Siena Blog

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Where Research Meets the Classroom 

Teaching students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences requires more than good intentions. It requires specialized knowledge, ongoing professional learning, and a deep understanding of how students learn.

At The Siena School, that expertise is foundational to our approach. Our educators continually deepen their understanding of language, literacy, learning differences, and evidence-based instruction so they can provide the individualized support Siena students need to thrive. Professional development is a regular part of Siena’s culture. Each summer, our dedicated faculty and staff engage in immersive learning experiences designed to strengthen their practice, expand their expertise, and bring new research and ideas back to the classroom. 

Working with students who have dyslexia and other language-based learning differences requires more than caring, patience, and good intentions. It requires specialized knowledge.

Putting the Science of Reading Into Practice 

When educators keep learning, students have more opportunities to grow.

Developing a common knowledge and shared vocabulary of structured literacy benefits teachers across different subject areas, especially those who work with the LD community.

Because we know that investing in our teachers means also investing in our students, The Siena School completed a Science of Reading Short Course through the Hill Learning Center. The Science of Reading is a comprehensive, self-paced deep dive into over 40 years of research on effective reading instruction. We chose this specific program because:

• It meets all educators where they are: Whether this serves as a helpful refresher of foundational frameworks like Scarborough’s Rope or provides a brand-new "on-ramp" to evidence-based practices, there is valuable content for every educator.
  • When Siena educators share an understanding of structured literacy, word recognition, and language comprehension, students experience greater consistency as they move through grades and subject areas.
• It builds a common language: By exploring the same modules on Structured Literacy and the Word Recognition and Language Comprehension domains, Siena ensures that our collaborative work is seamless across all grade levels and subject areas.
  • The science of reading isn't just the responsibility of a reading specialist. At Siena, faculty across disciplines build their understanding of literacy and language so they can recognize how learning differences may affect students in different classrooms.
• It supports research-aligned practice: Completing a course grounded in frameworks provides a comprehensive toolkit to systematically address every layer of literacy.
  • Siena teachers across divisions and disciplines aren't simply following a prescribed curriculum. They understand the research behind effective literacy instruction and use that knowledge to make informed instructional decisions for their students.

Professional learning is integral to Siena's culture, as well as part of how we continue to evolve as leaders in dyslexia education. Providing the best possible literacy education for Siena faculty and staff — as well as having a shared, research-backed foundation — is the best way to support both our students and each other.

The Science of Reading PD certification also can be added to faculty’s LinkedIn and other social media profiles to highlight a new credential — and further establish their expertise as educators and highlight the work behind Siena’s exceptional teaching. 

Our Teachers Never Stop Learning

When teachers deepen their understanding of how students learn, they are better equipped to recognize individual learning profiles, adapt instruction, collaborate across disciplines, and help students build the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

At Siena, that expertise is foundational to our approach. We don't expect students to fit a predetermined model of learning. We enable our educators to understand how our students learn — and to continually expand their own knowledge so they can meet students where they are and help them move forward.

Siena Resources for Teachers 

See these additional teacher resource posts on Siena’s blog:

• Summer 2025 Teacher PD Reading
• Dyslexia-Friendly Book Editions
• Making Career Possibilities Real for Students
• Black History Month 2026: New Kid
• Poetry and Liberation in the High School Classroom

The Siena School, a national leader in dyslexia education, serves bright, college-bound students with language-based learning differences on DC Metro area campuses in Silver Spring, MD (grades 3-12) and Oakton, VA (grades 3-12).