Featured RETA Members
Jul – Sep25: Preeti Bhati
Preeti Bhati
Fellow
For Preeti, the journey into the field of Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) began long before she stepped into a formal classroom. Driven by a passion to make education accessible to every learner, Preeti has spent decades working in clinical environments, mainstream schools, and small-group settings, championing early intervention and inclusive teaching practices.
Why did you choose to work in the field of SpLD?
I have come to believe that the field of SpLD has chosen me.I started working on teaching literacy and language to children with hearing impairment before I had joined college. To discover that individuals are unique in the way they learn inspired me to explore teaching and innovate in making teaching universally accessible for all students. I have been in clinical, one-on-one settings, schools, small group setting and push-in support settings since then and I remain an advocate of universal design of learning and early intervention.
What is one thing that never fails to make you smile in the work that you do?
Phonetic approximations of long words in spelling always makes me smile. It reminds me how human contraptions that were created to make life easier can actually complicate life.
What do you think is the most important quality/value/belief a person must have when working in the field of Special Education?
I believe the most important quality a person must have is compassion. And thankfully, it is something that can be learnt, developed and eventually meaningfully practiced.
What is the one thing you would do to improve special education in your country?
I feel that higher education access could be improved for students with disability through better design for learning and inclusive entry requirements.
What motivated you to become a RETA member and how has it benefitted you?
I have been looking for a professional body for dyslexia and other learning needs since the early 2000. I was, therefore, thrilled that RETA was formulated and I knew that I wanted to be part of it. My membership as a fellow reinstates my trust in the process of selection and I am motivated to keep up my professional development hours in field to ensure that my membership sustains. Being a member of RETA has enhanced my engagement in evidencing my work and practice through research.
What advice would you give someone who has special educational needs or lives/works with people with special educational needs?
Open-mindedness and the right perspective are crucial to progress whether an individual with special needs or an individual working with such. While I remain an advocate of unconditional compassion, I believe that it is important that we continue to pursue ways to level the playing field for students with different needs.