I currently run a Dyslexia Support Service in a region of Scotland with 36 primary and 6 secondary schools, working mainly with staff rather than students. I have worked in all sectors of education, from Nursery to Higher Education, in England and Scotland; starting off as a History teacher, moving to primary class teaching and then to Support for Learning. Latterly I was a CPD Officer teaching the Post Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia through Edinburgh University and short courses on teaching able pupils and thinking skils.
In 2002 I took a 3 year secondment as a professional adviser to the Scottish Executive. There I helped develop policies particularly around the use of technology to enhance young people’s learning. I also worked on the government’s response to the National Debate and on embedding the National Priorities.
I am a Glow mentor and fully committed to, and excited by, the use of digital technologies to support learning. I became a Mistress (!) of Philosophy in 2004 and a Chartered Teacher in 2006.
Most of my own learning comes from working and living with young people although I study formally too.
I’m peeved by parents who dismiss those of us working in the public sector and who question our ability to identify and support learners with dyslexia. So here are my formal qualifications: BA(Hons), PGCE (Secondary), PGCE (Primary), PG Dip SEN, PG Dip Dyslexia, M.Phil, M.Teach, AMBDA
Here is part of my kitchen: (the card at the bottom reads: ‘Mum, we will do the washing up, your children’. The response – in Scots – ‘Aye, Right!’)
And some bumper stickers that speak to my condition:
I haven’t taken a picture of the fridge magnet that says ‘ Fighting for peace is like screwing for virginity’. But it’s there.
I loved your account of the visit to a computer shop. It seemed as if you were adrift that afternoon, waiting for something interesting to happen to you. It is no surprise that those men appeared at your elbow as you were examining the lap top. A woman contemplating a computer, as Jane Austen might have said, is evidently in need of assistance from a man. And think how exciting it must be, for men more at ease with computers than with the opposite sex, to find a woman who can use a word like desire when describing an Asus EEE.
Yes, I did sound a bit sad!
However, literary references are even more interesting to me than technological ones!
Hi Hilery, I have never responded to a web site before, such is both my fear and incompetence of our new technology in communication. E-mails are fine but limited as they only go to those I know, or desire to communicate with. However reading some of your articles makes me feel I would like to expand, but would need someone with a bit of patience to strart me off.
I so agree with your comment of being story tellers, Tousitalla (The teller of tales) was the name the Samoans gave to RLS when he was living, and dying there. I was so moved when I visited his last home, and also walk up the mountain to see his grave. My father was a great ’storyteller’ and sent us to sleep with so many magical tales of adventure and romance. That along with his monologues, and my mother’s poetry and love of Burns, has been a source of comfort and inspiration all my life. I find it sad that children today have almost lost this.
You are doing a great job. Speak soon. Hx
Hi Hilery. Was browsing looking for the J. to Excellence site and saw your name? How are you getting on? Lat I heard you were with Scott exec but looks like you’ve moved on . I iamgine Thea has left school by now . How is she and the boys. Sees a longtime since we swam on Fridays at the Coolege. Andrew and Suzi got married in the Ferry in May and then had reception in a barn near\St\Andrew’s . Jow retired as well in May and is relishing his new boat and all his other interests. Hope all gows well with you and yours ,
Sheila
Sheila
Good to hear from you. You’re still working I see.
Yes, it’s all change for us. Boys are good: S is still squatting and making art; L in the final throes of editing his novel for which he received a huge advance; T at university down south and loving it.
Get in touch: hileryjane@yahoo.co.uk – it would be good to catch up.
x