Check Out Amy Thomas’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Thomas.

Amy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Amy has worked in education for 30+ years in a variety of roles, starting her career teaching high school literacy to students with emotional disabilities. This is where she found her passion about learning how to teach reading and writing due to the lack of instruction that worked best for these students. In addition to that role, she has worked as a learning specialist, classroom teacher, instructional coach, and most recently as a literacy consultant for the Colorado Department of Education. Amy is a national trainer for thinkSRSD, an evidence-based framework for literacy that is used at VSA. Additionally, she is a Certified CERI OG tutor.

Learning about best practices and research within literacy and collaborating about it with fellow teachers, is one of Amy’s favorite things to do. She believes that every child can become a reader and writer when high quality teachers use evidenced-based instruction. Promoting this concept is her top priority.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There is a lack of education for staff as well as parents regarding evidence-based practices to meet the needs of children with literacy difficulties. There are widely held misconceptions regarding dyslexia specifically.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We provide evidence based, explicit instruction to grow and inspire students with dyslexia. We are known as an intensive, intervention school and for strong multi-sensory instruction. Most importantly, our students feel valued and know that they are smart and capable. They advocate for themselves and know they can do hard things! Our staff is truly amazing and work hard to meet the needs our students and families!

What matters most to you? Why?
Vertical Skills Academy is dedicated to empowering dyslexic learners through the use of evidence-based programs tailored to their unique needs. By integrating proven methodologies, such as structured literacy and multisensory instructional approaches, we ensure that each student receives the tools and strategies necessary to unlock their full potential. Our commitment to research-driven practices allows us to address the specific challenges faced by dyslexic learners while fostering confidence, independence, and academic success. This chosen curriculum is explained in depth below. At Vertical Skills Academy, we create a supportive environment where every student can thrive and develop a lifelong love for learning. We go “as fast as we can, as slow as we must” to meet these needs.

Pricing:

• 28100

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.verticalskillsacademy.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VerticalSkillsAcademy
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/vertical-skills-academy-littleton?osq=Vertical+Skills+Academy

Image Credits
Raven’s Nest Photography