Presentations will delve deeply into supporting neurodiversity in its many forms.
Topics will include literacy and numeracy (e.g. written expression and dyscalculia), executive function and supporting the twice exceptional student.
Presenters will include:
Dr Jennifer Buckingham – Education researcher, writer, speaker, and policy analyst
After completing a PhD focussed on intervention for struggling readers in a socioeconomically disadvantaged school, Jennifer decided to devote her career to bridging the research-to-practice gap and reducing preventable illiteracy. She started the Five from Five project in 2016 to promote effective, evidence-based reading instruction, by providing free resources to teachers, principals and parents and advocating for evidence-based policy with politicians and policy makers.
Dr Nathaniel Swain – Teacher, instructional coach, researcher and writer
Nathaniel is passionate about language, literacy and learning. He is a Senior Lecturer in Learning Sciences and Learning Engagement at La Trobe University’s School of Education in Australia. In 2019 Nathaniel founded a community of teachers and other educators committed to the Science of Learning Think Forward Educators
Rhonda Filmer – Gifted education consultant, teacher and writer
Rhonda is the Principal Consultant at Twice Exceptional Educational Consultancy and an experienced executive function coach to support students with ADHD. Since 2014 she has been the Board Chair at SPELD New South Wales.
Emma Nahna – literacy consultant, PLD facilitator and speech language therapist
Emma has a passion for literacy, oral language and sharing learning with others. She established Sound Foundations for Literacy in 2019 to provide professional support and quality teaching resources to educators and parents. As a literacy coach, she partners with Year 0-13 schools and ECE centres throughout New Zealand.
The conference registration link and more details on other presenters and topics will be on SPELD NZ website in due course
All are welcome. If you would like to register your interest for email updates on our 2025 conference, please contact nationaloffice@speld.org.nz