QUEENS, NYC READING WRITING TUTORS SPECIALISTS

The Five Pillars of Reading

Just like a house needs strong support and a foundation, developing literacy skills in young learners requires the Five Pillars of Reading. Learn how early literacy benefits from both print-to-speech and speech-to-print instruction. When literacy instruction includes all important aspects of literacy and the students are actively engaged in learning literacy, it’s called structured literacy. To learn more about these structures, the National Reading Panel recommends that the best approach to reading instruction include the following pillars:

• Phonemic Awareness
• Phonics
• Vocabulary
• Comprehension
• Fluency

Backed by studies and scientific research, these five pillars make up the essential building blocks of reading. And by combining these techniques, teachers and parents can effectively introduce the concept of reading and language. Discover the importance of phonological processing in learning to read and write. Whether you are a young learner or an adult looking to improve your reading and writing abilities, these 12 must-try literacy apps of 2023 help you achieve your goals.

Here is a closer look at how the Five Pillars of Reading work to ensure successful reading instruction:

Phonemic Awareness

Phonemic awareness refers to the knowledge and understanding that words are built from and can be broken apart into smaller segments of a sound called phonemes. Phonemic awareness is one’s ability to hear, recognize, and manipulate sounds heard in words- think of it as the ears to brain connection. Learn about phonemic awareness benchmarks.

Phonemic awareness can be taught even before a child learns to read or identify printed letters. When babies are born, they are processing phonemes when parents speak and sing to their bundle of joy. In the English language, phonemic awareness means being able to identify its approximately 44 phonemes. Additionally, teaching letter sounds with letter names is an effective way for students to grasp the concept of phonemes. Learn what is phonology.

Phonics

Whereas phonemic awareness refers to one’s ability to recognize sounds or phonemes in words, phonics mastery means understanding that letters (graphemes or printed letters) of the alphabet represent sounds (phonemes)- think of it as the ears, eyes, and brain connection. Learn what are phonological awareness and phonemic awareness.

A child who has mastered phonics can sound out new or unfamiliar words on their own. The child is “cracking the code” and is receiving feedback by listening to oneself sound out words. 

Teaching phonics is all about establishing the relationship between sounds and printed letters or printed letter combinations. Starting with the printed letter-sound correspondence, a child then learns how to match sounds to letters and uses this relationship to understand printed words. 

Vocabulary

Vocabulary refers to one’s understanding of words, including their definitions and context. Vocabulary is broken up into oral (speaking), understanding (listening), and print (reading vocabulary).

Needless to say, vocabulary is crucial in strengthening reading comprehension and fluency. In most instances, poor vocabulary can limit and interrupt a child’s learning and reading experience. And while it can grow naturally from daily reading and conversations, it is just as important to explicitly teach and expand vocabulary.

Strategies in teaching vocabulary can include word mapping (graphic display of words/concept relationships), word substitutions, semantic relationships (how words are related), acting out meanings, and focusing on word structure (root words and its derivations).

Fluency

Learners achieve fluency when they recognize and read words with accuracy, intonation, fluidity, and speed, whether while reading aloud or silently to oneself. Hence, fluent readers are able to read automatically without needing to pause to decode words or look up definitions.

Fluency plays a key role in comprehension and is essential in keeping young learners motivated. When children are reading fluently, it frees up mental resources to allow them to improve their comprehension of what they are reading.

When developing reading fluency, it is crucial to provide a child with frequent oral reading opportunities and to monitor progress. This involves reading out loud while being guided and receiving feedback from an adult. It is important to provide the student with opportunities to self-correct. This combination of consistent practice and regular feedback is critical in promoting fluency.

Discover the important differences between a ‘speech-to-print’ approach to literacy instruction and teaching based on ‘print-to-speech.’

Comprehension

The ultimate goal for literacy is to comprehend well what one is reading.  Reading comprehension enables a child to predict outcomes, evaluate characters, deduce, and make connections to real-world events.

A child’s comprehension skills can begin to develop before becoming an independent reader. One way to do this is by reading to a child and discussing the story’s main idea, characters, and setting. Explicit teaching, modeling, and guided practice of comprehension skills are also crucial. This is especially true for students whose reading comprehension skills lag behind their peers.

Discover some online phonics materials for struggling readers that can help them develop the five pillars of reading. Read Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong (host: Emily Hanford), and watch Blame It On Gutenberg, a powerful film “about the evolving science of dyslexia, dueling theories of how to teach reading, and one family’s landmark struggle with an unresponsive school system.“

Read this article to learn more about dyslexia, recognize the signs, impact, support, and accommodations, how to identify the indicators, and get a diagnosis, post-diagnosis steps, approaches, assistance, how to boost self-worth, and many more!

Learning his or her ABCs is your child’s first step towards mastering reading and writing. But sometimes, teaching such an important skill can be confusing for parents. Do you start with the letter names or the letter sounds first? Is there a right way to teach a child the alphabet? Click here to read what speech-language pathologist Dr. Jan Wasowicz has to say on our blog!

Lauren is a NYC Department of Education teacher and holds 5 NYS Certifications: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Pre K to Grade 12), Students with Disabilities (Birth to Grade 2), Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6), Early Childhood General Education (Birth to Grade 2), and Childhood General Education (Grades 1-6). She received her Master’s Degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language) from Hunter College in Manhattan. She also received a B.A. in Child Study/Mathematics from St. Joseph’s College in Brooklyn. Lauren is currently an ENL (English as a New Language) teacher in Brooklyn, NY. She works with English Language Learners and modifies instruction so that her diverse students can grasp the content being taught.

Lauren has experience working with many diverse cultures and backgrounds, currently working with students speaking 27 different languages. Lauren specializes in small-group guided reading instruction working on specific students’ needs. She understands that students learn in different ways and incorporates a variety of learning styles in her instruction such as, visual, linguistic, and kinesthetic.

For reading struggles, Lauren uses multi-sensory instruction with various hands-on techniques (play-doh, sand writing, air writing, magnetic letter tiles) to aid in word memory and building and engages with the students in interactive shared reading.

Lauren is trained using multiple assessments and curriculum including Teacher’s College, Words Their Way, Fundations, Fountas and Pinnell, Go Math, Metamorphosis Math, and Envisions. She works with students who struggle with decoding, spelling, and writing by building on each student’s current skill level. Lauren has experience working with students who have learning disabilities, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities.

TYPE OF SERVICE: ENL support, Administering reading and writing assessments, phonics work, individualized reading instruction, providing math help, language building, vocabulary instruction, test prep for NYSESLAT and State ELA & Math exams
EXPERTISE: Working with English Language Learners and helping them build language, Intervention for children struggling with decoding, comprehension, and fluency
AGES: Preschool-4th Grade

Giana Marie Schenone is from Carle Place, NY and entering her third year as a 2nd grade Special Education Teacher in the New York City Department of Education. She is certified in Childhood Education and Special Education (1-6). Giana Marie has many years of experience tutoring students with multiple disabilities including autism, learning disabilities, speech and language impairments, and ADHD. Prior to teaching, she worked in a life-skills and vocational program. Giana Marie implements a multi-sensory approach to instruction by providing the students with multiple entry points to learning. This includes assessing children, determining the students strengths and areas of needs and tailoring instruction accordingly. She has experience with integrating Orton Gillingham strategies utilizing programs such as Reading A-Z, Fundations, Wilson, and Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI). Giana Marie assesses her students with a variety of tools including Teacher’s College running records, LLI, and Fundations assessments.

Giana Marie also has expertise providing quality direct instruction with phonological awareness, sight word recognition, guided reading, writing development, and reading fluency and comprehension. For example, she is proficient with using Teacher’s College and technology programs such as Lexia and Raz-Kids to support her students with phonics, reading fluency, and vocabulary development. Also, Giana Marie has experience in mathematics instruction where she uses manipulatives and various strategies from the Go Math and enVision curriculum. Furthermore, she uses ABA methodologies, visual schedules, and positive reinforcement systems to support student learning. For instance, Giana Marie uses a token economy system with academic tasks for students who require behavior modifications to support their academic and social-emotional needs.

TYPE OF SERVICES: Elementary reading, writing, and math
TEST PREP: 3-5 ELA and Math test prep
EXPERTISE: Learning disabilities, Speech and Language impairments, ADHD, autism, guided reading, writing development, curriculum modification, assessment, and data analysis
AGES: K-5

Sohayla graduated from Saint John’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education and a Masters of Science in Special Education. She is certified in New York State to teach 1st through 6th grade and also has extensive experience working with students all the way up to the doctoral level. Sohayla built her academic career and gained leadership experience during her 5 years as a Saint John’s student. While being an after school teacher, and a graduate assistant at Saint John’s University’s Writing Center, Sohayla has learned the skills necessary to facilitate a culturally responsive and inclusive learning environment for all her students. Her experiences as a Writing Consultant have allowed her to view learning through multiple interconnected perspectives. She has held writer’s workshops for elementary age students. Sohayla has an ability to work with students with various ranges of abilities and she is known for her patience and creativity. Sohayla has worked in various classroom settings including self-contained, inclusive, ICT, and general. Within these classroom settings, Sohayla has taught students using literacy and mathematics programs/strategies including Teachers College, Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD), Go Math, and enVision Math.

Sohayla is familiar with tools such as What Works Clearinghouse and is able to implement evidence-based practices. She also has experience working one-to-one with students or in larger group settings specifically in literacy and math. Sohayla’s teaching style is unique in that it is student-centered and can apply to a wide range of ages and abilities. Sohayla’s top priority is for her students to master new concepts while simultaneously building self-efficacy.

Sohayla knows that each student learns differently. She believes in designing accommodations and modifying content to meet the needs of her students. When it comes to math or literacy, Sohayla focuses on the concepts being taught and works with students to determine their abilities. Sohayla is able to highlight a student’s strengths and uses those strengths to hone their weaknesses in math or literacy. When a student seems to not grasp a concept, Sohayla first analyzes her own teaching and checks to see how she can design a re-teach to meet the student’s specific needs.

Sohayla has proven effective communication through her success with clients, and she updates parents on all significant matters in a timely manner. She believes that her love for student curiosity, coupled with helping others to succeed, makes her passionate and driven in the field. Sohayla works with students to learn their interests and applies those interests within her lessons when appropriate. She works hard to make learning intriguing for her students, and she understands the importance of building teacher to student rapport. Sohayla’s admiration for teaching extends far beyond her own philosophy and exists to help the voices of others be realized and expressed. She believes in order to set students up for success, a positive classroom environment that meets the needs of all learners regardless of race, language, or ability needs to be established.

TYPES OF SERVICES: Literacy, Reading Comprehension, writing, spelling, vocabulary, math skills, and concepts.
EXPERTISE: Specializing in working with students with learning disabilities. Following systematic and explicit instruction. Implementing Evidence-based practices.
AGES: K-6 also works with 12th grade and & students on writing assignments.

Elizabeth is an accomplished educator with a strong foundation in both Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6). She holds a bachelor’s degree from Marist College and a master’s degree from Touro University, with memberships in both the International Honor Society in Education and Psychology. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has played pivotal roles, starting as a Special Education teacher in various New York City schools. She has excelled in mentoring new teachers, taking on leadership roles such as grade-level team leader, and conducting professional development training sessions for teachers and families. Currently serving as an Assistant Principal at the elementary level, Elizabeth is dedicated to cultivating students’ love for learning while fostering their self-confidence to achieve individualized goals.

As a literacy and math instructor, Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience in mentoring and tutoring children with diverse backgrounds and needs. Her instructional expertise encompasses phonics, phonological awareness, decoding, spelling, fluency, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and elementary math. Elizabeth is well-versed in implementing multisensory programs such as Wilson Fundations, Success For All (SFA), and Guided Reading Leveled Literacy, all designed to promote reading, writing, and oral language development.

Elizabeth is particularly passionate about math, employing a tactile approach to cater to the unique needs of each child. She has successfully implemented programs like TERC Investigations, Go-Math, and EngageNY. Elizabeth’s approach involves designing individualized lessons to maximize student outcomes, utilizing a range of instructional tools, from math manipulatives to technological resources. Beyond her work with students, she places significant value on building partnerships with families. Elizabeth collaborates with families, providing them with effective strategies to support their child’s learning at home. Her holistic and individualized approach reflects her commitment to creating an environment where every learner can thrive academically and personally.

Types of Services: Multisensory Reading Instruction, Multisensory Math Instruction, Formal and Informal Reading Assessments, and Interventions, Behavioral Interventions
Expertise: Working with children with specific reading, writing, and math learning disabilities, working with children with ADD and ADHD, NYS Exam preparation, NYS common core tutoring.

Janeese earned her Bachelor of Science in elementary education and her Master’s degree in special education from University of Hartford. Over the last decade, Janeese has taught students from all ages in NYC public schools. She is also trained in specialized teaching strategies for students with disabilities. Janeese is currently a fourth-grade special education teacher. Janeese has also worked as a scorer on the Common Core New York State math and ELA exams. Additionally, Janeese obtained her school building and district leader license from the College of Saint Rose. She also serves her school as a coach and ensures educators are promoting equity in their teaching.

Janeese always understood the importance of education and has a deep passion for learning. When Janeese realized that some children learned differently, she knew it was her job to lend a helping hand. She grew up in Rockaway Beach. This helped her to realize that people were like seashells, some more fragile than others and they would need extra care. Janeese decided to study special education.

Janeese was voted Community Board Three’s teacher of the year in 2019. Janeese specializes in using the science of reading to help students with comprehension. She enjoys fostering the love of mathematics by teaching lifelong problem-solving skills. Janeese enjoys using manipulatives, visual aids, and explicit models to guide her pedagogy. Janeese currently works with students with emotional disorders, speech and language disorders, dyslexia, executive functioning disorders, ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, and students with Autism. To ensure all learners succeed, she adapts and adjusts her instruction to individual learning styles. Janeese enjoys using multimedia platforms and innovative tools to create a context for deeper understanding. She believes every child is unique and deserves a caring, inspiring, and engaging atmosphere to grow emotionally, intellectually, and socially. She believes positive elementary education is essential to creating successful life-long learners.

TYPE OF SERVICES: One-on-one academic support, Group academic support,
EXPERTISE: Speech-language delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Behavioral and Emotional disorders, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Multiple disabilities
AGES: Preschool through Middle School

Alicia holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of New Hampshire. She has worked as an educator in various settings, from public and independent schools to tutoring small groups and providing 1-on-1 services within students’ homes. Alicia specializes in teaching young children, toddlers through 3rd grade. Within her repertoire of experience, she has learned how to differentiate instruction, create safe learning environments, and assess and support students across all domains of development.

When teaching math, Alicia incorporates manipulatives such as ten frames and double-sided counters. She uses follow-up questions in response to a student’s work to further support their understanding. Equally important are the discussions she leads on math topics, which create connections across different concepts, support greater retention, and encourage reflection on one’s learning (metacognition). Alicia has utilized the Math in Focus and Bridges in Math programs.

Alicia incorporates multisensory reading activities that use sight, hearing, and touch for deeper learning. Furthermore, these multisensory activities often feel like play for a child, allowing them to engage and connect with their learning naturally. Alicia supports every child by curating book collections that motivate and inspire them. Alicia wants children to develop a love for reading and does so by finding fiction and non-fiction books that her students relate to and find interesting. She has utilized the Wilson / Fundations phonics program and Heggerty’s phonemic awareness program.

She takes the time to build a rapport with every child, getting to know their interests and guiding them to find confidence in their skills. Alicia holds space for the child to let their curiosity, fascination, and inquisitive nature guide the lessons, creating an engaging, unique, individualized experience for every child. She prioritizes fostering strong and positive relationships with families and her students. Alicia believes all children are curious and eager to learn, and she loves to facilitate learning in ways that support their needs and foster their interests and skills.

Alicia currently teaches at an independent school in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. She specializes in reading, writing, phonics, and math instruction. Alicia has experience working with students with learning differences and knows how to best benefit those students by structuring individualized education plans. She is passionate about education and finds working with her students and their families to be deeply fulfilling.

TYPE OF SERVICES: Tutoring, homework help
EXPERTISE: Personalized instruction; Multisensory reading, phonics, writing, and math instruction; Early emergent literacy; Executive functioning skills coaching
AGES: Toddlers – 3rd grade

Evanthia received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (Pre-K-6) from Brooklyn College and then completed her Master of Science Degree in Special Education at Touro College. She has over 20 years experience working as a tutor and as an early childhood teacher in various settings such as ICT and Dual Language. She has extensive experience working with children with ADD/ADHD, speech and language impairments, and dyslexia.

Evanthia has solid training in the Orton-Gillingham Approach, Wilson Fundations Program, Handwriting Without Tears, SRSD, ReadyGen, Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. She is also trained in Fountas and Pinnell Reading Assessment. Evanthia believes in differentiated instruction and tailors each lesson to meet the needs of each student. She uses multi-sensory lessons to help students with phonemic awareness, letter name/sound ID, decoding/encoding, sight word recognition, fluency, and comprehension.

Evanthia is a patient, and nurturing educator that will help your child grow as a reader, writer and learner.

TYPES OF SERVICES: Orton-Gillingham, decoding/encoding, sight-word recognition, leveled literacy instruction, reading fluency and comprehension, writing, math
EXPERTISE: Orton-Gillingham, reading readiness, decoding/encoding support, improving reading fluency and comprehension, strengthening writing skills
AGES: 3K through elementary school

Lillian has been teaching for twelve years teaching both 5th and 6th grade ICT for students with mild to moderate disabilities, in a 2nd-3rd grade self-contained classroom for students with moderate disabilities, and currently math and reading intervention for general education students. She is currently the Special Education Liaison and Lead IEP teacher at a public elementary school in Manhattan. She holds a BA from Tufts University in Peace and Justice Studies and a dual MA from New York University in Child Education and Special Education.

Lillian believes that all students have the capacity to learn, and it is the job of educators to use research-based methods partnered with compassion, understanding, and games. She supports students with reading, writing, and math skills, as well as executive functioning strategies. By getting to know students on a personal level, Lillian is able to connect the material to the individual learner and find the best methods to strengthen areas of need. When tutoring in math, Lillian focuses on building number sense and fluency with number talks and games, while simultaneously strengthening conceptual understanding using math manipulatives and tools. For literacy, Lillian focuses on building strong phonics and phonological awareness through multisensory appraochess to grow students’ decoding and encoding abilities. Self-perception is often a significant piece of learning challenges, so she also focuses on building student self-confidence and advocacy.

Lillian has experience working with students with many different types of learning challenges including: Specific Learning Disabilities, ADHD/ADD, executive functioning needs, ASD, dyscalculia, and other learning issues.

She has proficiency with Fundations, TC Reading and Writing Workshop, Heggerty, SPIRE and other literacy programs. For math, she participated in the Algebra For All NYC initiative and has proficiency with EngageNY and Metamorphosis strategies.

In her free time, Lillian enjoys reading, going to concerts, prestige TV, and gardening. She is originally from Maine and now lives in Northern Brooklyn.

TYPE OF SERVICES: Individual therapy, parent consultations
EXPERTISE: learning difficulties in literacy and/or math; attentional needs, executive functioning, mild ASD
AGES: Grades K-7

Johanna graduated from CUNY Queens College with a Bachelors Degree in Childhood Education (1-6) and Masters of Science in Special Education (1-6). She is currently in school for School Leadership at SUNY Stony Brook University. Johanna has over 5 years of teaching experience and has taught third-grade general education and is currently teaching in a second-grade ICT classroom (integrated co-teaching). Being in an ICT classroom has provided her with experiences involving students who have intellectual, emotional, and behavioral disabilities. Throughout her teaching experience, she has worked on scaffolding and differentiation to help her students academically succeed.

Johanna believes getting to know your students is the best way to help academically succeed. By knowing this, she is always willing to try and learn and implement new evidence-based strategies. She provides toolkits for each of her students to refer to when they experience a challenge. She has seen the impact of the pandemic of students having difficulties to collaborate and build conversations with one another, which led to her having lessons that provide students with the opportunities to ask questions and build conversations.

Johanna believes every child has the opportunity to learn in the best way for their individual learning style and that building great partnerships with families is important to help students academically.

TYPES OF SERVICES: Individualized reading (decoding, comprehension fluency), Individualized math (fluency, problem solving, number sense). Test Prep for State ELA & Math (Grades 3-5)
EXPERTISE: Intervention for children struggling with decoding, comprehension, and fluency
AGES: Preschool – 4th Grade

Taneeka graduated from Touro College and received her master’s degree in School Leadership & Administration. Taneeka has been teaching for 23 years for the New York City Department of Education. She has taught grades Kindergarten through 8th grade as a classroom teacher. Taneeka has experience teaching phonics, English Language Arts, mathematics, writing, and handwriting. She serves as a lead teacher and classroom teacher. Taneeka has received extensive training in phonics and mathematics. As a lead teacher, she utilizes data-driven strategies, implements best practices, and reviews student data in order to improve teacher and student growth and development.

Taneeka is also responsible for fostering teachers to work collaboratively, creating monthly unit plans in phonics, reading, writing, and mathematics. Taneeka ensures that the curriculum is aligned to The Next Generation Standards. Over the course of her teaching career, Taneeka has held a myriad of positions. Taneeka is best served working with struggling students where she uses student engagement to increase student learning and outcomes. Taneeka is most fulfilled seeing students reach their goals.

Jessica is an elementary school teacher who has three years teaching experience in Ireland where she taught the 4th grade, 1st grade and special education. She has been teaching the 2nd grade for the past two years in a New York City school.

Jessica received a Bachelor of Social Science degree from the University College of Cork, Ireland. She graduated with a Master of Education degree from the University of Limerick, Ireland. She has had the opportunity to educate students with various educational needs from different backgrounds. She focuses on assessing children’s learning styles and needs and strives to find the best approach to boosting their grades and confidence. Jessica utilizes various suitable teaching strategies and resources in order to cater to children’s individual needs. She is extremely passionate about educating children by establishing a positive and safe learning environment. Jessica utilizes technology, visual aids, games, inquiry based activities, manipulatives and graphic organizers in order to ensure children’s understanding. Jessica has four years experience tutoring children individually and in small group settings ranging in ages from 5 years old to 12 years old.  She supports students struggling with mathematics, reading and writing.

Jessica assists children with test preparation and provides them with study skills in order to succeed. Jessica’s instructional expertise includes phonics, phonological awareness, reading comprehension, fluency, decoding and elementary mathematical skills. Jessica is trained in Fundations, Fountas and Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention and Jolly Phonics. She has extensive experience working with children with various needs such as anxiety, ADHD, autism, down syndrome, dyslexia, dyscalculia and children for whom English is an additional language.  Jessica is fluent in Gaelic and offers tutoring to children wishing to learn the Irish language.

Jessica is extremely passionate about educating children by establishing a positive and safe learning environment. She understands that all children learn differently and takes the time to work with children at a pace that is beneficial for the children. Jessica loves to volunteer with various children’s groups such as The Ronald McDonald House and Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Jessica was a youth club leader for 9 years where she built strong relationships with both the children and parents in order to create a fun learning experience for the children.

TYPE OF SERVICES: Tutoring elementary children (Kindergarten to 5th grade) in academic areas such as math and literacy. State exam preparation services.
EXPERTISE:  Autism Spectrum Disorder, Childhood Education, Special Education, dyslexia, English language learners.
AGES:  Elementary school- Kindergarten to 5th grade.

Shamica earned her Master’s degree in special education from CUNY Brooklyn College. Over the last five years, Shamica has taught students from all ages in NYC public schools. She is also trained in specialized teaching strategies for students with disabilities. Shamica is currently a second grade special education teacher. Additionally, Shamica obtained her Master’s degree in Business Management from Long Island University. She also serves on her school instructional leadership team which helps her dissect areas of which students struggle.

Shamica always understood the importance of education and has a deep passion for learning. When Shamica realized that some children learned differently, she knew it was her job to lend a helping hand. She grew up in Guyana. This helped her to realize that she needed to be the change she wanted to see. Shamica decided to study special education.

Peter is a special educator and childhood literacy specialist, pre-K 4th grade, the learning to read phase of literacy instruction. He holds permanent New York State certification in special education, a masters in special education from Hunter College (CUNY) and a PhD in urban education from the Graduate Center (CUNY). He has supervised pre-service elementary school teachers at the undergraduate level and taught literacy assessment and instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Peter currently contributes, edits, and reviews book chapters and articles on the history, philosophy, and sociology of education for various academic publications. Peter is trained in the Wilson Reading System, one of the many Orton-Gillingham approaches to multi-sensory phonics instruction. He has taught in both inclusive and self-contained special education environments (K 2nd grade).

He has learned through his experience that multi-sensory phonics instruction braided with robust comprehension modalities is the sine qua non of childhood literacy instruction. Phonics and comprehension are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they must be coupled for effective assessment and instruction. Peter also has an arts background. He has a BA in dramatic literature from NYU and was trained as an actor and musician (electric bass). He has taught arts in education courses at the undergraduate level. He likes to think that he brings a certain amount of creativity to his work that is rooted in a pedagogy of compassion and open-heartedness.

TYPE OF SERVICES: Pre-K 4th grade Orton-Gillingham and qualitative (comprehension) literacy assessment and instruction tailored to a student’s individual needs; implementing IEPs; providing test prep for the New York State ELA exam, K 4th grade.
EXPERTISE: Orton-Gillingham-based literacy assessment and instruction (decoding and encoding) and all that it entails beginning with phonemic awareness and ending with fluency; literacy assessment and instruction for comprehension, for example, the Qualitative Reading Inventory (QRI) and reciprocal teaching, respectively. Peter has experience writing and implementing IEPs and using the ELA Common Core as a guide for instruction.
AGES: Pre-K 4th grade, ages 4 through 10 or 11.

Patricia S., with an M.S. and Ph.D., is a seasoned Literacy Specialist with over 25 years of experience in delivering specialized literacy instruction to a diverse student population, including individuals with language-based learning disabilities (LBLD). These disabilities often obstruct the processing of language, both written and spoken, which can lead to challenges in auditory processing, communication, and comprehension, as well as difficulties in handwriting legibility.

Patricia is certified in the Orton-Gillingham approach, a structured, evidence-based methodology that emphasizes phonology, sound-symbol association, syllable structure, and morphology. This method is particularly beneficial for students with dyslexia and other reading challenges, as it employs multisensory learning strategies to aid retention and reinforce learning.

Her educational background includes a Master of Science in Special Education with a focus on autism, informing her approach to teaching handwriting and ensuring that tasks are sensitive to individual student abilities and comfort levels. Her instructional style is adaptive, using visual prompts and images to support the development of fine motor skills.