As one of several academic centers at Florida Southern College, the Roberts Center has been established in response to an urgent need for targeted teacher training programs focused on professional development in reading instruction. Through an annual lecture series and ongoing partnerships with area school systems, the Roberts Center exists to identify and fill the gaps which exist in meeting the pedagogical needs of bright children who are experiencing dyslexia and related learning differences. The Center intends to become a regional clearinghouse for parents and teachers on the broad topic of dyslexia, while concurrently providing direct services to children who struggle with reading-related challenges.

It is my honor to serve as the first director of the Roberts Center. As the above noted tasks cannot possibly be accomplished single handedly, I have the pleasure of working with the following individuals who serve on the Roberts Center Program Advisory Committee:

Carolyn Baldwin, Associate Head, All Saints Academy
Gwen Cote, Principal, Santa Fe Catholic High School
Dr. Pamela Craven, Executive Director, Learning Resource Center
Anna Maria DiCesare, Emeritus Faculty, Florida Southern College
Dr. Robert Eanett, Pediatrician, Watson Clinic
Marjorie Roberts, Trustee, Florida Southern College
Dr. Michael Sligh, Headmaster, Lakeland Christian School
Nancy Woolcock, Assistant Superintendent, Polk County School District

Mrs. Lou Ann Bigsby, a highly experienced reading coach with the Polk County Schools, serves in the part-time capacity of Program Specialist for the Roberts Center for Learning and Literacy.

I hope you will find information on this site of value as we regularly update it with regard to speakers, local partnerships, and other initiatives designed to help children.

David J. Wood, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Education
The Hal and Marjorie Roberts Professor of Learning and Literacy
Florida Southern College
Lakeland, Florida