People: Atherton woman honored for helping children with dyslexia People: Atherton woman honored for helping children with dyslexia (December 10, 2003)

By David Boyce

Almanac Staff Writer

When Atherton resident Martha Renner was a young mother in the 1960s, her daughter suffered a stroke at the age of 8. In helping her daughter recover, Ms. Renner made two observations that changed her life: the positive effect that school officials with nurturing attitudes can have on children with learning problems and the damage done to such children when their needs are brushed aside at school.

Ms. Renner subsequently enrolled in college, earned a teaching credential and went on to a 30-year career helping children who suffer from dyslexia, a brain disorder that affects the ability to read, write and spell.

In recognition of her "compassion, leadership and commitment to excellence," the International Dyslexia Association recently awarded Ms. Renner a lifetime achievement award.

During her career, Ms. Renner focused on helping dyslexic children, first as a volunteer at Oak Knoll Elementary School in Menlo Park in 1972. From 1973 to 1986, she was a teacher, tutor and teacher-trainer at the Charles Armstrong School, now in Belmont but once located in Menlo Park. She continued to tutor and train teachers during the 1990s and is now semi-retired, she said.

This most recent recognition caps a series of acclaims for Ms. Renner, including a letter of recognition from U.S Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Atherton; an official thank-you from former Gov. Gray Davis; and a resolution in the state Assembly -- authored by Assemblyman Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto -- that commends Ms. Renner for her work.

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