Dr. Shawn Anthony Robinson

Reading Faculty, Madison Area Technical College & Senior Research Associate (Wei LAB; UW Madison)

From Failure to Academic Success: What You Do Not See

It was not until after high school that Dr. Shawn Robinson learned how to read, which was a springboard that propelled his love for learning and reading. Dr. Robinson will share his personal story, while providing specific recommendations for educators, parents, and students. The Dr. Dyslexia Dude books, written by Drs Shawn Robinson and Inshirah Robinson, share the compelling story of an African American boy who is also a powerful superhero with dyslexia. Dr. Robinson will share how he overcame the challenges that came along with a late diagnosis of dyslexia and the effects it had on his life.

As Dr. Robinson notes, "Special education sessions and classrooms are a melting pot of students who are creative, innovative, and waiting for an opportunity to shine. These are the generalized qualities the students come with as their hard-wired gifts. Literacy should be the great equalizer for students to become academically independent. Not every student will get exposed to quality literacy instruction which pushes them to reach their full potential or positions them to achieve their freedom." Come meet Dr. Dyslexia Dude and learn how you can encourage your students' mindsets of perseverance, patience, and practice to turn them into superheroes too! 

Shawn Anthony Robinson, Ph.D., is an FT Reading Faculty Member at Madison College, a Senior Research Associate in Wisconsin's Equity and Inclusion Laboratory (Wei LAB) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an Adjunct Professor at American University in the School of Education, and serves on the Board of Directors with the International Dyslexia Association. Robinson graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO) with a Bachelor's of Science in Human Services, a Master's in Education from DePaul University, and a Ph.D. in Language and Literacy from Cardinal Stritch University. Robinson has over 40 publications and has received several distinguished honors throughout his early career such as: the 2017 Alumni Achievement Award/New Trier High School Alumni Hall of Honor; the 2016 Outstanding Young Alumni Award from UWO; and the All-State Insurance's 2005 Educator of the Year Chicago, ILL. Dr. Robinson is the author, along with Dr. Inshirah V. Robinson, of the Dr. Dyslexia Dude book series. He is a sought-after speaker, both nationally and at the state level, for various organizations and school districts. Robinson is also a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is married to Dr. Inshirah V. Robinson, and is the father of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. 

Track: Culture of Literacy

Audience: All Audiences

Level: Advanced