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Featured RETA Members

Apr – Jun 26: Veena Jayanth

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Veena Jayanth

Fellow

Veena has always believed in the transformative power of education. Guided by the philosophy, “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, then we should teach the way he/she learns”. She has spent her career bridging the gap between traditional teaching methods and the unique learning needs of her students.

As a classroom teacher, Veena became acutely aware of the diversity in her students’ learning styles and paces. She realised early on that a one-size-fits-all approach simply wouldn’t work. Every child deserved an approach tailored to their strengths. This awareness motivated her to pursue a Diploma in Special Education, which became a pivotal step in her journey to supporting children with Specific Learning Differences (SpLD).

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

While working as a teacher for many years across different age groups, I noticed that one kind of instruction  (teaching method) was not the answer to reaching out to a heterogeneous mix of students in a classroom. An adaptation and integration of methodology was important. Primarily an understanding of strengths and perspectives of each student was necessary. The strengths  were varied and not uniform across the board. This made me understand that there were specific learning differences to be addressed. Diversifying teaching methodology to result in the maximum integration of children in a class room led me towards this field.

What is one thing that never fails to make you smile in the work that you do?
When the child I am working with confidently says “I can do it!“
What do you think is the most important quality/value/belief a person must have when working in the field of Special Education?
The ability to listen, observe and adapt.
What is the one thing you would do to improve special education in your country?
Acknowledge that there are more paths to learning and that teaching has to adapt and grow as we move along those paths
What motivated you to become a RETA member and how has it benefited you?

The joy of interacting with highly qualified professionals working towards similar goals in the field of SpLD led me towards RETA. The sharing of experiences and knowledge  worldwide through various platforms and the opportunity to connect with esteemed panel and members has enriched my journey. RETA continues to establish faith in ‘lifelong learning and sharing’ which is a very important part of working in the ever dynamic field of SpLD.

What advice would you give someone who has special educational needs or lives/works with people with special educational needs?
As a person who has taught special needs children I would say the golden rule would be to ‘identify the learning strengths’ and  then ‘use them as stepping stones to climb up the ladder of further learning ‘, hence building the confidence of the learner.