Linda Clark
Dyslexia specialist
BA (Hons), MA Literacy Learning & Literacy Difficulties, PGCE, PGCSEND, Dip SpLD (Level 7); Assessor for Access Arrangements (CCET + AAC).
Hello, my name is Linda
Having completed my PGCE at the University of Roehampton in 1998, I decided to pursue my keen interest in teaching children with special educational needs and completed my Diploma in Specific Learning Difficulties at the Hornsby International Dyslexia Centre in 2005, followed by an MA in Literacy Learning & Literacy Difficulties at University College London in 2011.
After gaining over 20 years’ teaching experience in both the state and independent sectors, including 15 years as a SENCo at three leading schools in London, I am incredibly excited to now be joining the team at Words First.
Words First’s unique approach to supporting pupils’ language and literacy development is very appealing and I relish the opportunity to bring my extensive school-based SENCo expertise to the team. I enjoy working in a collaborative environment where knowledge and good practice are shared.
My time as a SENCo has involved assessing pupils, identifying those in need of additional support, developing and delivering interventions and closely monitoring progress across the age ranges. Additionally, I have supported pupils learning English as an additional language. I love working one-to-one with pupils, helping them to improve their confidence and develop their own learning strategies. As well as my teaching background in Dyslexia, I have a particular interest in the early identification of spelling and comprehension difficulties, and in the development of effective interventions, including helping parents to better understand their child’s learning difficulties and how they can support learning at home.
I believe that all learners have the ability to reach their potential regardless of learning challenges, and that the assessment process should be a positive one that allows learners to see how their strengths can help them overcome any specific learning difficulties.
In my spare time I love being outdoors, especially if it involves a long coastal walk with my faithful Springer Spaniel! A book that I love sharing with pupils is The Snow Goose by Paul Gallico, a beautiful story about the strength of friendship in adversity, which never ceases to enthral and engage pupils.
