Empowering Professionals to Change Learning Outcomes

Our trainings are designed to equip educators, therapists, and families with the knowledge, tools, and strategies grounded in the science of reading and language development—so every child has a chance to succeed.

Contact Melissa About Trainings

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Professional Development & Training Services

At H.E.R.E., we offer a wide range of training opportunities for educators, interventionists, school leaders, and related professionals. Each course is designed to align with the Science of Reading, Structured Literacy, and evidence-based best practices for supporting students with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities.

🔹 The DuBard Association Method® – Basic Course
      6-Day Training
This course introduces participants to the DuBard Association Method®—a structured, phonetic, multisensory structured language and literacy instruction. It aligns with the International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge and Practice Standards and is ideal for those working with individuals with language and reading disorders, including dyslexia.


🔹 Custom School & District Professional Development
       Flexible Scheduling Based on Need
Melissa collaborates directly with school leaders to develop and deliver training that fits the specific needs of your campus, team, or district. Whether you're seeking a blended overview of dyslexia and intervention methods or targeted support on a particular topic, we will tailor the training to meet your goals.
      📩 Contact Melissa at [email protected] to begin the conversation.


Specialized Trainings & Courses
🔹   Dyslexia: Facts & Fiction
        1-Day Course
This foundational course dispels common myths about dyslexia and provides clear, research-based explanations of what dyslexia is—and what it isn’t. Perfect for educators, parents, and school leaders seeking clarity and awareness.


🔹 Diagnosis and Treatment of Children with Dyslexia
      2-Day Course

• Day 1: How to recognize red flags and choose developmentally appropriate assessments
• Day 2: Overview of the most effective MSLE (Multisensory Structured Language Education) intervention methods grounded in the Science of Reading

🔹 Who’s At Risk? Introduction to Dyslexia Screening & Early Intervention
      1-Day Course
This training helps educators and specialists identify students at risk for dyslexia as early as preschool. Learn about hereditary and instructional risk factors, review universal screeners, and understand when advanced screening is necessary.


🔹 Introduction to Level 2 Screenings & Treatment Planning
      2-Day Course

• Day 1: Selecting, administering, and scoring appropriate screening tools based on student needs
• Day 2: Interpreting results and designing targeted, evidence-based interventions

🔹 Advanced Training: Level 2 Dyslexia Screenings & Diagnostic Assessment
      2-Day Course
This advanced session is ideal for professionals seeking hands-on experience with norm-referenced dyslexia assessments. Prior participation in an introductory course is recommended.  Assessments discussed may include:

• CTOPP-2
• WRMT-III
• KTEA-3
• WIST
• FAR
• Other tools as relevant
  
  

🔹 Stages of Reading Development & Related Learning Disabilities
      1-Day Course
Learn the developmental stages of reading and how to support growth at each phase. This course also addresses how to spot students who are not making expected progress and what to do next.


🔹 What’s the Big Deal About the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy?
     1-Day Course
Gain a deep understanding of the key elements of authentic MSLE / Structured Literacy / Science of Reading instruction and why it's uniquely effective for students with dyslexia and related challenges.


🔹 Maximizing Spelling and Word Study in the General Education Classroom
      1-Day Course
Explore the critical connection between phonological and orthographic processing. This hands-on training focuses on integrating multisensory spelling strategies to boost reading and writing success. (Ideal for small-group sessions.)

HELPFUL  LINKS

Contact Melissa About Trainings

IDA's Knowledge & Practice Standards for Teachers

Dyslexia in the Classroom: What every Teacher Needs to Know

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Other Trainings

Evaluation Options for the Struggling Student

• There are many possible reasons as to why a child struggles in school. It is extremely important to know the different types of evaluations available and how to determine which evaluations will provide the most useful information for parents and teachers.

Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD): What Parents and Professionals Need to Know

• Every child learns differently and it can be difficult to determine if a child is struggling because he or she needs more time, extra help, or if the child has a Specific Learning Disability. Regardless, these children will require specific teaching techniques in order to promote success.

Diagnosis and Treatment for the Student with Dyslexia

• The role of a speech pathologist in diagnosis and treatment is critical. Many of the myths of Dyslexia have prevented SLPs from taking a more active role in diagnosis and treatment. Dyslexia is more than simply a reading disability. The individual language skills of the child have a direct influence on choosing treatment approaches and the prognosis of that treatment.

Structured Language and Literacy Instruction for the Struggling Student

• It can be very difficult and frustrating for children, classroom teachers and parents to pinpoint why a child is struggling but even more frustrating trying to promote success. This training focuses on identifying the factors that place children “at-risk” and the various treatment options available. There are a multitude of IMSLEC certified approaches but some are more suited to meet the educational needs and learning profiles of children than others.

Reading is More Than Decoding

• Children learn to read long before they are ever expected to read a book. These skills are the foundation for learning how to decode sounds and words phonetically. Often the only focus of instruction is decoding, but if comprehension skills are not simultaneously developed, a child is not really reading.

Language Needs of Children with a Specific Learning Disability

• Language development is not limited to early years of life.  It continues into adulthood and is the foundation from which academic success is built.  Over time the academic deficits accumulate and by 3rd grade the child will be labeled with some kind of learning disability.

Autism Spectrum Disorders: Characteristics, Treatment Designs, and Strategies

• Differential diagnosis using the DSM-IV and other standardized and criterion referenced tools. Designing treatment programs which maximize and build on existing strengths in order to build a foundation for communication and social interactions.

Autism: Using Picture Schedules and Picture Exchange Systems

• Utilizing picture schedules and picture exchange systems to maximize communication skills and success in the classroom. Provide a comprehensive overview of diagnostic characteristics and treatment approaches for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Behavior: Matching Student Learning Styles and Sensory Needs

• Examining the relationship between teaching styles and student learning styles (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic). Identifying and accommodating student sensory needs and the impact these needs have on student learning.

Response To Intervention (RTI) in the Classroom

• Overview of the changes in the special education referral process and the need for research based interventions. Review the 3 Tier model for intervention and identifying students and analyzing student data to determine movement between the tiers. Overview of components of the curriculum, which are research based interventions that can be used when identifying students in need of intervention.