Alayna Siemonsma, a Section 504/Dyslexia Services Coordinator works with teachers who serve students with Dyslexia and Dysgraphia as well as Section 504 Building Coordinators. She provides professional development and training to teachers on Section 504 and characteristics of Dyslexia/Dysgraphia. She has developed a variety of manuals for her current district to guide and support district personnel in the areas of General Education Homebound Services, Section 504, Dyslexia and Dysgraphia. Most recently she wrote and was awarded a Dyslexia Grant from TEA for slightly less than a half-million dollars.
Previously, Alayna worked as a Reading Intervention Teacher. She has presented information about Dyslexia and Dysgraphia services and characteristics at District Wide Inservices, Parent Trainings, and to her colleagues. She also worked on a standards committee for Texas Education Agency. The standards work was for newly graduated pre-service teachers and the assessment they have to take to become certified. During the 2017-2018 school year, Alayna worked on renewal of her National Board Certification. She has also mentored new teachers, veteran teachers, and students. Previously fourth-grade teacher at South Park Elementary School in Rapid City, South Dakota, is credited with helping to raise schoolwide reading scores more than 15 points. In her previous role as literacy leader, she successfully spearheaded the full implementation of the school's K-5 balanced literacy program. Both students and colleagues benefit from her skillful application of data to monitor and advance student achievement.
A driving force in the area of professional development, Siemonsma has earned the reputation as a go-to visionary who models lifelong learning. A member of the school's leadership team, she also is active on numerous district committees including Common Core and technology policy and has presented at state Title I conferences. New teachers across the state benefit from her participation as a mentor in the Teacher to Teacher Support Network. Siemonsma's outstanding leadership contributions have been recognized at the district level with both the Golden Apple and Teacher of Distinction awards.
This National Board Certified Teacher prides herself on keeping on the cutting edge of best practices. Equipped with finely honed planning and organizational skills, she effectively researches and pioneers new programs. For example, Siemonsma introduced a newly adopted Comprehensive Tool Kit, trained all staff and then designed a documentation process that was adopted districtwide. Whether working one-on-one with struggling students or mentoring fellow teachers, Siemonsma, who sets the bar high, inspires others to reach for new levels of excellence. Wherever and whenever she is involved, failure is never an option.
2009, National Board Certification(EMC/Literacy:Reading-Language Arts)
2000, Northern Arizona University, M.Ed.
2020, Principal Certification-Lamar University
1996, University of Wyoming, B.S.
