We'd love to hear from you - mtsld2021@gmail.com
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MTS PD Day 2026 @ Caboto Centre and online synchronous
MTS PD Day 2026 @ Caboto Centre and online synchronous
Structured Literacy - Phonics and Beyond (MY, HS focus plus Morphology, Writing, Grammar, EAL)
Thursday October 22, 2026
The Time Has Arrived - Dyscalculia
Friday October 23, 2026
2025-26
Please note we will have follow-up after-school sessions (January 14 and 21 ) about Literacy with MTSLD Executive including Valdine Bjornson, Monica Zurrin, and Nicole Kavalench.
FREE - Click here to register!
Jan 14 - First Session: An inclusive approach to planning and programming for students with Dyslexia using MTSS
Monica is a French Immersion Learning Support Teacher and has worked with children from Grades 1-8 in the classroom and in small groups. She also works alongside Teachers to co-plan and provide resources and help build capacity in planning next steps for literacy intervention. Monica is certified as a Classroom Educator Member of the Orton Gillingham Society having completed the Orton Gillingham Classroom Educator Course as well as the practicum component. In January, 2025, Monica also completed the Orton Gillingham Associate Level Course through the Reading and Learning Clinic of Manitoba.
Dr. Valdine Bjornson will discuss Structured Literacy and Learning Disabilities January 21 @6-7:15ish FREE online.
Agenda:
New Definition of Dyslexia
Literacy Specialist Credentials
The WHAT and HOW of Structured Literacy with specific resources to apply immediately with all of our students - especially those with LD
Dr. Valdine Bjornson
EdD adults with dyslexia
Certified Reading Clinician
FIT/OGA
Literacy Specialist in Public School Division in Winnipeg
Reading Strategist with Indigenous Student Centre - U of M
President MTSLD
Vice-President MRA
Consultant-Reviewer Strong Nations Cedar School Decodables
*More special events this year: CiiAT Therapeutic Arts Free session, LD Proposals, Dr. Siegel Scholarship, Special Awards (decodable texts, etc.)
We welcome educators and other interested members of our community (in Manitoba and beyond) who are interested in Specific Learning Disabilities.
Membership Registration and Payment
Please note that you do not need to be a MTS member - you may register as a “non-member of MTS”.
Membership includes:
*Manitoba Teachers Society PD Day (annually in October with a full day of Professional Development)
* up to 3 PD events (after school hours or weekends)
* other events/information from our MTSLD team
Dr. Linda Siegel MTSLD Teacher Scholarship
Annually this scholarship will be presented up to 5 applicants for up to $500 per applicant.
Priority will be placed on those who are MTS union members and those who work with MTSLD to support our goals and initiatives.
PD opportunities will be prioritized for the following topics: learning disabilities, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia. Applicants must be a Manitoba resident and current MTSLD member.
Faculty of Education University students and current teachers are eligible.
Following the PD, please submit a summary (approximately 250 words) to describe the event, what you have learned, and how you will apply this learning to your students with LD.
MTSLD Action PLAN AWARDS - up to $1000
MTSLD is excited to offer resources which will support teachers in the ACTION and RESPONSE for our students with LD. We prioritize MTS Union members as well as varied geographic areas in Manitoba. Each year our team will focus on an instructional area specifically for our LD learners.
Also please use our form to provide your own proposal. Projects with LD focus are our priority.
To be provided the materials for our Action Resources Project we require:
school teams
details of how your team will use the materials
commitment to documenting learning journey (photos, testimony) to MTSLD
permission for MTSLD to share photos and your comments about your professional journey on social media
Slate of Officers 2025-26
President – Valdine Bjornson
Vice-President – Nicole Kavalench
Secretary- Monica Zurrin, Sherri-Lynn Desjardine
Scholarships – Valdine Bjornson, Nicole Kavalench, Monica Zurrin, Kristen McDowell
Treasurer – Kristen McDowell
Membership – Monica Zurrin, Valdine Bjornson
Communication/Website/Social Media and Public Relations – Nicole Kavalench (Instagram), Valdine Bjornson (FB, X)
MTS PD Day – executive
MTS Liaison - Monica Zurrin
IDA, DC, or DCM or other representative - Valdine Bjornson(IDA)
Members-at-Large - Lindsay Agnew
Honorary Member - Twila Richards
Manitoba Teachers' Society Special Area Group
Purpose of MTSLD
We are a special area group of educators and professionals who are committed to building awareness and capacity for Manitoba teachers who work with students with Specific Learning Disabilities (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia). We will provide opportunities to network, advocate, and build community to celebrate our SLD learners. We will also strive to showcase impactful local projects and initiatives that are utilizing best practices for SLD learners. We will partner with specialists in the field of SLD to provide targeted professional development promoting instruction that is essential for some, but beneficial for all.
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