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Arlene Sonday Helps FDU Build One of the Nation’s Oldest Dyslexia Specialist Training Courses


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We are proud to call Arlene Sonday our author and content partner. She has been advocating and promoting the use of Orton-Gillingham strategies for her entire career. One of her most rewarding projects is her work with Dr. Mary Farrell and her staff at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU). 30 years ago Arlene Sonday worked with FDU to help develop and improve their Orton-Gillingham (O-G) Dyslexia Specialist Training Course. Teachers enrolled in FDU’s IMSLEC accredited O-G Teacher Certificate Program, a 12 credit graduate program, learn to use O-G methods to help struggling readers in their schools.

In 2016, FDU hosted its first annual Alumni Dinner on Friday, May 19 at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s campus in Madison, New Jersey. Over 100 alumni, program faculty, and other individuals whose hard work and dedication have contributed to the success of the program attended. Guest of Honor at the dinner was Ms. Sonday, who was given a crystal globe in recognition of her contribution to teacher training, worldwide. The globe was inscribed, “For excellence in teacher training throughout the world.” Arlene Sonday, who has been involved in training teachers in the Orton-Gillingham approach at FDU for over 50 years, also gave the keynote address. Arlene’s address, “Orton Gillingham Around the World”, included pictures and a discussion of her experiences training teachers in the Orton-Gillingham approach in a variety of international sites.

Arlene recently visited FDU once again in 2017 to meet with FDU program founder Dr. Farrell. Dr. Farrell has lead FDU’s O-G program since the 1980’s. For more about FDU’s program and its recent accreditation by the International Dyslexia Association, please visit: https://dyslexiaida.org/fairleigh-dickinson-university/