Dyslexia Journeys - Mapping the learning journeys of educators with dyslexia

This presentation draws from a current research project exploring the learning journeys of health professions educators with dyslexia, undertaking post-graduate teacher training at a UK university. Research into undergraduate medical students has highlighted a gap in teaching and learning strategies to support students with dyslexia, particularly among educators who do not share this neurodivergence. This underscores the need to increase the representation of neurodivergent educators, to foster inclusivity and share insights that enhance teaching practices. Amid the evolving landscape of health professions education, marked by growing diversity and heightened attention to inclusivity, the experiences of postgraduate educators with dyslexia remain underexplored. While the learning journeys of undergraduate students with dyslexia have gained some attention, there is a notable absence of research on health professions educators, particularly those undertaking postgraduate teacher training. This research project ‘Dyslexia journeys’ emphasises the importance of understanding the unique perspectives and contributions of health professions educations, especially as they navigate teacher training programs. The project employs mapping as a creative method, inviting participants to visually represent their journeys and experiences. This innovative approach seeks to give agency to participants to create their data and identify salient moments in their journeys into teaching. By shedding light on the experiences of neurodivergent educators, this current research project seeks to contribute to a broader understanding of inclusivity in health professions education.