Today we’d like to introduce you to Tammy Spencer.
Hi Tammy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my career over 25 years ago, devoting myself to public education. Families and students in HISD anointed me “The Dyslexia Lady.” I knew then that this disorder was a big issue that needed more attention. Private and public schools alike have struggled to provide families with dyslexic students the time, resources and (typically) a timely diagnosis. I noticed so many families battled to just get their kids tested, and that’s what drove me to open the Dyslexia School of Houston. Amidst the pandemic, I left my job at Houston Independent School District (HISD) and in September 2020, Dyslexia School of Houston opened its doors. My primary goal was, and continues to be, making dyslexia education accessible to families who need it most while simultaneously providing young students with good initial instruction to build an educational foundation.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There have been a few bumps in the road throughout my career from the lack of attention and resources given to children with dyslexia. Sadly, it’s very common for kids to not even know they have dyslexia until later in life, and that should never be the case! I saw many families grappling to get their children a proper dyslexia diagnosis. Even after receiving the diagnosis, families constantly struggle with how to best help their children. However, witnessing these issues made me realize that I wanted to make a difference in these students’ and families’ lives, which, in turn, led me to found Dyslexia School of Houston.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dyslexia School of Houston?
Dyslexia School of Houston prides itself on its personalized and unique approach to teaching young students with dyslexia. We start by first offering evaluations for families who have battled to properly receive a diagnosis for their children. Once this evaluation process is complete, we work on an individual education plan for every student.
We also boast a 5:1 student to teacher ratio, which means each student is receiving the individualized attention they deserve. Providing “first good instruction” sets the learning tone throughout the program, as well as educating their families and helping them better understand their children’s unique educational needs.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Recognition that, in teaching, “one size does not fit all” and that each student has unique learning needs which should ultimately lead to more individualized instruction. Making evaluations more widely available and demonstrating rapid success based on those diagnoses should incentivize wider acceptance of these methods. The ultimate costs from failing to address these children’s literacy needs is exponentially higher than teaching to each student’s needs. A public investment in “schools within schools” or other individualized “pull-out” programs for dyslexic students could have dramatic effects.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dyslexiahouston.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dyslexiaschoolhtx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dyslexiaschoolhtx
Image Credits:
Dyslexia School of Houston
