Featured RETA Members
Jan – Mar’25: Hee Wan Sze (Allena)
Allena Hee Wan Sze
Fellow
Allena Hee Wan Sze, a dedicated Educational Therapist with over a decade of experience, specialises in supporting children with dyslexia through innovative teaching methods. She holds a Master’s in Psychology in Education from the University of Bristol and a Specialist Diploma in Learning Differences from DAS Academy. As a Fellow of the Register of Educational Therapists Asia (RETA) since 2020, Allena values the professional recognition and learning opportunities RETA provides, keeping her updated on teaching trends. Driven by compassion, she fosters trust and growth among students, parents, and educators, while advocating for age-appropriate curricula to better support students with Specific Learning Differences. Her motto is, “Keep going through life’s challenges, stay true to your goals, celebrate your wins, and treasure life.”
Why did you choose to work in the field of SpLD?
I like to challenge myself and help my students unlock their potential using non-conventional ways of teaching styles.
What is one thing that never fails to make you smile in the work that you do?
When I see the smiles of my students achieving their goals and gaining confidence in their abilities to learn.
What do you think is the most important quality/value/belief a person must have when working in the field of Special Education?
Compassion- Compassion helps to build strong relationship and trust with teacher, students and parents. It also enables students to grow and bloom.
What is the one thing you would do to improve special education in your country?
Lower expectations- Singapore is, undeniably an academic driven country. School syllabus has become much more challenging and difficult over the years. SPED students find it challenging to keep up with the pace and the gap between them and mainstream students become wider. Whether the syllabus are age-appropriate and reasonable is worth a second thought.
What motivated you to become a RETA member and how has it benefitted you?
RETA gives professional recognition for Educational Therapists. It enhances my portfolio working as an Educational Therapist. In addition, I receives articles, news and also attend workshops conducted by different professions. These workshops keep me updated with current teaching trends as well as enhancing my skills set.
What advice would you give someone who has special educational needs or lives/works with people with special educational needs?
Even though It can be challenging at different phases of our lives, never stop trying and stay focused on your goals, celebrate your achievements and life itself.