About Rebecca: Literacy Advocate and Reading Specialist
My Journey in Literacy Education
If there’s one thing I am deeply passionate about, it’s meeting the needs of ALL students. As a reading specialist and literacy advocate, it truly affects me when a student does not show adequate growth in their reading skills. Research shows that 95% of early readers have the potential to read proficiently, yet only 30% of 4th graders in the U.S. are reading at a proficient level. This means that more than 70% of students are not reaching their full literacy potential.
Over the past 10 years, I have dedicated myself to learning everything I can about reading research. Trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach through my state’s Dyslexia Institute, I not only completed the rigorous 8-week program but also had the privilege of working alongside a fellow OG instructor in my classroom for 5 additional weeks. Additionally, I’ve pursued LETRS training and reviewed thousands of studies and books to stay at the forefront of structured literacy.
I’m committed to helping educators provide the most effective reading instruction, which is why you can trust that every resource I create or recommend aligns with current research.
Passionate About Structured Literacy
Don’t even get me started on the transformative benefits of implementing a structured literacy approach! Research consistently shows that ALL students can be taught to read using this method, no matter their starting point. Structured literacy is foundational for teaching reading in a way that works for every learner. Together, we WILL tackle illiteracy, one structured literacy lesson at a time!
Meet Rebecca: 2nd Grade Teacher & Data Enthusiast
Hi, I’m Rebecca—a dedicated mother of three, a passionate 2nd grade teacher, and a data enthusiast. I’ve been happily married to my husband, Matt, for 20 years. I currently teach in a Title 1 district in Michigan, where I bring my expertise in reading instruction and data-driven teaching methods to my classroom each day.
My Mission: to Help Every Student Achieve Reading Success!
I hold a degree in Elementary Education with double minors in Early Childhood Education and English Language Arts. Recently, I earned my Master’s degree as a reading specialist, but I chose to remain in the classroom because I simply cannot imagine my life without my students. Teaching is my calling, and my mission is to help every student succeed in reading.
Fun Facts About Me
Outside the Classroom: Hobbies and Interests
- I love animals, especially our Golden Retriever, Louie, and our rescue cat, Archie.
- Writing, music, and outdoor activities are some of my greatest passions.
- I’m dedicated to sharing tips, tricks, and resources to help fellow educators succeed.
Join the Daydreaming-About-Data Community!
I would love for you to join me in the Daydreaming-About-Data Community. I share everything I’ve learned along the way—structured literacy tips, research-based strategies, and more—on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Let’s connect and grow as educators!