Serena Tan Abdullah

Fellow

Serena Tan Abdullah is the Assistant Director with the English Language and Literacy (ELL) Division overseeing the development and the implementation of the curriculum and resources at the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS). She is also a Lead Educational Therapist who enjoys working and teaching children with learning difficulties. Her love and passion for teaching has led her to continuously seek new and innovative teaching methods to bring out the potential and self-confidence in her learners.

Why did you choose to work in the field of SpLD?

Being an educator has been one of my dream occupations ever since I was very young. Additionally, my mum, a positive influence in my life, has inspired me in so many ways. She taught me to treat people with empathy, respect and compassion. Naturally, I gravitated towards wanting to contribute and work in the special needs sector after I graduated and I’ve never looked back since. Being able to support learners with learning differences has been nothing short of a fulfilling and enriching journey for me!

What is one thing that never fails to make you smile in the work that you do?

Without a doubt, the progress and improvement demonstrated by my students, no matter how small they may be. It could just be spelling a word accurately after weeks of getting it wrong or displaying more confidence in undertaking tasks which they had previously shied away from.

What do you think is the most important quality/value/belief a person must have when working in the field of Special Education?

I would have to say a combination of passion and empathy. Being passionate in the work that I do keeps me going especially when the going gets tough and being empathetic allows me to connect with my students at a much deeper level; acknowledging their weaknesses and working with them to bridge their learning gaps while amplifying their strengths and encouraging them to unleash their potential.

What is the one thing you would do to improve special education in your country?

Education and awareness raising in the field of special education has certainly increased over the past few decades. There are now more students with dyslexia and other specific learning differences being identified at pre-school, primary or secondary levels thereby, getting the support and intervention they require. However, more can and should be done in the higher education learning environment in the areas of awareness raising, screening and assessment, empowerment, funding and resource creation. I hope to continue contributing to some of these efforts to reach out to this population of learners with learning differences.

What motivated you to become a RETA member and how has it benefitted you?

As an Educational Therapist supporting learners with dyslexia and specific learning differences, it is important to keep myself abreast and updated with good teaching practices and pedagogical knowledge in the field of special education. RETA is a good platform to encourage not only the sharing of resources and educational experiences but also the acquisition of relevant and effective teaching strategies from like-minded practitioners, both locally and regionally.

What advice would you give someone who has special educational needs or lives/works with people with special educational needs?

Everyone is unique and special in their own ways. In spite of your special educational needs, I’m sure you have your strengths and talents awaiting you to leverage and uncover. Always believe in yourself that you are capable of accomplishing your goals and aspirations!