Has anyone studied for a specialist dyslexia qualification?

[coffeewithchips]

I have been teaching (primary) for a few years now and I have worked with a number of dyslexic pupils. I have a particular interest in this area as I enjoy seeing these children progress and I did a lot of research on dyslexia while working with 2 students last year.

I am looking to move out of teaching soon for a number of reasons. I am looking into leaving either at Christmas or Summer and doing a specialist dyslexia qualification. I am hoping to then become a private dyslexia assessor/tutor or work for an assessment centre, depending on the direction things go in.

Does anyone have experience of doing a specialist dyslexia qualification? Did you find it beneficial for your career? I enjoy teaching but I am not enjoying the way the state eduction system is going. I feel like this might open doors for me but would like to hear of anyone with experience of this qualification or working in this field.

[Lindor]

bumping - I'm interested in this too. Have QTS but currently working in learning support in secondary

[nutnutnut]

Hi I have AMBDA and PATOSS assessment practising cert.
My course had a high drop out rate and some people failed it. The training is hard work and it will take over your life for a couple of years. My course was 2 years (pgdip SPLD) which you need to then apply for AMBDA/PATOSS status.

AMBDA or PATOSS membership must be maintained/renewed every few years by submitting a portfolio demonstrating CPD, teaching, assessment reports etc to ensure that you have maintained the required standard. You have to pay for membership also.

Training can be expensive as you will need personal copies of some of the texts.
Also it can be very hard to get your hands on the assessments you need if you are working in a mainstream school whilst training. That aspect in particular caused me much stress at the time!

However for me it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I love my job!

[VestaCurry]

nutnutnut, what are you doing now? How long have you been qualified and how has your career progressed? Why was the drop out rate so high? I'm thinking about doing the Diploma, but it would be good to hear what the realities of the course are and how it has changed your career.

[peacoat]

nutnutnut I'm interested to hear where you work too.

I'm just starting the E801 through Open University, which takes a year and then I can do the extra training for AMBDA. I plan to be done by Christmas next year. (I'm currently trying to get my job to pay for it. Fingers crossed)

coffeewithchips - I'm the same as you. I'm a SENCO, but I'm really not interested in how the education system is going. I love being a SENCO, but I love specialising in learning needs and not the pressures of teaching classes anymore.