Meet the Sounds-Write team – Kerry, Sounds-Write Trainer in Australia
Curious to know more about the brilliant minds behind the scenes? We’re excited to take you on a journey to explore the dedicated team that brings Sounds-Write to life. Kerry’s inspiring journey began with her own child’s learning difficulties, sparking a mission to help him read and spell. We’re thrilled to have her on board, making a meaningful impact at Sounds-Write.
How long have you been a Sounds-Write trainer?
About 2 years.
Which region do you train in?
South Australia and interstate when required.
What first got you interested in Sounds-Write?
I was a secondary English teacher but when my son had learning difficulties I became passionate (and desperate!) to find out how to help him learn to read and spell. I soon discovered that predictable readers and lists of sight words would never get him there, and countless students were being let down by a lack of knowledge about teaching reading. This lit a fire in my belly and had me reading anything I could find about learning difficulties and teaching reading. When I first completed the Sounds-Write training in January 2018, it just made so much sense and fit with what I’d come to understand about reading instruction. I was excited to try it out with students in intervention and many students later, I can honestly say it’s an efficient and highly effective approach to reading and spelling instruction!
How do you keep up to date with research in the field of literacy and phonics?
I completed my masters in Inclusive Education last year but since then I keep an eye on recommended reading by following people on social media and listening to podcasts.
What’s been your best experience as a Sounds-Write trainer?
I love taking trainees on a journey over the four days, having fun, and seeing that enthusiasm that I felt when I’d first been introduced to Sounds-Write. It’s also amazing when past trainees share success stories, and you know the program is having a positive impact for their students.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learnt since becoming a Sounds-Write trainer?
Teachers and allied health professionals want the absolute best for their students and will embrace new ways of teaching students once they receive high-quality training. Training is key to this change!
What are you most looking forward to in the next year?
We are just starting to see a number of schools in Adelaide take up Sounds-Write in mainstream classrooms and I’m excited to see their progress during the year.