NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
For more information, contact:
Jan Paul, Director of Communications
404.233.5332
Atlanta Speech School Administrator Recognized for Outstanding Leadership
(Atlanta, GA…) The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) recently honored Atlanta Speech School’s Maureen Demko with its 2010 Leadership in Literacy Award for her dedicated service to education and outstanding efforts to promote student reading achievement.
Presented to Ms. Demko at the recent annual IDA conference, this award is given to a Georgia school administrator who exhibits leadership in developing literacy at his or her school. Ms. Demko is the Upper Level Coordinator for the Atlanta Speech School’s Wardlaw School which serves elementary-age students with average to superior intelligence and mild to moderate language-based learning disabilities, including dyslexia.
According to IDA president Ellen Burns Hurst, “Maureen approaches each day with two abiding commitments. First, she insures that every child’s literacy needs are met through the implementation of instruction based on the most current available research. Second, she strives to maximize the professional development of each staff member by challenging each to stretch professionally as far as she can reach.”
Specifically, through Ms. Demko’s leadership the Wardlaw School has developed effective programs designed to meet the needs of students who struggle to learn to read because of a diagnosis of dyslexia and/or difficulties with language comprehension. Additionally, Ms. Demko has promoted teacher training and professional development that has led to significant gains in student reading achievement.
The Atlanta Speech School is one of the country’s most comprehensive language centers for children and adults with learning disabilities, including dyslexia, hearing loss, and speech-language disorders. Through its community preschool, the School is committed to helping young children develop a strong language foundation so they can become proficient readers. Established in 1938, the Atlanta Speech School’s four schools, five clinics, and professional development center seek to help each person develop his or her full potential through language and literacy. Each year, the School profoundly impacts the lives of approximately 1,400 children and adults at the Atlanta Speech School and more than 5,000 students throughout the metropolitan Atlanta area through the work of its Rollins Center for Language & Learning.
3160 Northside Parkway, NW | Atlanta, GA 30327 | 404-233-5332 | www.atlantaspeechschool.org