LCEEQ is offering two webinars with author and founder of the Dyslexia Training Institute, Kelli Sandman-Hurley. The first session is February 27, 2025 and open to all; teachers, professionals, administrators, etc.
The second session on April 10, 2025 is geared specifically to the Secondary level, remembering that dylexia is not just in Elementary or limited to ELA, but crosses all subjects, so if you are working at the Secondary level in any subject, this webinar is for you.
We are also offering a webinar session with Dr. Sandra Martin-Chang on March 24, 2025. This sessions is geared to Grades 1-7 Teachers, Literacy Coaches, and Special Education Teachers.
Take a look at the details below, see which session is right for you and save the date(s), registration opening in the new year.
Dyslexia for a Day: A Simulation of Dyslexia - a webinar with Dr. Kelli Sandman-Hurley
February 27, 2025 10:00AM - 12:00PM - All
April 10, 2025 10:00AM - 12:00PM - Secondary
Developing empathy for struggling students is imperative before trying to help them. In this session, participants will participate in four simulations of dyslexia which will include two reading and two writing simulations. The simulation will not only offer a glimpse into the academic struggles of students with dyslexia but will highlight the emotional stress that dyslexia can cause. Throughout the simulation information about dyslexia will be shared about how to help students in the classroom immediately. It is designed to help individuals gain a better understanding of and empathy for those children and adults who struggle with dyslexia.
A little more about Dr. Kelli Sandman-Hurley
Kelli Sandman-Hurley, Ed.D. is the author and founder of the Dyslexia Training Institute. She is a national speaker, advocate and expert witness for students and their families. Dr. Kelli has studied Structured Word Inquiry (SWI), the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach, Lindamood-Bell, RAVE-O and Read Naturally. She co-created and produced “Dyslexia for a Day: A Simulation of Dyslexia,” and authored the well-received books, Dyslexia Advocate! How to Advocate for a Child with Dyslexia within the Public Education System, Dyslexia & Spelling: Making Sense of it All and The Adult Side of Dyslexia.
Dr. Kelli earned a Doctorate in Literacy with a specialization in dyslexia from San Diego State University and the University of San Diego. Her love of language led her to earn an additional MA degree in Linguistics from San Diego State University as well as a TESOL certificate from UC San Diego.
When she is not working, you can find Dr. Kelli spending time with her son, husband, and beloved rescue dog – usually at a baseball game of some sort. If she’s not with them, you can find her on the tennis courts or boarding a plane somewhere.
Empowering Teachers: How Understanding Syllable Types Supports Student Learning
- a webinar with Dr. Sandra Martin-Chang
March 24, 2025 9:00AM - 11:00AM - Grades 1-7 Teachers, Literacy Coaches, Special Education Teachers
This session is designed for educators of students in grades 1 through 7 and will explore how understanding of syllable patterns can inform literacy instruction. By becoming familiar with the basics of syllable types, teachers can more effectively support students in their daily reading and writing activities. This knowledge allows for more targeted instruction that helps students navigate the complexities of our English orthography, allowing them to become confident, independent readers and spellers, from grade 1 all the way through university.
A little more about Dr. Sandra Martin-Chang
Sandra Martin-Chang received her bachelor’s in psychology at the University of Toronto, her Master's of Psychology at the University of Aberdeen (Scotland), and her PhD in Psychology from McMaster University. She has studied reading development for over two decades and has shared her research in talks throughout Canada, the US, Asia, Europe, and the UK.
She studies how reading in context, (especially reading storybooks and novels), influences cognitive development (e.g., reading, spelling, world knowledge). She is additionally interested in the role of teacher knowledge and parent knowledge in children's learning. In 2020, she was a short-listed author for Wiley’s UKLA Literacy Award in Education.
As a full Professor from one of Canada’s leading Departments of Education, she values the importance of disseminating her research to teachers and parents. To date, her work has been featured in many news outlets worldwide, including Psychology Today, Edutopia.org, The Washington Post, and The Times of India, as well as on CNN, CBC, and CTV.
Dr. Martin-Chang is currently serving as the Graduate Program Director in the Department of Education at Concordia. Her favourite things include reading juicy novels and cheering on the Toronto Raptors with her children.