Question 1

What is the Science of Reading?

Accepted Answer

The Science of Reading refers to decades of research on how the brain learns to read. It supports structured literacy methods that explicitly teach phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Tutors on The Reading Tutor Hub are trained in these evidence-based approaches.

Question 2

How do I find a reading tutor near me?

Accepted Answer

Use the directory at the top of this page to search by state or province, session type (virtual, in-person, or hybrid), certifications, and reading programs. You can also search by tutor name or city to find a specialist close to you.

Question 3

What certifications should I look for in a reading specialist?

Accepted Answer

Common certifications include CALT (Certified Academic Language Therapist), Orton-Gillingham Academy Certified (OGA), Wilson Reading System Certified (WRS), and IMSLEC accreditation. The right certification depends on your child's needs; our directory lets you filter by each of these.

Question 4

How do I know if my child needs a reading tutor?

Accepted Answer

If your child is a struggling reader, whether in elementary school or older, signs they may benefit from a reading specialist include difficulty sounding out words, slow or inaccurate reading, trouble with spelling, avoiding reading, or a school evaluation suggesting dyslexia or a reading disability. A certified reading specialist can assess your child's needs and create a targeted plan.

Question 5

What is the difference between online and in-person tutoring?

Accepted Answer

Online (virtual) tutoring happens over video call, giving you access to specialists anywhere in the country. In-person tutoring takes place at the tutor's location or yours. Hybrid tutors offer both options. Many families find online reading tutoring sessions just as effective as in-person, especially for structured literacy instruction.

Question 6

My child can't read. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

If your child can't read at grade level, you're not alone, and there is help. The first step is to have your child evaluated by a reading specialist who can identify specific areas of difficulty, whether it's phonics, decoding, fluency, or comprehension. A certified reading tutor for kids can then create a targeted plan using structured literacy methods. Browse our directory to find a qualified reading tutor near you, online or in-person.

Reading Specialists in Palatine, Illinois

Reading programs and certifications available in Palatine, Illinois

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Hi I'm Laura Benson! I have been a Special Education Teacher for 15 years serving a wide range of students with disabilities in grades K-12 in therapeutic and public school settings. This is my second year as a certified dyslexia specialist through my training and practicum with the SLANT System. I am currently a middle school Special Education Resource teacher in Lake Zurich and live in Palatine with my husband and two daughters. I started tutoring in April 2024 after two years of implementing and observing the positive effects the SLANT program has in improving one's overall reading skills. I quickly came to love spending one-on-one time with students in their homes or at the library helping them to grow as learners. The one-on-one and individualized instruction given to each child's area of growth has instilled confidence in them that brings me joy!	Slant: Dyslexia Specialist Slant: Structured Literacy Teacher	Slant System
I am a LBS1 certified special education teacher with over 18 years of experience, working with students with dyslexia and learning disabilities in the Chicagoland area. I am a SLANT certified Structured Literacy & Dyslexia Specialist and a CERI (Center for Effective Reading Instruction) certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist.	Slant: Dyslexia Specialist CERI Slant: Structured Literacy Teacher
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