Recording ONLY - Dyslexia Virtual Conference 2025 - Let's Talk About Dyslexia: Creating empowering classrooms

Dr Fiona Aubrey-Smith EdD MA(Ed) MMus PGCE BA(Hons) FCCT FRSA FHEA - Founder, PedTech

From EdTech to PedTech: Changing the way we think about digital technology

The global bestselling book 'From EdTech to PedTech: Changing the way we think about digital technology' challenges each of us to think about what it means to be a learner and an educator in a contemporary world. But what should we be thinking about when exploring the role of digital for learners with dyslexia?

This session will share research findings and implications relating to EdTech and a pedagogy-first approach, big questions for us each to consider, and practical suggestions that you can take forwards in your own practice straight away.

Target Audience: Primary and Secondary

Named in 2024 as one of the Top 5 Visionary Women in Education, Dr Fiona Aubrey-Smith is an award winning teacher, leader and academic with a passion for supporting those who work with children and young people. As Founder of PedTech and Director of One Life Learning, Fiona works closely with schools and trusts, professional learning providers and EdTech companies. She is also an Associate Lecturer, PhD supervisor and Consultant Researcher at a number of universities, and sits on the board of a number of multi academy and charitable trusts.

Co-author of the best selling book From EdTech to PedTech: Changing the way we think about digital technology, Fiona is a regular contributor to events and publications about Education, Pedagogy and Education Technology. She is a Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, and has been awarded Fellowships by RSA, NAACE and the HEA.

In 2023, Fiona was made a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Educators and in 2024, Fiona was granted Freedom of the City of London.

Abigail Gray - SEND Consultant - Senworks Ltd

Adapting teaching to support pupils with dyslexia and other SEND.

A training session for those wanting to understand and develop consistent practice in adapting teaching for pupils with SEND.

The presentation has 2 elements:

1. The case for adapting teaching, why teachers need to develop this expertise; including national context and the distinction
   between presenting and underlying needs.
2. The 3 part process - Know your students, Know yourself, Know what success looks like. Each of these 3 sections supported by a set of tools to use in reflecting on current practice and developing knowledge and skills.

Target Audience: Teachers, SENDCOs and School Leaders from KS1 - KS5

Abigail began her 30-year career in Special Educational Needs as a teaching assistant. This led to a life in teaching and special school leadership.

She now runs a successful consultancy supporting SEND focused school improvement, encompassing everything from whole staff training to supporting statutory assessment. She is the author of two books; 'Effective Differentiation' (Routledge 2018) and ‘The Effective Teaching Assistant’ co-authored by Melanie Wright. (Routledge 2020).

She has also produced a range of online courses for SENDCOs, teachers and TA's. Abigail writes and speaks about SEND provision, differentiation and adaptive teaching on a national and international stage.

Marlon James-Edwards - Founder and Education Consultant

How to engage Dyslexic learners in a classroom context

This presentation will consider the importance of 'knowing' your learners beyond key stage data and test results. It will explore how to build genuine rapport so that each individual learner feels safe, seen and heard. The session will also look at some key practical tools and strategies to facilitate the best from each of your dyslexic and neurodivergent learners.

Target Audience: Secondary specifically, but much can be transferred to a Primary context.

Marlon James-Edwards is an educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for Neurodiversity and inclusion. After 17 years as an English teacher and Head of Department, he launched MarlonJames-Edwards.com, a consultancy focused on learner engagement, and Art Chaser Series, a London fashion brand supporting Neurodivergent designers.

Dyslexic himself, Marlon has worked extensively with schools, founded the ‘Success for Our Black Boys’ Group, and now leads Upward Bound Islington, a GCSE support program for students on the borderline of passing.

His corporate collaborations include Virgin Money, NatWest, and Lloyds Bank, and he was recognized by Beyonce's BeyGood UK 100 Black Entrepreneur. Through his work with Walking Women, he has contributed to projects supporting women in Sudan and young children at risk.