[tomato]

Hi

Does anyone know if being dyslexic is likely to cause any problems when training to teach primary school? A friend (30 years old) who is hoping to become a teacher has been told that his dyslexia will cause problems teaching at primary level, and that he should apply for secondary school training only. He's hoping to go down the GTP route but is also considering PGCE.

Any thoughts?

[Christine]

I know plenty of Dyslexic primary teachers. There could be problems with teaching kids to spell, and with reading out loud to the class, but it depends on your friend's specific difficulties because of their dyslexia. I would encourage them to look at this website themselves as we've had previous debates on the subject.
If they are going for the GTP route then they should also talk to the schools they are considering, and other schools in the area. Most headteachers do give up their time willingly to talk to those considering getting into teaching, which knowing how incredibly busy the headmaster of my kids school is, is pretty amazing. Your friend should also try to get some work experience observing what actually happens in the classroom, and also realise that schools vary *immensley* (Okay I can't spell!) in what and how they do things. If they were told the dyslexia thing by a teacher maybe this is saying something about one school?
I think this is a key thing to work out if you are going down the GTP route, as PGCE does offer your teaching practice in more than one school.
What area of the country are they in? Maybe someone here knows interesting schools they should be looking at?

So overall, I think your friend needs to take a good look at their weaknesses and see if they think these rule them out from teaching. But also they need to talk to, and preferably visit a number of schools too. They can also ask the headteachers they visit if they think their dyslexia will be a problem. (If it is for a school, then I'd doubt wether I'd want to do GTP there.)

[tomato]

Thanks Christine, that's very helpful.

[tomato]

My friend is based in North London in case anyone knows of any schools/Heads that may be helpful.

[Womble]

I'm doing a PGCE in Secondary Science and i know a few dyslexics from last years cohort. Being Dyslexic makes doing the course a bit more 'interesting' but it's doable. And by interesting i mean you have to put that extra bit of effort in to get through it but if it's what you want then its worth it.

[Joolz]

Hi Tomato

You might be interested in checking out a website for teachers who are dyslexic run by the Dyslexic Teachers Association - (of which I am a committee member- just declaring my interest).

It is : http://thedta.tripod.com/


The site offers a source of information about the difficulties that a dyslexic teacher may face and ways to overcome them.

The choice of becoming a teacher needs to take in to account, as Christine says, what your friends specific weaknesses are, and the degree to which dyslexia ( negatively) affects them and- the specific age group and/or subjects taught.
The level of competence in basic numeracy, literacy and IT is important as there is a national requirement that all trainee teachers pass three skills tests in these subjects before going on to their induction year and being awarded QTS ( Qualified Teacher Status).

There should be (!) no unfair discrimination against people who are dyslexic when applying for teacher training either ITT ( Initial Teacher Training) or GTP ( Graduate Teacher Programme) however it is important to recognise that 'fitness to teach' is the legitimate basis for whether a dyslexic candidate is suitable.

It isn't all about weaknesses though, Dyslexic teachers have a lot to offer in terms of their strengths.
Joolz

[Womble]

Julie, on Jul 1 2008, 06:09 PM, said:

Did you get any support through your GTP because of your dyslexia. I start my GTP in sept 08 and am trying to work out what help i can get. In my degree i got a free computer and a person who went through my essays with me. Both were sooo helpful. I can't seem to find out if i'm entitled to them again in sept

I did not recieve any support on a GTP course, but that's cos i did a PGCE.

And yes, i was supported. The PGCE is the uni route so i was eligable for the support that undergrads get.