About
Cheryl Urbanczyk
Recent Professional Activties
Presenter, Orton-Gillingham Academy Conference 2022, 2023, 2025
-The sessions introduced OG practitioners to the basics of culturally responsive and relevant pedagogy (CRRP) and 'The Culture View of Reading' in order to meet the needs of diverse learners, ensure that lessons are inclusive, take equity considerations into account, and are supporting student identity.
Presenter, ONBIDA 2024 Literacy & Learning Conference
-It is with excitement that I presented at this conference on the topic of 'Science of Reading Models and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy'. I was also there as an exhibitor.
Reviewer: Draft Revision of the Elementary Language/Grade 9 Curriculum Ministry of Education, ON
-It was an honor to be invited to participate, as an expert in Structured Literacy, in the review of the revised Elementary Language Arts curriculum. A draft copy was provided and I was able to review it and provide feedback to support the move toward a curriculum that aligns with the OHRC 'Right to Read'.
Feedback to the Ministry of Education, Ontario
-It was a pleasure to provide feedback, as a Structured Literacy specialist, to the Ministry of Education Ontario on their 'Effective Early Reading Instruction: A Guide for Teachers'.
Reviewer, International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Teacher Education Program Accreditation
-Review teacher education programs to ensure they align with the IDA 'Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS) for Teachers of Reading' and they prepare teachers in the principles and practices of Structured Literacy.
Member, Orton-Gillingham Diversity Committee
-The purpose of this Committee is to increase diversity within the Academy and engage in new initiatives that reflect diverse practices.
Panelist, 'Race, Class & Reading: Disrupting the Pedagogy of Low Expectations' Webinar, Ontario Bran
-This webinar explores 'how we can dismantle the ideas and disrupt the systems that have perpetuated and excused inequity for too long'. Listen to the webinar here.
Professional Development Provider
Provided Structured Literacy and Orton-Gillingham Classroom Educator training to: Wellington Catholic District School Board, Keewatin-Patricia District School Board, Glenbrook School (Calgary Board of Ed).
Member of Experts Panel, Dystinct
-Dystinct is an Australian advocacy group dedicated to promoting a positive asset-based view of dyslexia and neurodiversity. My profile is here.
-Contributed an article to Sept 2022 issue of their publication, Dystinct Magazine, on 'The Culture View of Reading'. Check out the issue here. Read about 'The Culture View of Reading' on my website here.
Structured Word Inquiry Learning
-Attended a four day Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) 'Wolfe Island Retreat' led by Dr Peter Bowers. This intensive learning opportunity enriched and supported my understanding of linguistics, morphology, and word investigation. SWI is a powerful tool to build reading, vocabulary, and spelling skills in students.
Credentials
Fellow, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Cheryl is a 'Fellow', which is the highest level of membership and certification through the OGA. As a Fellow, Cheryl can teach, tutor, supervise, develop, and conduct trainings at the following levels and recommend OGA membership for individuals she has trained: Subscriber, Classroom Educator, Associate Level, Certified Level, Clinical Supervisor, and Fellow. As a member of the 'OGA Diversity Committee', Cheryl is working to ensure that issues of equity, diversity and inclusion are part of Academy processes.
CERI - Center for Effective Reading Instruction
CERI is a subsidiary of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and certifies teachers who meet their 'Standards of Knowledge and Practice'. Cheryl has the highest designation offered by CERI:
'Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist'.
OCT - Reading Specialist
Cheryl knows and understands the literacy instruction in the province of Ontario and the teaching strategies used in schools. This allows her to have perspective in what students are learning in school and how to match that with OG and Structured Literacy strategies to achieve the best results.
Ontario Principal's Council Special Education for Administrators
Understanding special education along the continuum from student to class to school/system is critical. Cheryl knows and understands these various aspects and has perspective on special education issues at the administrative level. This is critical for supporting students with dyslexia within a school.
Experiences
Career Educator
With over 20 years in the profession, Cheryl has a wide set of experiences across ages / grades (high school science teacher, elementary homeroom teacher, teacher-leader, consultant, administrator) in a variety of settings (public / private schools, entrepreneurial) in a variety of locations in the US and Canada. This gives her a unique expertise to understand literacy, dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities in the wider education context as well as understand the impact of literacy on student success.
Child with Dyslexia
This is personal. Living with a dyslexic child provides the insight and compassion to understand the emotional and academic struggles these students have. In fact, Cheryl started this journey to be able to help her own child learn to read. This experience of trusting in the abilities of her own child fuels her belief that all children can 'Learn Literacy'. Cheryl knows that all children need an adult advocate who believes in them. She is that person!
Life-Long Learner
Cheryl regularly attends webinars, workshops, and conferences to network, to increase her knowledge & understanding of dyslexia and teaching, and to ensure she is current with best practices. Recent conferences attended: IDA, OGA, ONBIDA, The Reading League.