There is a profound truth in the saying, “What we do today ripples throughout time.” Margaret Byrd Rawson’s life was a testament to this, as she dedicated herself to improving the lives of dyslexic children, their parents, and teachers. Her work, a beacon of wisdom and knowledge in the field of education, particularly for those struggling to learn to read, left an indelible mark on the dyslexia community, inspiring countless others to follow in her footsteps. 

Margaret was a true educational pioneer and leader who influenced education in the State of Maryland, across the nation, and the world in her lifelong efforts to improve the quality of education for all children. Margaret passed away at the age of 102, applying her knowledge, wisdom, and teaching to all who crossed her path throughout her life. It isn’t easy to describe the creative altruism that emerged from this one woman’s life efforts. She played the role of educator, researcher, and sociologist – teaching the first course in ‘language reeducation’ for teachers of dyslexic students. This wife and mother was co-founder of countless schools, author of The Many Faces of Dyslexia and Dyslexia Over the Life Span, former president of the Orton Dyslexia Society (International Dyslexia Association), and served on their board for many years. In 1998, the International Dyslexia Association created the Margaret Byrd Rawson Lifetime Achievement Award in her honor and referred to her as the organization’s heart; how true! In 2004, she was inducted into the Maryland Woman’s Hall of Fame. 

Before Margaret passed away in November 2001, we established the Margaret Byrd Rawson Institute (MBRI), a beacon of hope and dedicated mission to educate students, parents, and teachers. Her dream has come true in the unfolding of her Institute. May her life’s efforts live on in service to children, parents, and teachers globally. May the stone she has cast forward ripple in good works in all of us, serving children, particularly those who struggle to learn to read. Much work is needed to bring about true equity in education. The future of our nation and the world depends on our ability to create a literate and educated citizenry, and the MBRI is a crucial part of that mission. 

MBRI has evolved into an online Institute hosting Transforming Education TeleSummits and Keys to Unlocking Educational Success Webinars designed to help transform education by supporting students, parents, and teachers globally. Generous planning grants help to bring this new vision to life. Our TeleSummit features some of the most talented and innovative educational experts, many of whom are grounded in the Orton-Gillingham philosophy. Our Webinar series interviews Orton Gillingham Fellows focused on the essential elements of teaching reading, particularly for the dyslexic learner, and cultivating the empowerment of the ‘whole’ child. These programs are accessible on our website, where you can receive CEU credit with our partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University. 

Currently, MBRI is working to create online video lessons to help interested students with dyslexia and their parents and teachers learn the best practices for cracking the reading code. In addition, we are collecting Literacy Stories, Teaching Tips, and Memories of Margaret. Your contributions can inspire others and help us in our mission. We also occasionally hold submission contests, so please share our website link with your family, friends, and coworkers and encourage them to join our community.