Training to become a Specialist SpLD Teacher/Practitioner

Whilst studying on either of our Level 5 or Level 7 SpLD Teaching programmes, participants will gain access to the unique resources of the Dyslexia Action Literacy Programme (DALP).

What is DALP?

DALP is a comprehensive specialist literacy programme for SpLD Specialist Teacher/Practitioner which provides a pathway for learners with literacy difficulties of all ages, through individual placement identification. DALP brings metacognitive learning and the development of metalinguistic awareness to the forefront, with the placement process as the underpinning strand of the specialist literacy support scheme. It will enable the practitioner to further extend their reach to those with dyslexia and literacy difficulties.

This Specialist SpLD Teacher/Practitioner course is the final part of a pathway to qualify you as a specialist teacher/ practitioner of dyslexia/SpLD and takes approximately 10 months to complete. Teachers/practitioners/tutors completing this certificate course will be qualified to offer literacy and learning support to pupils with dyslexia/ specific learning difficulties. This course does not carry university masters’ credits. 

Are you eligible? This course may be undertaken by Dyslexia Action students who have completed one of the following entry qualifications:

• Supporting Literacy in Learners with Dyslexia
• Supporting Adults with Dyslexia and Co-occurring Difficulties
• Supporting International Learners with Dyslexia
• Focal Points for Literacy (for graduates only) 

Level 5 specialist SpLD Teacher/Practitioner qualification. Successful completion of one of the above programmes and the Level 5 Certificate in Strategic Teaching Support for Dyslexia and Literacy will give you The Level 5 Diploma in Strategic Teaching Support for Dyslexia and Literacy. 

Qualification overview 

In order to achieve this qualification, you will complete the following modules:

• DAPP21-01 Literacy Acquisition – Underpinning Theory (30 credits – Masters Level)
• DAPP21-02 Specialist Literacy Teaching – Linking Theory to Practice (30 credits – Masters Level)

Click here for further information and a programme brochure.

The Level 5 Diploma (DADIP61) and the Level 7 Teaching Certificate confer eligibility for Associate Membership of The Dyslexia Guild (ADG) recognised as the first grade of professional membership for a Specialist SpLD Teacher/Practitioner.

The Level 5 Diploma is accredited by The CPD Standards Office. The Level 7 Certificate is validated by Middlesex University. 

The Level 5 Diploma is also accredited by the British Dyslexia Association for Approved Teacher Status or Approved Practitioner Status (ATS/APS) and PATOSS for Associate membership (the Level 7 Teaching Certificate is subject to approval by the British Dyslexia Association).

After completing a specialist teaching programme at Level 5 or Level 7 you will have the option to continue your studies to become an assessor at Level 7 (20 hours of study a week). See this page for more details.