Meet the team / Suzanne Smith

I have worked in education for 25 years, teaching in state and independent schools in the UK and Australia.  For the past ten years I have worked as a SENDCo, teacher and specialist dyslexia assessor at a school for children age 3-18. 

I am a third year PhD student (PGR) at Coventry University.  My thesis explores evidence for a causal connection between SpLD (dyslexia) and low self esteem in children during the primary phase of their education.  A key focus of my research is the assessment of spelling and the acquisition of spelling skills.  Spelling is a special area of interest for me because it is the bridge between reading and writing, an essential skill for written communication and reading fluency.  I hope to complete my studies in 2025.

Qualifications: BA Hons (Dunelm), PGCE (Warwick), Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Management (Warwick), Postgraduate Certificate in SpLD (Dyslexia) (Edgehill).

Professional Accreditations:   Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA); Professional Member of the Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (PATOSS PPM).