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Beyond the Diagnosis: Annette Nash & Finding Strength in Neurodiversity
Manage episode 481691956 series 3508299
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What happens when the teacher faces the same learning challenges as their students? Annette Nash takes us on a profound journey through her experiences as an autistic English teacher with dyslexia at St. Declan's College in Dublin.
Annette's own early education story reflects the systemic barriers many neurodivergent students may still encounter today. The power of diagnosis resonates throughout our conversation. Annette articulates how naming her differences didn't change who she was but provided crucial self-understanding: "That awareness of difference is carried with you, no matter what you know about yourself." Now in the classroom, Annette creates the environment she never had. By openly acknowledging her dyslexia with students, she transforms potential vulnerabilities into teaching strengths. When she makes spelling errors or needs to double-check grammar rules, she models resilience rather than shame - creating what she calls "a great freedom" for all students, not just those with learning differences.
Her insights about creating neurodivergent-friendly school environments offer practical wisdom for educational settings everywhere.
Connect with Annette on Instagram @the_autistic_english_teacher and discover more episodes of Teachers Themselves by subscribing or visiting the Dublin West Education Centre website or social media channels.
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Teachers Themselves is a DWEC original, produced and created by Dublin West Education Centre produced by Zita Robinson.
Chapters
1. Introduction to Annette Nash (00:00:00)
2. Early School Experiences with Dyslexia (00:02:53)
3. College Journey and Finding Resilience (00:06:00)
4. Late Diagnosis and Self-Acceptance (00:11:13)
5. Teaching with Dyslexia and Autism (00:16:58)
6. Creating Inclusive School Environments (00:24:08)
7. The Love of Learning and Teaching (00:31:42)
30 episodes
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