Featured RETA Members
Oct-Dec 2023: Shilpa Madane
Shilpa Madane
Fellow
Shilpa began her teaching career at a private preschool in Singapore, serving a diverse student body. Motivated by students with learning difficulties, she pursued specialised training, including the Orton-Gillingham Approach and a Dyslexia Diploma. Her mission is to assess students’ unique strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles to create personalised programs that inspire and guide them toward achieving their goals. She emphasises building strong connections with students and fostering a conducive learning atmosphere.
Why did you choose to work in the field of SpLD?
I have always observed that there is enough help in the form of tuition centers or private tutors for children who have no learning issues. However, the need for supporting children with SpLD is way more as they face various challenges and I wanted to do my bit for them. It’s simply wonderful to witness a student with SpLD achieve his/her potential!
What is one thing that never fails to make you smile in the work that you do?
The role reversal during our teaching session. My student assumes the role of the teacher and puts in considerable effort to teach me something and is immensely proud of it. It never fails to make me smile to be part of that achievement.
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 strongly that, patience and the ability to motivate the students without giving up on them, however weak they may be, is the most important quality one needs to have in this field.
What is the one thing you would do to improve special education in your country?
Make the assistive technology easily available and affordable for children with SpLD from underprivileged backgrounds.
What motivated you to become a RETA member and how has it benefitted you?
After working at DAS International for a couple of years, I came to know about RETA and was really interested in the research articles and information shared by RETA members. It has helped me update my knowledge consistently.
What advice would you give someone who has special educational needs or lives/works with people with special educational needs?
Always aim for achievable targets and be motivated. Do not let the learning difficulty take over your life; overcome it with the help of the right support instead!