Why I want to be a Reading Specialist

From: Gwendolyn Ahyoung

Profile of a Reading Specialist

As a reading specialist my expectation is to become a resource to other educators especially the classroom teacher in her daily literacy instructional practices. By working collaboratively with school personnel I hope that the needs of all students will be met as quality research-based programmes are developed and implemented. The lack of literacy skills among the nation's children is a situation that needs to be addressed urgently. The male student population in large numbers are part of this equation, which have extended from the primary schools to the secondary schools and even to tertiary level. Their lack of literacy engagement has resulted in very negative behaviour that has impacted the education system and our country. At present too many of our students are at risk of failing at both the primary and secondary school systems.

Our students need committed teachers who are suitably equipped to deal with the challenges that reading problems present in the classroom. These teachers must be supported adequately by their principals and in extension by reading specialists so that their classroom teaching will be evidence based and suited to the needs of all types of learners. I want to be able to assist teachers in assessing the literacy development of their students and also in planning appropriate instruction.

Lifelong learning is our goal as educators for the nation's children, and my desire is to be the instrument or tool that will make that objective a reality. I have witnessed too many children leaving the primary school system ill-equipped to handle literacy activities at the secondary school level, and know that many of them have faltered along the way. I believe that the process of eliminating the crisis begins at the primary school level, and so I want the opportunity to be a part of this important event.

Wonders of Technology

I am slowly but surely becoming a true member of this digital era, and am looking forward to learning more.