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LPLC Debuts Self-Paced Dyslexia Course for Idaho Educators, Admin & Counselors as Reported by CBS2

Lee Pesky Learning Center (LPLC) announces an important leadership transition. Executive Director Maureen O’Toole will be stepping away from her position to attend to family health matters. The entire LPLC community expresses deep gratitude for Maureen’s leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to advancing our mission of helping students, families, and educators overcome learning challenges and reach their full potential. 

During her tenure, Maureen guided the Center through a period of growth and adaptation while strengthening relationships with community partners, expanding access to services, and championing programs that ensure all learners have the tools and support they need to succeed. Her empathy, professionalism, and focus on mission-driven impact have left an enduring mark on the organization and those it serves. 

Stepping into the role of Executive Director is Dr. Lindy Crawford, who previously led Lee Pesky Learning Center and now returns with optimism and a renewed vision for impact. Dr. Crawford brings deep institutional knowledge, decades of educational leadership experience, and an unwavering commitment to the Center’s mission. Her familiarity with LPLC’s team, community, and the broader educational landscape in Idaho ensures continuity, stability, and momentum during this transition. 

“Lee Pesky Learning Center’s professional expertise is second to none and it is my great honor to once again serve alongside an incredibly accomplished and deeply empathetic team,” said Dr. Crawford. “For close to 30 years, LPLC has led educational innovation using an evidence-based approach to teaching and learning. I am excited to play a small part in our continued evolution.” 

Board Chair Jim Foudy added, “We are profoundly grateful to Maureen for her care, leadership, and commitment to every learner we serve. We’re equally confident in welcoming Lindy back to guide LPLC into its next chapter. Her deep knowledge of LPLC and her passion for education will be a great asset to the organization during this transition period.” 

For nearly three decades, Lee Pesky Learning Center has helped thousands of students, families, and educators overcome obstacles to learning through direct academic and clinical services, professional training, and community partnerships. The organization remains steadfast in its mission to ensure every learner has the opportunity to thrive. 

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Supporting students with dyslexia, that’s the goal for Gem State educators.

After House Bill 731 passed last July, Idaho educators for grades 6th through 12th are now required to seek instructional certification for dyslexia.

Dyslexia is a neurobiological in origin and is characterized by difficulties with word recognition, fluency, spelling, and decoding.

It is one of many learning challenges that can be identified and addressed in children.

The need for identification remains constant as one in five individuals have learning and attention challenges per the National Center on Learning Disabilities.

Educating local teachers, administrators and school counselors is a task the Lee Pesky Center is making easier – through their new self-paced, online course or their two-part webinar series!

“It’s titled ‘Understanding and Supporting Students with Dyslexia’ and it’s something we have been doing live for a little while,” explains Nicole Hodges, the Professional Development Director for the Lee Pesky Center. “Historically, we have provided webinars and in-person training and now we have an asynchronous version which means that you can purchase the course and it is completely self-paced, so you can go at your own speed.”

The courses are divided into sections, with a total of 15 hours of professional development.

Meeting the requirements for the Idaho Literacy Achievement and Accountability Act and teacher recertification.

It can also be taken as a one credit course through Boise State University, Northwest Nazarene University or College of Southern Idaho.

“It’s broken up into lessons,” Hodges explains. “For instance, we have a lesson on the science of reading and we are looking at other factors that impact reading using screening and assessment. And throughout the course we have knowledge checks.”

The course covers screening and assessment tools while keeping educators engaged through interactives and also testing their knowledge.

Participants will deepen their understanding of:

  • The Science of Reading
  • Dyslexia Research and Statistics
  • Factors Impacting Literacy
  • Screening and Assessment
  • Features of Strong Instruction and A.R.M.S.

“At the very end we have a quiz that you have to get an 80 percent on and you will get multiple tries,” Hodges explains.

If you want to learn more about this program click HERE.

If you want to learn more about the Lee Pesky Learning Center, click HERE.

To view the original article and video as reported by CBS2, please click HERE.

 

Photo caption: One of LPLC’s Pathways to Literacy students works with his tutor this past July.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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