Intersecting Needs: Recognising and Responding to EAL Learners who may have Additional Learning Needs
26 February 2026 5:00pm – 6:00pm AEDT, Online
How do teachers distinguish between EAL needs and learning difficulties in newly arrived learners? This interactive workshop explores the complexities of identifying and supporting EAL students who may also have additional learning needs.
Drawing on insights from her 2025 Churchill Fellowship research into UK practices, Simone Cassidy will share emerging approaches that strengthen collaboration between EAL and inclusion specialists, improve early identification, and promote equitable access to learning.
Participants will engage with a case study and guided discussion to unpack real-world examples and reflect on their own contexts. Together, we’ll consider practical strategies for monitoring EAL students who experience ongoing learning challenges, and for gathering meaningful information to inform referral process when students undergo allied health assessments.
Speaker
Simone Cassidy is dedicated to improving educational outcomes for young people who have arrived in Australia as refugees. Simone currently works in the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (Victoria), supporting health and education assessments for children and young people living in out-of-home care. However for over seven years, Simone served as an Education and Training Advisor in the Refugee Minor Program (RMP) within the same department, where she played a pivotal role in supporting the education of unaccompanied humanitarian minors. Through this work, Simone gained deep insight into the systemic gaps that affect refugee-background learners—particularly those who have learning difficulties or disabilities. These experiences continue to inform her advocacy for more equitable policies and practices that recognise both the challenges and the strengths of refugee-background students.
In 2024, Simone was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to explore UK practices in identifying and supporting English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners who have additional learning needs, building on her long-standing commitment to inclusive and responsive education systems.
$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)
$30 – Non-members
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Please note: VicTESOL is a not-for-profit organisation. Your registration ensures we can continue to offer high quality professional learning. Registrations are per participant. Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket.
A Certificate of Attendance will only be provided to participants who attend the live session.
