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ReciteCall for applications: Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice GTCS Professional Recognition programme
Applications are open for the next GTCS Professional Recognition programme in Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice
Dyslexia Scotland is an accredited provider of the GTCS Professional Recognition programme in ‘Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice’.
The programme is delivered in partnership with Education Scotland. The aim of the programme is to develop accomplished expert teachers in dyslexia and inclusive practice so that they are well equipped to support learners and colleagues through the holistic identification and support process for dyslexia in Scotland.
About the programme
The fifth year of our exciting GTCS Professional Recognition programme will start in September 2025 and end in August 2026. The programme was accredited by the GTCS in June 2021.
The Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice Professional Recognition Programme was developed collaboratively with Education Scotland following an extended pilot that took place from 2017-2019. We built on the learning of the pilot through active engagement with the participants; therefore, the programme is grounded on their feedback, the impact of the professional learning on teachers and the learning of the programme tutors as a collaborative team.
The programme is a creditable and effective way to deepen Scottish teachers’ knowledge, understanding and practice to support learners. It meets a need within our educational system, builds capacity and creates a free sustainable route to high quality professional learning. It aims to increase the number of GTCS registered teachers with dyslexia and inclusive practice professional recognition.
Applicants should carefully consider the workload expectations required of the programme, as outlined in the ‘Application Criteria Outline’. Also, as part of the recruitment processes, head teachers or local authority lead officers are asked to commit to providing support to participants engaging in this professional learning programme.
Who can apply?
Dyslexia Scotland is seeking applications from teaching professionals who have completed one year of professional practice after gaining full registration from GTC Scotland and who have then gone on to engage in sustained, significant professional learning in a particular area.
Support for Learning teachers, Additional Support Needs teachers, Pupil Support teachers and local authority Inclusion Education Officers are encouraged to apply, as well as others such as classroom teachers and Principal teachers who are able to work in partnership with their support teachers.
Applicants should carefully consider the workload expectations required of the programme, as outlined in the ‘Application Criteria Outline’. Also, as part of the recruitment processes, head teachers or local authority lead officers are asked to commit to providing support to participants engaging in this professional learning programme.
Is there a cost to the programme?
Currently funded by the Scottish Government, this programme is free to participants, but you will be expected to cover your own travel costs to the two in-person sessions.
Application Criteria Outline: 2025 to 2026
Dyslexia Scotland is seeking applications from teaching professionals who have completed a minimum of one year of professional practice after gaining full registration from GTC Scotland and who have then gone on to engage in sustained, significant professional learning in Dyslexia and inclusive practice. This learning must include the completion of the Open University Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice Modules 1 and 2.
Support for Learning teachers, Additional Support Needs teachers, Pupil Support teachers and local authority Inclusion Education Officers are encouraged to apply, as well as others such as classroom teachers and Principal teachers who are able to work in partnership with their support teachers.
The aim of the programme is to develop accomplished expert teachers in dyslexia and inclusive practice so that they are well equipped to support learners and colleagues through the holistic identification and support process for dyslexia in Scotland. Closing date for applications: midnight on 25 May 2025.
As part of the selection process, candidates are required to submit a personal statement which must include the following:
- Your GTCS registration number and date of full registration
- Why you want to engage in the programme; what would you contribute?
- A summary of any relevant qualifications (accredited or non-accredited) or professional learning you have engaged in over the last 5 years
- How you support professional learning within the school community, for example leading in-service/collegiate sessions with colleagues
- How you plan to take the learning forward at each stage of the programme in your area
- Attach the ‘Statement of participation’ from your Open University Dyslexia and inclusive practice Modules 1 and 2
- Attach written permission from your head of establishment/local authority.
- Any other relevant information in support of your application
Programme of study
The programme is expected to take at least 65 hours, which includes:
- Three Saturday Masterclasses (see Programme dates)
- Participants are expected to carry out intersessional study, practitioner enquiry and collaboration with peer learners between each masterclass, as set out below
- Participants’ own study: online Open University Dyslexia and inclusive practice Module 3. When doing the modules, learners are encouraged to use a Reflective Log as they work through the coursework; what they write in this Log forms is an important part of the learning process. They are advised to revisit the Log regularly and use the information in it as evidence of their professional development, reflective practice and critical self-evaluation, all which contribute towards their GTC Scotland professional update
- Practitioner enquiry, involving personal reflection as well as collaboration with colleagues and their school community; this is linked to Module 3, on the broad topic of dyslexia and inclusive practice, with individual areas of research to be agreed and explored as part of the programme discussions
- GLOW Team space for sharing ideas and practice
- Optional monthly online Drop-in twilight sessions through the year
- One Saturday Professional Recognition Reflective Support Day
- Submission of Professional Recognition application
Professional Reading and additional research papers are shared during the programme.
Application timeline
- Closing date for applicants: midnight on 25 May 2025
- Inform applicants whether successful or not: by 27 June 2025
Programme dates
- Masterclass One: Saturday 6 September 2025 (in person, Stirling)
- Masterclass Two: Saturday 17 January 2026 (online)
- Masterclass Three: Saturday 25 April 2026 (online)
- Monthly online Drop-in twilight sessions (optional – dates provided if successful)
- Professional Recognition Reflective Support Day: Saturday 6 June 2026 (in person, Stirling)
- Submission of applications: no later than 14 August 2026
Overview of the three Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice modules
The three professional learning Dyslexia and inclusive practice modules are intrinsic to the learning outcomes for this programme. After studying the three modules, engaging in the tasks and carrying out their practitioner enquiry, participants will have a deeper knowledge, understanding and experience of the following:
- Dyslexia and inclusive practice within the Scottish context of education
- Equality and equity
- Dyslexia research
- Appropriate and collaborative support and assessment of dyslexia within the Scottish context
- Effective leadership and collaboration to support school communities to improve the outcomes of learners with dyslexia and associated difficulties.
- The three online modules were developed collaboratively by Dyslexia Scotland, Education Scotland, the Addressing Dyslexia Toolkit working group and the Scottish Government, with the Open University in Scotland.
- Developed and structured around the GTCS CLPL standards (and updated in line with the 2021 Standards), the incremental modules support reflective conversations, annual reviews and professional updates, which can contribute towards an application for GTCS Professional Recognition.
Apply for the 2025 programme
Programme contact
Cathy Magee, Chief Executive of Dyslexia Scotland [email protected]
“I cannot thank you enough for this experience. The confidence I have gained has been huge. The provision of support for our children has improved and teachers and support staff are clearer in what they can do to make their classroom more inclusive.”
Previous participant
“The Masterclasses were excellent. All the speakers had a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. The collaboration between Dyslexia Scotland, Education and GTCS was very powerful and emphasised the importance of ensuring that all learners needs are met. Starting off with the in-person session make sense and finishing with the reflective study day was perfect. The structure of the days were great. Everything was extremely well planned and encouraged us to learn more, collaborate with others and reflect, challenge and improve our practice.”
Previous participant
“Taking part in this training opportunity has given me a newfound confidence in supporting young people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties. It has allowed me to talk to young people, staff and parents about what the best support would look like. It has made me consider things from a different viewpoint and start to make our school more inclusive for all. I feel that staff understanding has become better and learners feel like they are being listened to.”
Previous participant
“Through completing the course I was able to not only improve my own knowledge and understanding of supporting pupils with dyslexia in school but, as a school leader, it also provided the time and focus for me to work alongside colleagues in my school as we looked to improve the universal supports in all classes. Moving forward we are better placed and more informed in how to identify supports for any pupils with literacy difficulties.”
Previous participant