HIRE A SPEAKER
Is your school or organization in need of professional development about structured literacy, dyslexia and other learning differences, state laws and/or district policy? Maybe you have an idea of what you need. We would love to hear from you and have you fill out our interest form. Check out our speakers and we will get in touch with you to learn more about your needs and availability!
Rebecca Bush, M.A., M.Ed., CALT, LDT
Rebecca Bush is a literacy specialist, dyslexia interventionist, and author of Dyslexia and Your Newly Diagnosed Child. With nearly 20 years of experience across classrooms, school leadership, and private practice, she bridges research, empathy, and real-world application. Rebecca holds master’s degrees in Advanced Literacy and Elementary Education, and is a Certified Academic Language Therapist and Licensed Dyslexia Therapist. She specializes in evidence-based intervention, parent coaching, and structured literacy implementation.
Through her school consulting work, Rebecca partners with leadership teams to transition entire systems to structured literacy. She supports schools by developing multiyear implementation plans, helping select aligned instructional programs, and streamlining existing systems for greater effectiveness and cohesion. In addition to specialized professional development sessions, she also offers educator coaching, because when teachers are supported in applying what they've learned, real results follow. Her recent work focuses on strengthening communication between home and school to improve literacy outcomes and addresses what most systems overlook, the emotional and practical gap families face immediately after a dyslexia diagnosis.
Topics of Expertise
Rebecca offers keynotes, professional development, and custom workshops for educators, school leaders, and families. Sample topics include:
The Dyslexia Divide: Why So Many Kids Struggle & What We Can Do About It
Science of Reading in Action: Translating Evidence Into Practice
Building Literacy Systems: From Policy to Practice
Partnering with Parents: Practical Strategies for Home and School Collaboration
Equity in Dyslexia Instruction: Supporting Diverse Learners
Navigating the Journey: Next Steps After a Dyslexia Diagnosis
Amanda Jocz, M.Ed.
Amanda is native Houstonian and experienced educator and administrator with a deep passion for supporting students with learning differences. Throughout her career, Amanda has worked in special education, general education, and school leadership, always striving to create environments where students, families, and teachers can work together to unlock potential and achieve success. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Special Education from the University of Central Arkansas and Master of Education in Administration from Houston Christian University. Amanda has over 12 years of experience in Houston-area independent schools, specializing in supporting students with learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD, among others. She has experience working with students and families ranging from early childhood to high school having been an elementary school teacher, middle and high school division head, and athletic coach. Amanda has been an active member
of the Houston Branch of IDA since 2013, serving on the advisory council and now as a board member. She is currently the Director of Learning Support at an independent school in the Houston area. Additionally, she runs a private practice where she offers personalized student support and family education for individuals with learning differences. Through years of experience, Amanda has found joy in learning families’ stories, building connections, and developing creative solutions to help students thrive.
Topics of Expertise
Multisensory strategies for the classroom
Join Amanda as she provides multisensory strategies for the elementary classroom. These strategies are imperative to helping students with learning differences access the content, but are good strategies for everyone! You will leave with hands-on strategies that you can implement tomorrow.
Learning differences in the classroom: What do they look like & how can I help?
We often receive FIEs, IEPs, and psychoeducational evaluations with a diagnosis, but what does that mean for the classroom? In this session, you will learn how various learning differences present in the classroom and gain strategies on how to best support diverse learners.
Practical support for parents of students with Dyslexia & ADHD
Join this session to gain tools on how to set up your household for success. Gain knowledge on how your child with dyslexia/adhd thinks, what strategies can be implemented in your home, and language that can build connections and confidence.
Angie Maxey, MLA
Angie Maxey serves as the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Access and Disability Services at the University of St. Thomas-Houston. With over 20 years of experience in education, Angie is deeply committed to education equity and accessibility. Among her key accomplishments at UST, she has launched a student success initiative that pairs peer mentors with neurodivergent students and also hosts an annual Celebrating Neurodiversity Art Showcase to recognize the talents and contributions of neurodivergent individuals. In addition to her role as a disability services professional, Angie is a board member of the Houston International Dyslexia Association and was recognized as a finalist for the Tincy Miller Making a Difference Award for her contributions in the field of dyslexia advocacy. She currently serves as Board President for the Association for Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) in Texas, and is a doctoral candidate in Strategic Educational Leadership with research interests in neurodiversity frameworks and self-advocacy for students with disabilities.
Topics of Expertise
Dyslexia and the ADA: College Accommodations and the Transition from K-12 – Helping students and parents understand the transition process and differences between K-12 and higher education accommodations.
504 Implementation in Texas: Trends, Challenges, and Disparities – A data-driven look at the disparities in Section 504 identification and services across the state.
Technology and Dyslexia: Leveraging Assistive Tools for Success – Reviewing the latest assistive technology and how it supports students with dyslexia.
How Parents Can Support Self-Advocacy in Dyslexic Students – Practical guidance for parents on fostering independence and empowerment.
Accommodations vs. Modifications: Understanding the Differences in Dyslexia Support – Clarifying misconceptions about instructional adjustments in K-12 and higher education.