DYSLEXIC TEACHERS

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but I’m getting a LOT of DMs from people, particularly trainees, who are worried that their SEND will be a problem with employers and students. I’m dyslexic and have been an English teacher for 11 years. 1/

2/ Dyslexia doesn’t make you stupid, and it DOESN’T preclude you from being a good teacher. In my experience, dyslexics make excellent teachers because they are so used to finding creative ways around difficult things...

3/ If you feel comfortable doing so, sharing the fact that you are dyslexic with your students can be a really powerful thing. Students who are NOT dyslexic might start to see dyslexics in a new light, and those who ARE might take inspiration from your success.

4/ Many people have expressed concern to me about revealing their SEND to their employer. Under the Equality Act 2010, dyslexia is classed as a disability. An employer should not only be supportive of your needs, but also be prepared to make any reasonable adjustments required...

5/... to support you in your work. And remember: any employer who has an issue with hiring a dyslexic teacher is one you probably don’t want to work for. It suggests that their ambitions for their STUDENTS with SEND are equally problematic.

6/ There are ways to manage the way you work to help you cope with your dyslexia really successfully. I wrote a blog a while ago which gives some examples of what I do to stay on top of things: https://funkypedagogy.com/2016/05/06/the-dyslexic-english-teacher/

7/ Check out @BDAdyslexia @dyslexiauk @DyslexiaAction for more ideas and support. And stop worrying. Dyslexia is complex and manifested itself differently for all of us. People who think they can define you based on your dyslexia are ignorant and do not deserve your energy.