Ciaran Walsh completed 6 CPD courses with ICEP this year and is now starting his MA in Inclusive and Special Education. Ciaran gave us an insight into his journey and decision to study further with us.
Why I Chose a Dyslexia CPD Course
This year, I completed several CPD courses with ICEP Europe, including a Dyslexia CPD course that had a huge impact on both my teaching practice and my career path.
What I Learned About Dyslexia
Through the Dyslexia CPD course, I came to understand that dyslexia is not only about challenges with reading, writing, and spelling — it can also affect organisation, memory, and processing speed. The course highlighted the importance of early intervention and the need for strategies that are evidence-based and supported by feedback from students, teachers, and parents or guardians. I also found resources like Looking at Our School 2022 very helpful for developing more inclusive classroom practices.
The Challenges of Supporting Students with Dyslexia
One of the most valuable parts of the Dyslexia CPD course was the interactive assignment boards, where I could share and learn from other teachers’ experiences. For me, one of the biggest challenges is balancing the needs of a whole class with the specific needs of students with dyslexia. In mixed-ability English classes especially, I’ve realised the importance of keeping IEPs up to date and adjusting supports when necessary. The course also reminded me that dyslexia can have a strong emotional impact, often leading to anxiety and self-doubt, which makes it even more important to provide effective and supportive strategies.
Practical Strategies from the Dyslexia CPD Course
I came away with a wide range of practical tools that I now use in my daily teaching. These include structured literacy approaches like mind maps, peer reading tasks, phonics-based vocabulary teaching, and the integration of assistive technology such as text-to-speech and audiobooks. I also learned how to adapt the curriculum using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles while still encouraging students to push beyond their current boundaries.
From Dyslexia CPD to a Master’s Degree
Completing the Dyslexia CPD course was part of a bigger journey. I actually undertook six CPD courses with ICEP this year, all of which I found insightful and practical. The tutors were always generous with their feedback and recommended additional reading to deepen my understanding. These experiences not only improved my confidence in the classroom but also played a big role in my decision to enrol in the MA in Inclusive & Special Education with ICEP Europe and Hibernia College.
Looking Ahead
I am now working full-time in an ASD classroom and feel very motivated to continue in this area of teaching. The flexibility of the online MA programme was another big factor in my decision, as it fits much better with my lifestyle than a traditional university degree. I’m looking forward to beginning the programme after induction day and to continuing my professional development journey.
Looking back, the Dyslexia CPD course was a turning point for me. It not only gave me the knowledge and tools to better support my students but also inspired me to take the next step in my career.
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month and we are offering 10% off our Dyslexia CPD course during our Autumn term, which runs from 13th October until 7th December. Use coupon code DYSLEXIA2025, enrol here.