About
Fern Goldstein, the Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) 2009 Sam Kirk National Special Educator of the Year, holds a bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology and a master's degree in Special Education, has spoken at national, regional, and state conferences for ASAH, CEC, IDA, and LDA among other organizations on teaching English, Writing, and Study Skills. She is the author of Looking Glass Spelling and Oops: Grammar in Context among other materials and was 1st Vice President and newsletter editor of the LDA of New Jersey before moving to Delaware where she helped start and became president of the LDA of Delaware and joined the LDA of America Board. Ms. Goldstein has over three decades of experience as a master teacher of English Language Arts and literature, in writing curriculum for students with Learning Disabilities in grades 2-12, and in training and mentoring other teachers. She has studied a variety of reading instruction techniques including Orton Gillingham, Wilson, Lindamood-Bell, and Glass Analysis.
I love teaching so much that I just can't retire. When a student has that "AHA!" moment or succeeds, is the best feeling in the world. Many of my students who are now adults in the workforce have been contacting me of late to tell me how I helped them succeed when no one believed they could, which is both a validation of my efforts and a source of great joy. I'm hoping to reach a new generation of students who struggle.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to do an assessment of the student's skills. If I can email or call the classroom teacher to get a better idea of what the student needs help mastering, I try to do that before the first or second session. Most importantly, however, I try to put the student at ease, develop rapport, and make the sessions about striving together towards success.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a bachelors degree in Speech Pathology, taught ESL in France for 8 years, and have a Masters degree in Special Education. I taught English/Language Arts for more than 30 years in NJ and was the head of my department in two schools where I taught, wrote curriculum, and mentored other teachers. I hold NJ certificates in elementary education and as Teacher of the Handicapped (grades N-12), and my Delaware certification in Special Education is pending. I have lectured nationwide on teaching English, writing, and study skills as well as on learning disabilities and was VP of the NJ Learning Disabililties Association. I was named the National Special Educator of the Year in 2009 by the Learning Disabilities Association of America. I moved to Delaware and became the president of the LDA of Delaware, Chair of the Council of State Leaders for the national LDA of America, and I have a seat on the board of LDA of America. I am the author of a grammar book and spelling series in addition to several programs for organizational and study skills.