Welcome to SAALED

Welcome to our platform, dedicated to creating inclusive learning experiences! We aim to provide training and discussion on strategies and pedagogies tailored to help all individuals in their unique learning journeys. Whether you are a teacher, therapist, facilitator or parent, our goal is to provide the assistance necessary to foster a supportive learning environment. Join us on this journey of empowerment and collaboration.

AboutMembership

More About Us

Inclusive education focuses on integrating and guaranteeing special educational needs of pupils with various forms of disabilities in mainstream schools. SAALED offers a platform for educators to share knowledge and experiences as well as provide access to one’s peers in order to become better educators.

Learn By Doing

By joining the organisation you will become part of an interdisciplinary network of people concerned with a wide range of aspects of support for learning.

Mission

SAALED’s Mission & Vision

SAALED’s mission is to support educators and therapists in cultivating inclusive learning environments. We strive to empower all to address educational differences within the classroom, fostering an atmosphere where every student can actively participate and flourish in their unique learning journey.

SAALED’s vision is to facilitate the promotion and implementation of inclusive education through information, support, collaboration, advocacy and training

Calendar

Our Upcoming Events & Webinars

Please note that webinar topics and dates are subject to change.

11

March

The BIG M (Mathematics for Teenagers)

Presented by Senior Mathematics Teacher, Ian Atteridge, from Steyn City College

Event Info

Member: R220
Non-Member: R310

This webinar will take place via MS Teams on 11 March 2025 at 18h00.

In this webinar, Ian Atteridge aims to explore the transition between Grades for a Teenager and Teacher who need support in Mathematics. The transition from middle school to high school can be a challenging period for both students and teachers, particularly in the subject of mathematics. In response to the growing demand for effective support, SAALED is hosting this webinar designed for mathematics teachers working with teenagers. The aim of this session is to help teachers better equip their students for the rigorous academic expectations they will encounter in high school.

The webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the key concepts, skills, and problem-solving strategies that the school mathematics curricula typically emphasizes.

13

May

Assisting Teachers Assistants

Presented by René Levinge-Lang and Tammy Letcher from St Peter’s Boys Preparatory School

Event Info

Member: R220
Non-Member: R310

This webinar will take place via MS Teams on 13 May 2025 at 18h00.

Join us for an insightful session designed to empower Teachers and Teacher Assistants with practical strategies and guidance to enhance their effectiveness in the classroom. This interactive session, presented by René Levinge-Lang and Tammy Letcher from St Peter’s Boys Preparatory School, is designed to empower both Teacher Assistants and the teachers who work closely with them.

The role of a Teacher Assistant is vital in supporting learners and ensuring a smooth classroom environment. However, effective collaboration between teachers and assistants is essential for maximizing learning outcomes. Every child matters – and so does every assistant who helps them succeed.

29

May

Myth busting with Referrals

Presented by Gill Illsley- Educational Psychologist

Event Info

Member: R220
Non-Member: R310

This webinar will take place via MS Teams on 29 May 2025 at 18h00.

Educational Psychologist, Gill Illsley, will share her insights on the topic of “Challenging the Myths Around Referrals”.

Referrals to specialists such as educational psychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists are often misunderstood by both parents and educators. Many believe that seeking a referral is a last resort, implying failure in teaching or parenting. However, Gill will break down these misconceptions and offer a new perspective on the value of early intervention and support through the referral process. She aims to share her expertise on how referrals are not about labeling or limiting learners but are, in fact, a critical step toward unlocking their potential. Emphasis will be how multidisciplinary collaboration can support a child’s emotional, academic, and social development.

This session is invaluable for teachers, parents, and caregivers who want to understand the referral process better and how to use it as a tool for positive intervention in a child’s educational journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical insights and join the conversation about demystifying referrals and ensuring that every learner gets the support they need to thrive.

25

June

Neurodiversity in the mainstream classroom
Seminar & AGM 

Presented by Frances Kaplan & Megan Trickey – Educational Psychologists

 

Event Info

The seminar titled “Neurodiversity in the Mainstream Classroom” presented by Frances Kaplan and Megan Trickey aims to equip educators with practical strategies to embrace neurodiversity in their classrooms. As schools continue to welcome learners with a variety of neurological differences, it is essential for educators to move beyond traditional, one-size-fits-all teaching methods and adopt approaches that celebrate each child’s unique way of thinking, learning, and engaging with the world.

Neurodiversity recognizes that conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, to name a few, are natural variations of the human mind, rather than deficits. This paradigm shift encourages educators to see the strengths that accompany these differences and to create learning environments that nurture all learners’ potential. The seminar will provide participants with tools to identify and support these strengths while addressing the challenges students may face in the classroom. The session will explore ways to develop inclusive, flexible learning environments that foster academic growth, emotional well-being, and a sense of belonging for all students.

25

July

Inclusivity and Positivity at Schools

Presented by Sanele Majola – Headmaster at St Stithian’s Boys Preparatory School

Event Info

The webinar “Inclusivity and Positivity at Schools,” presented by Sanele Majola, explores the crucial role that creating an inclusive and positive school environment plays in fostering student success and well-being. In diverse educational settings, where learners come from different cultural, social, and academic backgrounds, inclusivity is essential to ensuring that every student feels valued, respected, and supported. Sanele will highlight the importance of cultivating a school culture that embraces diversity and promotes acceptance. The session will focus on practical strategies for building relationships that are rooted in empathy and understanding, both between educators and learners, and among students themselves. Participants will learn how inclusive practices can positively impact academic outcomes, emotional well-being, and social interactions. A key aspect of the webinar will be promoting positivity within the school environment.

18

September

Teacher Support & Leadership

Presented by Gavin Fish – Life Coach and Mentor

Event Info

Member: R220
Non-Member: R310

This webinar will take place via MS Teams on 18 September 2025 at 18h00.

Gavin Fish will present an engaging and insightful webinar on “Teacher Support and Leadership,” designed to empower educators and school leaders with strategies to enhance teaching and learning outcomes and environments. The webinar will emphasize the pivotal role of leadership in fostering an environment where teachers feel supported, valued, and motivated to deliver their best. The webinar will explore practical strategies that school leaders may want to implement. By embodying empathy, transparency, and vision, leaders will inspire teachers to excel and contribute to a thriving educational community. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and challenges, fostering a collaborative atmosphere aimed at building support.

30

October

Using Tech and AI in the Classroom

Presented by Xoli Mahlangu – Head of Digital Learning at Sifiso Learning Group

 

Event Info

Xoli Mahlangu will present an engaging and thought-provoking webinar  “Tech and AI,” aimed at exploring the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies on various contexts. This session will attract professionals, students, and tech enthusiasts eager to understand how AI can drive innovation, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities in the classroom and beyond.

Participants can look forward to interactive activities, showcasing practical applications of AI in real-world scenarios. Attendees will have the opportunity to brainstorm how they might leverage AI within their spaces, fostering a sense of collaboration and innovation.

 What Our Delegates Say?

Poetry Webinar: SAALED webinar presented by Ruth Everson

A passionate and personal presentation, kept us riveted throughout.

Deidre

Poetry Webinar: SAALED webinar presented by Ruth Everson

The idea of how poetry gives people hope and a way to express themselves or feel that they can relate to others and not feel alone.

Alexi

Poetry Webinar: SAALED webinar presented by Ruth Everson

Phenomenal Speaker with lots of experience and so relatable.

Mandy

Poetry Webinar: SAALED webinar presented by Ruth Everson

Ruth’s passion for writing and using her voice to inspire hope. I’m looking forward to imparting that to my students so that they know they too have a powerful voice.

Nicole

Blog

Our News & Articles

Informative articles on education, learning difficulties, knowledge sharing as well as links to our newsletters can be found here.

SAALED Newsletter February 2025

SAALED Newsletter February 2025

Dear SAALED Members and Friends, We hope this message finds you well as we embark on our path filled with opportunities for growth, learning and connection. At SAALED, our commitment to supporting learners with educational differences remains steadfast, and we are...

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SAALED Newsletter January 2025

SAALED Newsletter January 2025

Happy New Year! We are thrilled to step into another year filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and make a meaningful difference. As we embark on this journey together, we are excited to announce an inspiring lineup of webinars and our annual seminar designed to...

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SAALED Newsletter October and November 2024

SAALED Newsletter October and November 2024

SAALED is excited to share our November newsletter, packed with updates and highlights from SAALED's recent and upcoming events! This edition reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting learners with educational differences, including insights from our last webinar...

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Events in 2025

Years Established

Board Members

Non-Discrimination Policy

SAALED does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all our members. View our Privacy Policy here.