Sujatha Nair

Fellow

Sujatha joined the DAS as an Educational Therapist in June 2006.  She is currently the Assistant Director (Educational Advisory) of the English Language and Literacy Division.  Also a Lead Educational Therapist and RETA Fellow, Sujatha has previously held the positions of Centre Manager and Resources Manager. She oversees a team of Educational Advisors who provide training, guidance and support to all Educational Therapists.  Her team also serves as the Advisory Body in all matters relating to students and educators learning and development. Sujatha believes that a harmonious and conducive environment will help learners with dyslexia and everyone involved in supporting them thrive.

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

In 2006, I was helping a friend’s daughter to learn how to read. I realised that the 6 year old girl was struggling to read. I taught her how to read the word “the’ and few lines later, the word “the” appeared again and she looked at me perplexed, like she never saw the word before! At that point, I did not understand her difficulties and how I can support her. I started searching online to find ways to help her and used whatever information I gathered to help support the girl’s reading. At that point, I realised that this is exactly what I want to do, to be there for children to help them with their learning needs.

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

The “aha” moment that I see in a student who has finally caught or understood a concept.

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

Patience and passion.

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

Change the student to teacher ratio. 1 teacher to 40 students is not an optimal ratio especially if there are students with special educational needs in the classroom.

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

RETA is an excellent platform for like minded individuals to learn from each other. I especially like the talks and training sessions that RETA has been organising whereby we can share, listen and learn from experts in their field.

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

Be supportive and create a supportive environment. Never be too obsessed with the person’s shortcomings but instead focus on the positives.