Dyslexia and Multisensory Education

30 + years teacher public schools - mainstream and special education needs; Adjunct faculty at Fairleigh Dickinson University - Dyslexia program; Private practice using the Orton Gillingham (OG) multisensory approach to support all aspects of reading, writing, study skills for individuals ranging from kindergarten through post graduate settings with learning disabilities; provide SAT tutoring students that learn differently.

My personal approach to helping students is to first develop a safe environment so each student feels relaxed and lets down his/her "wall of protection" from feeling inadequate, or inferior to others. Once a student can focus and feel at ease, then the learning and fun begins! My approach includes a variety of techniques including a multisensory approach, engaging in a high energy manner so students begin to learn and understand they have gifts to share with others. As each student develops a stronger self-confidence, he/she begins to understand the role "brain connections" have on one's ability to learn. Slowly, each student begins to develop deeper, more meaningful connections of what they know (prior knowledge) and what they are learning. All of this occurs over the weeks and months. For me, the best is when a student identifies what works best. An important aspect of learning for each student is through shared reflections. How great it is when students begin to truly share their thoughts, and are supported by classmates? Each session, my students leaves the classroom sharing what they liked or did not like about the class lessons. Guess what? Over time, each student begins to realize they are intelligent, and are leaning. Most importantly each student internalizes that they are SUCCESSFUL! When kids are excited over something they have learned or experienced, they are encouraged (at appropriate times) to call out A W E S O M E! How can one not love working with kids - they bring so much joy every day! And one final comment, I always tell my students, once you are my student, you are always my student! They all know I am serious about their learning, and based on the many "former" students who stop by to visit, my current students believe and are inspired to do more to grow! Thanks for taking time to read! Elizabeth Kenny-Foggin

Teacher of the Year Award 2016-2017 - Holmdel Board of Education, New Jersey; Teacher Innovator Award 2011 - International Multisensory Language Education Council (IMSLEC); Teacher of the Year 2009-2010 Holmdel Board of Education, NJ

Orton Gillingham Therapist and Teacher Trainer: IMSLEC Certified - Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ; Dyslexia Specialist Certification - Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ; Master of Art in Administration and Supervision - University of Phoenix (online); Master of Science in Special Education - The College of Staten Island, Staten Island, NY

It has been my goal since I first began to teach, to work with students from kindergarten through graduate level dealing with learning differences. Life is full of surprises! My professional path has made many turns and twists and where I am today, was not in "my" plan. Thank goodness for me, God knew what I was destined to do! My teaching career is now dedicated to learning and continually upgrading my knowledge of learning disabilities and research based strategies and methodologies to support every student in my path, or should I say standing in front of me on my path! Students struggling to read in my class have pushed me to learn more about strategies and up-to-date research regarding successful teaching skills needed to support literacy skills development,which eventually landed me in the field of dyslexia and language based disorders. I started to make my own materials for students when one of my students went crazy over a story I had written that was all about her, and on her reading level. I will never forget one of my students, Marissa, calling out, "Cool, a book all about me!" At that time, Marissa was in the 8th grade and DESPISED reading. I knew I had hit "pay dirt!" Since that day, I have created most of my own multisensory materials. I attend national conferences every year to stay up-to-date on research; and I use the research to create age appropriate looking materials, so older students are not demoralized by the "baby" materials, as they "call" many of the commercially prepared materials that are designed for older students with low skill abilities. My goal is to individualize student work to the best of my ability. So that is a bit more about me and my drive to help students... I am a member of the following professional organizations: International Multisensory Educational Council International Dyslexia Association I am a board member of the New Jersey chapter of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) since 2014. I am an adjunct faculty member at Fairleigh Dickinson University teaching undergraduate and graduate courses for over seven years. Additionally, I have a private practice working with individuals from age 4 through adulthood with learning differences, including dyslexia, writing, executive functioning challenges and more. And lastly, I consult with school districts and provide professional development workshops, training teachers and providing supports in the classroom, along with working side-by-side with classroom teachers and staff, as they implement new teaching practices. Thanks for taking time to read my bio. Email me if you have any questions, or would like to comment... Elizabeth Kenny-Foggin ekennyfoggin@gmail.com