A great teacher can transform a child’s life, and students of Selma Ridgway are proof. For more than 30 years, the Atlanta-based educator specialized in working with students who learn differently — those with dyslexia, Attention Deificit Disorder and other challenges.
The Transition Program she administered at Woodward Academy in Atlanta has national recognition for its success, demonstrating that the issue is not can a student learn but how they learn. Ridgway offers further proof with her compilation of stories from students, teachers and parents titled, “Creative Learners: Stories Of Inspiration And Success from People with Dyslexia, ADD, or Other Learning Differences.”
Former mayor of Atlanta and ambassador Andrew Young offered his story on the first page, showing that learning differences obviously has nothing to do with intellect or the potential of achievement.
“The hardest job that we had was teaching in such a way and making sure that these individuals did not develop any ideas that they couldn’t be successful,” said Ridgway.
After leaving Woodward, Ridgway launched her coaching and tutoring service Ridgway Coaching for students who have been diagnosed with ADHD/ADD/LD. She will be present for a book signing at the Schenck School Book Fair on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Schenck School library.
