Recording – 11-08-2024 17:17:38

00:01 My name is chloe pickens. I'm 18 years old. Today is November 8th, 2024. I'm currently a first time freshman at Sam Houston State University. I'm speaking with Jennifer Fernandez today. She has previously taught Pre K through 7th grade, but currently specializes in elementary dyslexia and dysgraphia@ambul ISD. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a master's in reading from Sam Houston State University. So. So, Jennifer, what inspired you to specialize in teaching students with dyslexia and dysgraphia?

00:30 I have a passion for teaching kids how to read and write. There's nothing greater in the world than watching the light bulb come on and watching a child grow in confidence with reading and writing. That's the reason I wanted to pursue a master's of reading at Sam Houston.

00:45 All right, and then can you describe some of the most effective strategies you found for helping students with these learning differences?

00:51 Yeah, the most effective strategies I've learned is to find out where the child is. I like to meet them where they are and work from there. For example, if they're. I do a few informal assessments and then from there I go and teach them.

01:06 Okay, and so as your role, what are the biggest challenges you face in that role and how do you overcome them?

01:14 So the biggest challenges that I face right now is having students of varied abilities in a group, and I overcome them by. Overcome it by differentiating instruction for what each individual child needs.

01:29 Okay, and then how do you stay updated on the latest research and techniques in the field of both dyslexia and dysgraphia education?

01:37 I stay up to date in the latest research by attending several hours of professional development, and I attend annual conferences. I have to keep up because as laws change, I have to help the kids when the laws change.

01:55 Okay, and then, so what kind of advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in your field?

02:03 Oh, the advice I definitely give would be to be very patient. It took me almost 20 years of classroom teaching to finally get my dyslexia dysgraphia position. It's a very sought after position.

02:17 And then could you share a success story of a student that you have worked with and how you helped them achieve their goals?

02:25 A success story that I have is watching a student who could barely read be able to finally blend or spell and just really take off with reading. The student is now very successful and now only has to use their accommodations.

02:40 And then what are the next steps in your career and what kind of goals are you aiming to achieve in your future.

02:47 My next step in my career or dream job really would be to return to school to pursue a PhD so that I could one day teach other teachers. That's just my goal and my dream.

03:00 All right. And that's going to be the end of my questioning. Thank you so much.

03:05 All right. Thank you.