Systematic Instruction: Teaching for Success

Introduced in our field over 30 years ago, Systematic Instruction continues to be an essential tool in expanding employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It supports those who experience greater challenges in learning who may not be considered "job ready". In addition, the skills developed in task analysis and individualizing teaching strategies allow for consideration of jobs or tasks that may have been perceived as too complex for supported employment candidates. Emphasis will be placed on strategies to maximize independence and decrease dependence on the trainer.

This two-day training will provide an overview of the components of Systematic Instruction, including utilizing a task analysis to prepare the trainer and to document progress and address concerns of safety and independent job performance, as well as the importance of accommodating learning style through individualized teaching strategies.

This training is sponsored by Skagit County Developmental Disabilities. It is free and open to all Skagit County agencies.

Teri Johnson 

For the past 35 years, Teri’s passion and focus has been the development and support of quality employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has extensive experience providing individualized technical assistance which includes: identifying strengths and preferences of individuals to guide job development; designing tasks and environments to accommodate learning styles; utilizing systematic instruction in teaching new and complex tasks; developing self-management strategies to increase and maintain independence; and troubleshooting performance issues including speed, accuracy and employability skills. In addition, Teri assisted with curriculum development and co-ordinates a certification program for Employment Consultants offered through Highline College in Washington State; provides staff training in employment and residential settings in multiple states; and is a trainer with the Project SEARCH Training Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio.