Welcome to SAALED

Welcome to our platform, dedicated to creating inclusive learning experiences! We aim to provide training and discussion on strategies and pedagogies tailored to help all individuals in their unique learning journeys. Whether you are a teacher, therapist, facilitator or parent, our goal is to provide the assistance necessary to foster a supportive learning environment. Join us on this journey of empowerment and collaboration.

AboutMembership

More About Us

Inclusive education focuses on integrating and guaranteeing special educational needs of pupils with various forms of disabilities in mainstream schools. SAALED offers a platform for educators to share knowledge and experiences as well as provide access to one’s peers in order to become better educators.

Learn By Doing

By joining the organisation you will become part of an interdisciplinary network of people concerned with a wide range of aspects of support for learning.

Mission

SAALED’s Mission & Vision

SAALED’s mission is to support educators and therapists in cultivating inclusive learning environments. We strive to empower all to address educational differences within the classroom, fostering an atmosphere where every student can actively participate and flourish in their unique learning journey.

SAALED’s vision is to facilitate the promotion and implementation of inclusive education through information, support, collaboration, advocacy and training

Calendar

Our Upcoming Events & Webinars

Please note that webinar topics and dates are subject to change.

16

October

Structured Literacy: in the Foundation Phase Classroom

This webinar will be held on 16 October 2026 at 18h00 via MS Teams and will be presented by Gillian Forbes, Foundation Phase Teacher Learning Support and Ruan Fourie, Foundation Phase Teacher.

Event Info

Member: R230
Non-Member: R320

This webinar will take place via MS Teams on 16 October 2026 at 18h00.

SAALED Webinar: Structured Literacy in the Foundation Phase Classroom

Applying the Science of Reading: Some Practical Tips

The Southern African Association for Learning & Educational Differences (SAALED) invites you to an insightful webinar exploring Structured Literacy in the Foundation Phase classroom and how the principles of the Science of Reading can be translated into meaningful, everyday teaching practice.

The Science of Reading is increasingly prominent in literacy education, but what does it actually mean for teachers working in the Foundation Phase? More importantly, how can its principles be applied practically in the classroom?

Join Gillian Forbes, Foundation Phase Teacher and Learning Support professional, and Ruan Fourie, Foundation Phase Teacher, as they unpack the relationship between the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy.

During this engaging webinar, Gillian and Ruan will:

  • Explore how the Science of Reading informs Structured Literacy.
  • Unpack some of the key principles behind evidence-informed literacy instruction.
  • Share practical examples and classroom strategies for Foundation Phase teachers.
  • Demonstrate ways in which Structured Literacy principles can be incorporated into everyday classroom practice.
  • Consider how teachers can move from research to practical application in a manageable and meaningful way.

Whether you are new to Structured Literacy or already incorporating elements of it into your teaching and looking for ways to strengthen your practice, this webinar aims to provide practical insights that can be applied in the Foundation Phase classroom.

For more information and bookings, visit saaled.org.za.

From Research to Practice

This webinar offers an opportunity to connect literacy research with the realities of classroom teaching—helping educators understand not only what the research says, but also what it can look like in practice.

Join SAALED for an informative and practical evening focused on strengthening literacy instruction in the Foundation Phase.

 What Our Delegates Say?

Connected or Controlled: Tech Teens and Teaching Boundaries Webinar 28 July 2026

‘Nice to know what is going on in our region in other schools’- Jessica Richards

 

Connected or Controlled: Tech Teens and Teaching Boundaries Webinar 28 July 2026

‘Effect of smart devices on brain development’- Dayna Badenhorst

 

Connected or Controlled: Tech Teens and Teaching Boundaries Webinar 28 July 2026

‘It was more affirmation of what we are feeling and seeing. So really all of the information.’ – Anna Du Plessis

 

Connected or Controlled: Tech Teens and Teaching Boundaries Webinar 28 July 2026

‘The staggering statistics behind smartphone use and knowing that many people are ready to take the pledge’- Anonymous

 

Blog

Our News & Articles

Informative articles on education, learning difficulties, knowledge sharing as well as links to our newsletters can be found here.

SAALED July-August 2026 Newsletter

SAALED July-August 2026 Newsletter

Dear SAALED Members and Friends, Welcome As I write this welcome for our July/August newsletter, I do so with a mix of gratitude, pride and excitement. This marks my final newsletter as Chairperson of SAALED. While I will be stepping down from the role of Chairperson,...

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SAALED Seminar 2026 Post Event

SAALED Seminar 2026 Post Event

SAALED Annual Seminar 2026: Boundaries with Heart  25 June 2026 | Dainfern College, Johannesburg “When relationships come first, boundaries become acts of care rather than control.” This sentiment beautifully captured the essence of the 2026 SAALED Annual Seminar,...

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SAALED June 2026 Newsletter

SAALED June 2026 Newsletter

Dear SAALED Members and Friends, As we approach one of the highlights of the SAALED calendar, we are excited to invite our members and friends to the 2026 SAALED AGM, Annual Seminar and Networking Event. This year's theme, Boundaries with Heart, promises a...

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Events in 2026

Years Established

Board Members

Non-Discrimination Policy

SAALED does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all our members. View our Privacy Policy here.