Children who fail to read regularly during long breaks from school will often see their reading ability drop. This is termed the “summer slide”. Socio-economic status can be a factor – if a child’s household has fewer books to read, then they will have fewer authentic reading opportunities. But those children who keep up their […]
All posts by Ryan Spencer
As a Clinical Teaching Specialist in Literacy Education at the University of Canberra, Ryan brings a unique perspective and insight into the challenges facing teacher education. Ryan currently convenes and lectures in two first year literacy subjects for pre-service teachers, focusing upon effective reading instruction.
Prior to his appointment at the University of Canberra, Ryan was Program Co-ordinator and Literacy Advisor for the U-CAN Read Literacy Intervention Program. The U-CAN Read program is a joint project of the University of Canberra and the ACT Education and Training Directorate and is designed to provide parents and carers with the skills, strategies and support to assist their children to read.
Ryan has eleven years teaching experience across all primary grade levels in both the New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory public education systems.
He completed his Master of Educational Leadership in 2012. His research interests focus upon parent education, engaging boys in literacy to improve their educational outcomes and the impact of new technology upon reading instruction. Ryan has presented at a number of education conferences in the area of reading instruction, most recently in Osaka, Japan.
Ryan is a member of Australian Literacy Educator's Association (ALEA) and is a member of the Executive Committee in the ACT, currently holding the position of Treasurer. Ryan is also a member of the International Reading Association and the Primary English Teacher's Association.