Reading Specialist, MS in Teaching Reading, NBCT Literacy

Jodi H.

Hello! I am a highly experienced Reading Specialist with over 30 years in education and more than 20 years of one-on-one tutoring experience supporting students in grades K–8. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University and my Master’s Degree in Teaching Reading from Chicago State University, where I graduated with a 3.8 GPA. I also earned National Board Certification in Literacy in 2007, which I successfully renewed in 2016.

Throughout my career, I have worked with a diverse range of learners in a variety of settings, from inner-city Chicago to rural Arizona. My teaching experience includes 15 years in 2nd grade, 3 years in 1st grade, 3 years teaching English Language Learners in grades K–3, one year of 6th grade language arts, and 8 years as a Reading Specialist, Literacy Coach, and in school leadership roles.

I am certified to teach K–12 Reading, K–5 Elementary Education, and K–12 English Language Learners. My expertise is in diagnosing reading difficulties and creating explicit, research-based instruction tailored to each student’s individual needs.

I have tutored in person and online and I specialize in all components of reading, including phonemic awareness, phonics, word recognition, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Whether I am working with a young child learning to read or an older student who is struggling, I design engaging, structured lessons that build both skills and confidence. Recently, I started worked with a 3rd grade student on an IEP to help her improve her reading, including phonics, word recognition, reading fluency, vocabulary and comprehension

I am passionate about helping students close learning gaps and develop a lifelong love of reading. I truly believe that with the right support, every child can become a successful and confident reader.