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Welcome from Head of School
BEN SHIFRIN
BEN SHIFRIN
If you were to meet the young version of me, you would never predict that this boy who did not like school and struggled miserably to read and write would end up with a lifelong career in education! I have early memories of sitting with my mother night after night trying to memorize the text of my classroom reader. I was a master at finding any way to avoid the shame and embarrassment I would feel if called upon in class.
My life changed forever in 5th grade when I was diagnosed with dyslexia. A tutor trained in Orton-Gillingham (early pioneers in the field of dyslexia) taught me strategies that were proving to be successful for struggling readers. Just as important, he gave me self-confidence and the belief that I really could learn to read. I have never let dyslexia define or limit who I am, and changing the lives of others who, like me, learn differently, became my life’s mission.
I am privileged to head Jemicy School, one of the first day schools in the nation to specialize in educating talented and bright students with dyslexia or other related language-based learning differences. I am inspired every day by our extraordinary students as well as our dedicated, caring, and highly-trained teachers.
A lot has changed since I was a student - most notably, it is now known that the dyslexic brain has unique strengths that can be tremendous assets in today’s complex world.
Our students not only learn the skills to read, write, and survive, but also gain the confidence that allows them to thrive and become the next great creative artist, entrepreneur, problem-solver, inventor, filmmaker, musician, scientist, performer, and more. The sky’s the limit!
Sincerely,
Ben
More About Ben
Ben Shifrin, who is currently serving his 22nd year as head of school, provides a wealth of experience and expertise to Jemicy, where he interacts with students daily. Dyslexic himself, Ben brings a uniquely sensitive approach to working with students and lives up to his commitment that students’ needs come before all else.
Ben attended Temple University, where he earned a B.S. in Elementary Education and a M.Ed. in Special Education and Administration, graduating summa cum laude with both degrees.
Leadership Positions
Ben attended Temple University, where he earned a B.S. in Elementary Education and a M.Ed. in Special Education and Administration, graduating summa cum laude with both degrees.
Leadership Positions
- U.S. State Department’s Office of Overseas School’s Advisory Committee on Exceptional Children, since 2013
- Stevenson University President’s Advisory Council, since 2014
- Affiliate member of the Dyslexia Foundation
- Board of Directors of the Dyslexia Tutoring Program
- Former VP, Board of Directors of the International Dyslexia Association
- Former member of Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s Dyslexia Task Force
Lower and Middle School Campus
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