| Hello SENIA Friends,
Running has been a passion of mine for years, and I've trained for and competed in multiple races. Before my first half marathon, I shared my apprehension about completing the race with a friend who was a fellow runner and track coach. She offered me sage advice that I still hold dear to this day: "Remember two things. First, your mind gives up before your body does. Second, don't focus on the finish line and how far away it seemInstead, concentrate on where you are in the moment and take each step at a time." This advice proved invaluable, allowing me to stay present and savor the race without worrying about the end result.
With May just around the corner, many of you are approaching the end of the school year, which can feel like a daunting finish line. Tasks like administering assessments, analyzing data, writing IEP reports, and meeting with families can seem insurmountable. For parents, there are also final sporting events, school concerts, parent-teacher conferences, and even planning for a move or transition to contend with. The sheer volume of these responsibilities can be overwhelming and trigger anxiety.
At SENIA, we see you and we're here to support you as you tackle your massive to-do list. To help you manage your workload, experts recommend prioritizing your tasks, breaking them down into smaller, more manageable pieces, setting achievable daily goals, minimizing distractions, taking breaks to recharge, and practicing self-care. While it may be difficult to implement all of these strategies at once, we've found that incorporating a few can make a significant difference. So, consider selecting a few tactics that resonate with you and give them a try. Remember that progress, no matter how small, is still progress, and we're rooting for you every step of the way.
As May approaches, I hope you can recall the advice of my running mentor and focus on each moment. Instead of fixating on the finish line, take each day one step at a time. Remember to breathe, take care of yourself, and appreciate the journey. Lori Boll SENIA International Executive Director Friendly Reminder: We have lots to share in our newsletter. When you see 3 dots, be sure to click "see more" so you don't miss out on anything. |
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Help for struggling readers, at any grade level |
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A message from our platinum sponsor, Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes By Angelica Benson, Ed.M. Director of Development and Outreach
angelica.benson@lindamoodbell.com |
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How can we ensure that our students are reading and comprehending to their potential? Taking stock of your best practices as a teacher? Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes builds the imagery-language foundation to teach students to read and comprehend. We believe that all individuals can learn to their potential. With more than 50 learning centers worldwide and dozens of seasonal learning camps, we provide individualized instruction to students in person, or via live, online instruction.
We also offer professional development workshops to educators with a range of options for follow-up coaching including onsite mentoring and levels of customized continued professional development with schools. Supported by extensive behavioral and neurologic research, our evidence-based instruction is successful for individuals with learning challenges, including dyslexia, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder.
A common question from educators is, “How can I help my struggling readers become more independent?” As we explore the reading and comprehension challenges many students face, we offer teachers four essential tips to help struggling readers, at any grade level: Data-driven Instruction: Everyday Tips for Teachers
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SENIA Beijing is a well-established chapter that has been planting seeds since its first conference in 2008. The chapter has a seven-member board with each member having unique responsibilities to SENIA Beijing and the community it serves. The current focus of the chapter is on autism awareness and inclusion. In April, the chapter organized two events that aimed to raise awareness about autism. The first event was a community event that offered different activities, music, speeches from families, and sensory experiences. The second event was a series of weekly talks that centered around the idea of neurodiversity and inclusion. Apart from these events, the chapter is also updating its external expertise directory and planning for future local conferences. The chapter aims to support students, teachers, and the community "one seed at a time."
Overall, SENIA Beijing is an active and dedicated chapter that strives to create a more inclusive environment for individuals with special educational needs in Beijing. With its commitment to planting seeds of awareness and inclusion, the chapter continues to make a positive impact in the community. |
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Scholarships & Awards World Changer Award |
Congratulations to Korok Biswas as the winner of this month’s SENIA World Changer Award.
Korok is India’s first ever dance performer with down syndrome to be credited in India’s Book of Records. From an early age, Korok and his parents believed with love and support that Korok would pursue his passion of dance. He trained hard and had learned that through perseverance and dedication he could achieve his goals. His school, the Noble Mission of South Calcutta, supported him with developing patience, how to adapt to the world around him and believed in his performance talents. Korok has achieved much recognition for his dance and his work supporting people with down syndrome in India and around the world. Here are some of his achievements: Indian National Award in Art & Culture, International Dance Council, UNESCO Best Fighter Dancer, and Down Syndrome International Self Advocate.
Korok is taking the Indian dance performance scene by storm and in the process, inspiring future generations of people with down syndrome to follow their dreams. Representation matters! Click the button below to learn more about Korok’s journey. |
Neurodiversity Celebration Week |
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools and organizations with the opportunity to recognize the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual. Here are some of our SENIA Member Schools’ wonderful Neurodiversity Celebrations: |
Check out this Beijinger Article on the SENIA Beijing Autism Awareness event, featuring reflections from some of our SENIA Youth volunteers. |
Host Lori Boll speaks with Anita Churchville, an educational consultant and founder of the HAGT Learners Collaborative. She currently coordinates the High Ability Program at the American School of Bombay and conducts professional development workshops, courses, and ongoing coaching at a number of private international schools with European and American curricula. Anita’s published writing includes The 3 E’s of Authentic Parent Partnership for Gifted Students and Ability Grouping ≠ Tracking. Anita serves as a New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation school visitor and as a professional mentor for the Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color (AIELOC). Lori and Anita speak about HA/Gifted programs and how educators can best support these learners in their classrooms.
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Our list of SENIA School Members continues to grow, giving members like you access to a wealth of global knowledge and support. Last year at this time, only one school had joined our ranks, but since January 2023, we’ve welcomed five new schools, bringing our total to over 30!
As a member, you’ll have access to our Mighty Networks Platform, where you can collaborate with other members and benefit from their expertise. For example, I recently collaborated with other members to develop a Middle School Study Skills Curriculum. Other members have sought resources on topics such as MTSS systems, procedural handbooks, and bullying rates.
But the real magic of SENIA membership lies in the opportunity to learn from other schools. Take the Winstedt School in Singapore, for instance, who have integrated therapy into their classrooms. By working together and sharing our experiences, we can unlock the potential of our community and make a real impact on our students’ lives.
~ Lizzie Hudson,
Director of Membership |
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Level 1 Educator Certification & Coursework |
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Next Course Begins May 8th |
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This coursework is perfect for the beginning to intermediate level Learning Support teacher or general educators who want to learn more about supporting students with learning differences. We've had parents participate and have gotten good feedback from them as well. Take one course or all six. Educators who take all six earn a SENIA Level One Educator certification. Sign up for all 6 courses now and get one course free. |
NEW Teaching Assistant Certification |
Are you passionate about empowering students to reach their full potential? Want to enhance your skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact in their lives? Then join the SENIA Teaching Assistant Certification Course!
Discover the history of inclusive practices and gain insights into the most common educational diagnoses in schools. Learn about data collection and confidentiality, and dive into classroom practices such as behavior management, positive transitions and routines, and promoting friendships.
Customize your experience by choosing the modules that best suit your needs, or complete the full certification. Collaborate with your team and make it a shared learning journey.
By the end of this seven-part course, you will leave feeling confident and ready to revolutionize the world of international school learning support. Enroll now and let's make a difference together! |
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Want regular updates on SENIA Academy? Join our mailing list. Bonus: Sign up for the SENIA Academy mailing list and we'll share 6 hands-on tips for using AI as an Educator! |
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SENIA Spring 2024 Conference |
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SENIA International 18160 Cottonwood Rd. PMB 637 | Sunriver, OR | USA Unsubscribe link |
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