Susan Whittaker

Susan has over 25 years of experience using Jolly Phonics as a teacher, administrator, trainer, and researcher. For 17 years, Susan implemented the Jolly Phonics program in her early childhood special education classes (for children aged 3-5 years) and kindergarten classes, achieving evidenced success for all students, including English Language Learners (ELL) and those with Special Education (IEP) needs. When becoming a school administrator in both England and the United States, Dr. Whittaker implemented Jolly Phonics as a core program for autistic children, including those who were both verbal and non-verbal. Susan remarks that “non-verbal children were given a voice that was meaningful, thereby reducing negative behaviors driven by attention-seeking and allowing them to express their wants and needs.” For example, if a child wanted a ball, they learned the first sound, /b/, and pointed to the ball. Services were coordinated with Speech and Language professionals, emphasizing tongue and mouth formation.