Featured RETA Members
Apr – Jun25: Shakthi Sathiasilan
Shakthi Sathiasilan
Fellow
Shakthi Sathiasilan is an educational therapist whose passion for supporting students with specific learning differences (SpLD) has shaped her career. She is driven by a desire to help children recognise their strengths, despite the challenges they may face in their learning journey. With a focus on empathy and understanding, Shakthi brings a refreshing perspective to her work, always reminding herself that every student is doing their best with the resources available to them.
Why did you choose to work in the field of SpLD?
In the years before I joined the DAS, I encountered many’kind, funny and hardworking children who should have recognised their own amazing qualities. Unfortunately they spent too much time in their school years feeling lousy because they were struggling to understand what was being taught to them. I wanted to make a direct impact and help these children.
What is one thing that never fails to make you smile in the work that you do?
So many things make me smile, like the terrible jokes my students make, or when a student attempts a task they were previously too afraid to try and surprise themselves by being able to complete it! Theres nothing quite like the joy of witnessing them feel proud of themselves.
What do you think is the most important quality/value/belief a person must have when working in the field of Special Education?
As someone who can be impatient myself, I won’t advise you to be patient. Instead, I think it’s important to remind ourselves that every student and parent we interact with on any given day are trying their best with the resources available to them, just like us. While there may be many challenging days ahead, this reminder always helps me bounce back with renewed energy. Tough times don’t last and some of my hardest days have now become the most hilarious stories I tell.
What is the one thing you would do to improve special education in your country?
I am so appreciative of the increased awareness and resources for special education in Singapore. It is my hope for mainstream educators to receive more support so that they feel more confident and better equipped to support children with varied needs in their classroom.
What motivated you to become a RETA member and how has it benefitted you?
As an educational therapist, it felt like a natural progression, and I’ve genuinely appreciated the updates and free webinars that keep me informed about trends in the special education landscape.
What advice would you give someone who has special educational needs or lives/works with people with special educational needs?
Let the internet assist you. I am constantly amazed by the wealth of resources offering bite-sized tips and strategies online to aid anyone with or working alongside individuals with additional needs. Don’t limit yourself to your diagnosis. Helpful strategies often apply to a variety of people and situations. Begin with small steps and recognize all the efforts you’re putting in, even if others may not necessarily see them.