Improving Literacy Skills by Understanding Cognitive Science Research

Michelle Thomas has been a Headteacher since 2004, an Executive Headteacher since 2009, a National Leader of Education (NLE), a Lead School Inspector, and is currently the Director of Education at the School of Research Science (SRS), Dubai, UAE. Prior to this role, Michelle was the Executive Headteacher of The New Wave Federation, which consists of 3 high performing and innovative primary schools in London, UK. Michelle is passionate about school improvement and driving her team to be at the forefront of what works well in classrooms.

Dr. Alison Burrows has been awarded the Doctor of Education Technology Integration from the prestigious Johns Hopkins University: School ofEducation. Her learning and teaching interests center around enabling teachers to improve their pedagogical practices to increase student achievement through the meaningful use of digital tools. Alison has written and integrated professional learning programs into private international schools throughout the MENA region.

Dr. Ambreen Mohammad serves as the Lecturer in Education at Middlesex University Dubai. She has a doctorate at Johns Hopkins University, US, specializing in entrepreneurial leadership. Her passion for education stems from her role as a K-12 teacher and vice principal at international schools. She is a certified Kagan instructional coach and facilitates professional development courses in leadership development and effective pedagogy. She is a published author on cooperative learning and is currently working in the areas of teacher retention and organizational conditions.

Sheila Byrne has a rich tapestry of 12 years of teaching experience and qualifications spanning English, Classical Studies, and History. She stands out as an authority in vocabulary acquisition through versatile classroom strategies. Her previous role as a Literacy Coordinator in a number of schools in Abu Dhabi, and current role as Head of English, have equipped her with innovative methods that expand students' word knowledge and empower educators. Sheila's multifaceted expertise in education, language acquisition, and pedagogical strategies makes her a sought-after resource for anyone looking to enhance their classroom practices and support students in their journey toward academic excellence.

Virginia Breder holds a Master of Education from Texas Christian University and enjoyed a 17 year teaching career in both the United States and the United Arab Emirates. She has been living in Dubai for the past eight years and relishes her role in helping schools all over the world further their development of literacy best practices.