Jemicy Head of School Ben Shifrin Inducted into International Dyslexia Association Hall of Fame

BALTIMORE, Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ben Shifrin, Head of Jemicy School in Owings Mills, Maryland, was inducted to the Hall of Fame of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) on Wednesday, November 16th. Shifrin was honored at a ceremony at the IDA headquarters in Towson, Maryland for his dedication and commitment to educating students with dyslexia and other related language-based learning differences over the past 30 years.

IDA Executive Director Stephen Peregoy stated, "Ben Shifrin is truly an asset to education in this country. His unwavering commitment to helping students with dyslexia and his passion for helping students achieve their full potential is truly inspiring. His knowledge and understanding of how a dyslexic mind works is amazing, and his ability to relate to students and their struggles with dyslexia is something that uniquely qualifies him as an educator. I have had the privilege of working with Ben through his service on the IDA Executive Board of Directors, and I have seen firsthand the tremendous impact he has on both dyslexia education and research. It is my distinct honor to welcome him to the IDA's Hall of Fame."

Michael Meisel, Chairman of the Jemicy Board of Trustees congratulated Shifrin on his induction into the IDA Hall of Fame and stated, "It is our great fortune to have someone with Ben's outstanding qualifications representing Jemicy. The entire Jemicy community has benefited tremendously as a result of his innovative thinking and dedication to helping students. On behalf of the Jemicy Board of Trustees and the Jemicy community at large, I congratulate Ben on this monumental achievement."

Shifrin has served on the Board of Directors of the International Dyslexia Association since 2009 and is currently a member of its Executive Board of Directors. Prior to becoming head of the Jemicy School in 2002, Shifrin lived and worked in California, where he spent fourteen years serving as a special education teacher and administrator in the Unified School District of Los Angeles.  He later served as the Head of Westmark School, one of California's premier institutions for students with learning differences.  During this time, he was also a member of the board of the L.A. Chapter of the International Dyslexia Association and a member of both the Learning Disabilities Association and the National Association of Independent Schools.  Subsequent to becoming Head of Jemicy School in 2002, he facilitated its merger with Valley Academy, thus successfully creating Baltimore's first 1st through 12th grade school for students with language-based learning differences.  Shifrin graduated with honors from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.  He also earned his Master of Education in Administration from Temple.

The International Dyslexia Association is a non-profit, scientific, and educational organization dedicated to the study and treatment of dyslexia, as well as related language-based learning differences.  The IDA operates 45 branches throughout the United States and Canada and has global partners in eighteen countries, including Australia, Brazil, England, Germany, Ireland, and Japan.

The IDA is the oldest organization of its kind in the United States and serves over 8,000 members comprising dyslexics, their families, and professionals in the field.

About Jemicy School:

Jemicy School, founded in 1973, provides a highly individualized, flexible, and challenging education for above-average to gifted college-bound students with dyslexia or other related language-based learning differences. A recognized leader in the field of education, Jemicy educates students between the ages of six and eighteen on two campuses. The Lower and Middle School and the Upper School are each based in Owings Mills, Maryland just a short distance from one another.

Jemicy's philosophy is based upon building the academic and higher order thinking skills of bright young people through applied research and time-tested multisensory learning. Jemicy serves the whole child, celebrating each student's strengths while exploring individualized skills and strategies that will build the foundation for success in school and in life.

For additional information please contact Colleen Riopko of Clapp Communications at (410) 561-8886 or via email at [email protected].

SOURCE Jemicy School