Dear Parents and Families,
As we begin a new school year, we want to thank you for partnering with us in your child's educational journey. When families, students, and teachers work together, we create the strongest foundation for growth, confidence, and success.
One meaningful way you can support your child and help their teachers get to know them is by encouraging your child to share their unique learning profile. Helping students understand and communicate their strengths, needs, and supports is an important step toward self-advocacy and independence.
Create a "Dear Teacher" Video
One memorable way for students to introduce themselves is through a short 1-2 minute video for their teachers. In the video, students can:
- Introduce themselves.
- Share their strengths, interests, and "superpowers."
- Explain their learning difference or disability (such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, etc.).
- Describe a few supports or accommodations that help them feel successful.
- Share what helps them feel safe, confident, and ready to learn.
This simple activity helps teachers get to know students beyond the classroom roster and understand how they can best support them from day one.
For inspiration, here is a student-created example: Watch Sample Video
If a Video Feels Overwhelming...
Not every student is comfortable creating a video, and that's okay. Students can also introduce themselves through an email or a brief conversation with their teachers.
Option 1: Short & Direct
(Great for a quick conversation before or after class.)
"Hi [Teacher's Name], do you have a couple of minutes? I have accommodations that help me be successful in class, such as [extra time on tests, preferential seating, typing instead of handwriting, etc.]. I wanted to introduce myself and make sure we are on the same page. What's the best way for us to work together in your class?"
Option 2: More Detailed
(Great for a scheduled meeting or longer conversation.)
"Hi [Teacher's Name], thank you for meeting with me. I wanted to talk about the accommodations and supports I use this year. I have [dyslexia, ADHD, a visual impairment, etc.], and I benefit from supports such as [text-to-speech, copies of notes, extended time, etc.]. These tools help me access learning and show what I know. Could we talk about how I can use these supports successfully in your class?"
Encouraging Self-Advocacy
Beginning in the secondary grades and continuing through adulthood, self-advocacy becomes an increasingly important skill. We want our students to understand their strengths, recognize the supports that help them succeed, and feel empowered to communicate their needs respectfully and confidently.
While we will always be here to support and advocate alongside our students, our goal is to help them become active participants in their own learning journey.
We are excited to partner with you this year and look forward to supporting your child. Our Dyslexia and Special Education team is here to answer questions, provide guidance, and work alongside families and teachers throughout the year.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to any member of our team. Together, we can create a positive, supportive learning experience where every student feels valued, understood, and empowered to succeed.
Thank you for your partnership. We look forward to an amazing year of learning, growing, and celebrating student success together!
Warmly,
The Dyslexia & Special Education Team
