ROE 39 invites speaker to teach administrators about neurodivergence

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The Macon-Piatt Regional Office of Education invited Jonathan Mooney, an author and advocate for neurodivergent students to speak to community members, staff, and administrators this week.

Mooney was illiterate until the age of 12 after being diagnosed with dyslexia, ADD, and was frequently called a "problem student." Despite all accounts that he wouldn't even graduate high school, he got an honors degree in English Literature from Brown University.

Now, Mooney goes across the country teaching educators how to better cater to neurodivergent students. Mooney said it's about re-framing how educators go about teaching. "Let's have an education that's grounded in learning by doing. Let's have education that asks a new question about kids; not 'how smart are they?', but 'how are they smart."

Mooney spoke to all the administrators and leaders in the district Thursday morning at their Back to School Breakfast.