Professional learning is one of the most powerful ways Valley Park educators continue to elevate instruction and strengthen outcomes for students. This fall, Dr. Michelle Sencibaugh, ELD Teacher at Valley Park, not only attended the International Dyslexia Conference in Atlanta but also presented her own session to educators from across the country. Her involvement showcased both her expertise and Valley Park’s commitment to ensuring that all students, including English Learners and students with dyslexia, receive research based, high quality literacy instruction.
The conference brought together leading researchers, literacy specialists and classroom educators to explore the latest findings in structured literacy and language comprehension. Dr. Sencibaugh shared strategies for supporting English Learners with dyslexia, an area where strong instructional knowledge is essential. Learning a new language while also managing a language based learning disability presents a unique set of needs, and her presentation helped educators better understand how to identify challenges and deliver targeted support.
Throughout the conference, Michelle engaged in sessions that connected research to practical classroom strategies. She explored tools such as the InferCabulary program by Really Great Reading and the use of student created zines, which empower learners to build vocabulary, deepen comprehension and grow confidence as readers and writers. She also reflected on how comprehension becomes stronger when students can examine sentence structure, make predictions and discuss how words connect to meaning. These kinds of approaches make literacy instruction more supportive of the way students naturally learn and understand words.
Another highlight was seeing how newer technology can make a difference. Dr. Sencibaugh shared that she feels more confident exploring AI as a way to help with literacy instruction while sticking to trusted, developmentally appropriate methods.
Her biggest reflection summed up the spirit of the conference:
“Attending the International Dyslexia Conference was an inspiring reminder of how research, practice and passion come together to change the way we understand and support every learner.”
Dr. Sencibaugh’s experience highlights something central to Valley Park School District: when educators grow, students grow. Every opportunity for professional development strengthens our shared skills, deepens our instructional practices and ensures that every child receives the thoughtful, informed support they deserve.