My colleague, Dr. Celeste Rivers, and I recently attended the Georgia Dyslexia Association's annual conference in Milledgeville.
In addition to the engaging keynote speeches, the conference offered a series of breakout sessions that provided us the chance to delve into specific topics relevant to our work. One particularly intriguing session focused on the integration of Artificial Intelligence in teaching reading. As technology continues to evolve, educators are increasingly looking for innovative ways to harness AI's capabilities to tailor learning experiences for each student. Another breakout session explored the impact of dyslexia on math performance. Many individuals with dyslexia face challenges not only in reading but also in understanding mathematical concepts and language. Other sessions focused on including morphology instruction in the very early grades and incorporating grammar instruction along with teaching students to become automatic and fluent readers.
Throughout the conference, we felt a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. The conversations shared with fellow educators highlighted the collective efforts being made to advocate for neurodivergent students and the importance of partnerships between families, schools, and communities. Every story shared and lesson learned reaffirmed our passion for empowering students at Darlington’s Teaching & Learning Center to unlock their potential as confident readers and learners.
As we returned to Darlington, we carry with us not only valuable insights from the conference, but also an invigorated sense of community. We are excited to implement what we learned to better support our students and to continue advocating for inclusive practices that celebrate neurodiversity.
Attending Georgia's Chapter of the International Dyslexia Association's annual conference served as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward understanding and supporting neurodivergent learners. Together, educators like us are instrumental in breaking down barriers and providing personalized pathways that lead all students to success. With ongoing education, collaboration, and passion, we can continue to create more inclusive classrooms for every learner.
Professional growth and development are high priorities for Darlington. Each year, faculty and staff members participate in a professional growth cycle that includes professional learning communities, professional development days, and the ability to apply for professional development grants which fund conferences, travel, workshops, instructional supplies, outside speakers, and more. For the next few weeks, our blog series will highlight some of the opportunities that faculty and staff have participated in since they were awarded 2024-2025 Thatcher Grants last spring.
