In the realm of education, few pursuits are as noble and impactful as striving for equity. Melanie Baerg, a school psychologist, BC certified teacher, and instructor at both the University of Northern BC and Vancouver Island University, embodies this ethos wholeheartedly. Throughout her career, she has championed the cause of equitable education and effective instruction for all learners, particularly those grappling with dyslexia.
Baerg's journey into teaching was guided by a profound intention: to unravel the complexities of reading difficulties and provide effective support to struggling students. Reflecting on her early career, she shares, "I went into teaching with this intention - since the beginning of my career of trying to understand - what is going on when kids struggle with reading with the printed word or understanding what they read."
Central to Baerg's advocacy is a belief in moving away from the deficit model of thinking, which constrains students within predetermined limitations based on their difficulties. She emphasizes the transformative power of tailored instruction, stating, "What we can control in our teaching and if we shift some things in our practice - it can actually move almost all students forward."
However, she acknowledges the resistance encountered when challenging traditional paradigms. She notes the discomfort some teachers face when confronted with new methodologies, remarking, "It's really hard to accept that maybe what you've been doing and how you thought about reading isn't actually accurate."
In her vision for educational reform in British Columbia, Baerg underscores the need for systemic change and interdisciplinary collaboration. She advocates for a comprehensive review of the language arts curriculum, aligning it with evidence-based practices in literacy development. Additionally, she calls for a critical examination of existing resources to ensure they effectively support students in need.
Baerg underscores the profound implications of educational equity, framing it as a fundamental human rights issue. "This isn't just somebody's opinion... this is really a human rights issue," she says, emphasizing the urgency of addressing inequities in education.
To learn more, listen to Melanie Baerg’s interview on the Dyslexia Canada podcast. It is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you typically access your podcasts.
In this series, we profile the recipients of the 2024 Dyslexia Canada Educational Excellence Awards. This prestigious award recognizes individuals across the nation who have made exceptional contributions to ensure that all Canadian children have access to essential literacy support.