally affects adults.Teachers with dyslexia face unique challenges in their profession, as their learning differences can impact their ability to effectively access, process, and convey information. However, with the advent of assistive technology, these challenges can be managed, enabling them to excel in their roles.
This article aims to create awareness on the fact that Dyslexia is a condition which also affects teachers, and suggest some assistive technology tools available to support teachers with Dyslexia, empowering them to deliver classroom instruction in all ease.
Symptoms of a Dyslexic Teacher
Medical specialist say Dyslexia is neurobiological in origin.However,each Dyslexic person has their own symptoms, which can vary from simple to severe.The following symptoms are general characteristics of a dyslexic teacher:
●Frequent spelling errors.This might be because they forget or are unable to retain a particular word no matter how many times they must have used them.
● Writing on the board. Poor and disorganized handwriting, no matter how concentrated they seem.
● Remembering information.They forget a lot.Colleagues and pupils' names, useful administrative dates, etc
●Organisation and time management.Usually running late to or out of class, schedules, and meetings.
●Lesson planning.Difficulties in aligning appropriate information in a lesson plan.
●Marking written work.Lazy in marking.Stressed during marking.
●Reading documents.Get nervous when it comes to reading a document.Might read several times before understanding.
Due to the above difficulties, teachers with Dyslexia undergo many challenges, especially in their professional millieu.Some of these challenges include;
▪︎Colleagues who do not understand the nature of dyslexia
▪︎Questioning of competence from other teachers, pupils, or parents
▪︎Low self-confidence in writing, reading, or maths
▪︎A lack of support from mentors or senior staff
If you are a Dyslexic teacher, do not feel embarrassed.Your condition should not discourage you. Reasearch shows that Dyslexic people display strengths in areas such as reasoning in visual and creative fields.They are best placed to understand learners' challenges in the classroom and can better find adaptable strategies.
Assistive Technology for Dyslexic Teachers
No matter how stranded you might feel,there are handy solutions to help you as a Dyslexic teacher cope in this digital era.The following tools and strategies can help you cope with your condition and enabling you explore the very best of your potential.
1-Grammarly for Spelling Challenges
Download apps like Grammarly to help you check your spelling in times of doubt and also correct your sentences.
2-Speech to text apps
This app can equally be of great assistance to teachers with dyslexia as it can help them write their thoughts.
3-Google calender app and Mobile Alarm
Install the app on your phone and save important dates with alarms to manage your memory loss challenges.
4- WhatsApp Diary.
Create a diary in your whatsapp so that you can jot in anything you think could be important to use in class for example. You can send in short explanations, image prompts that can help your brain to stay alert.
How to create a WhatsApp Diary
5-Mind Maps
70-90% of information recieved by the brain is through visuals.Using mind mapping to replace spellings or grammatic challenges can help teachers with Dyslexia focus more on rhe goal than the process.Canva is an interesting app with a variety of mind map templates you can use.
6-Register for Online courses
Of course, to stay alert, you need to learn constantly.Visit Google frequently and sign in for free online courses of interest.
7- Join a Community of Dyslexic teachers
You need to mingle with people who experience your challenges and get strength to focus and move on . (British Dyslexia Association)
Teaching with Dyslexia can be particularly challenging and would require more resilience, dedication and adaptability. By creating awareness of thier situation,and suggesting handy digital solutions to their hurdles, we hope to help this category of teachers feel included and considered.If you have a Dyslexic colleague around you,don't you think it is time for you to show them some interest?
Additional Information
Quite thoughtful. The tools are very useful. I hope more room is given to teachers living with disabilities to teach in our schools. Thank you, Abigail.
Blessing