Reading Specialist & K–5 Literacy Tutor M.S.Ed.

Megan C.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

I specialize in early literacy and foundational reading instruction with extensive experience supporting learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder, using structured, predictable routines that help students feel safe, confident, and engaged. My approach is rooted in evidence-based, multisensory phonics instruction — including Orton-Gillingham influenced methods — which I have found particularly effective for neurodiverse learners who benefit from explicit, systematic teaching. I am skilled at reading each child's unique communication style and sensory needs, adapting lessons in real time to maintain engagement and reduce frustration. Whether working on letter recognition, phonemic awareness, decoding, or fluency, I am passionate about meeting every learner exactly where they are and celebrating every milestone along the way.

Elementary (K-6th)

I have over ten years of experience teaching elementary students across kindergarten through sixth grade in classroom, small-group, and one-on-one settings in Chicago Public Schools, suburban Illinois, and Washington State. My roles have included third and fourth grade classroom teacher, Kindergarten teacher, Math Specialist, Academically Talented Math Teacher, and reading interventionist, giving me deep familiarity with the full range of K–6 learners and their developmental needs. I hold a Master of Science in Education with a Reading Specialization and am well-versed in research-aligned curricula including Eureka Math, Units of Study Reading and Writing Workshop, and structured literacy frameworks grounded in the science of reading. I am experienced differentiating instruction for students at every level — from those needing foundational intervention to academically advanced learners — and I am committed to building both the skills and confidence every child needs to succeed.

Elementary Math

I also bring a strong math background to my tutoring practice. I hold a double minor in Mathematics and Science and have served as a Math Specialist, instructing multi-grade enrichment and intervention groups. I’m experienced with Eureka Math and inquiry-based learning models, and I love helping students develop genuine number sense and real confidence in math.

Phonics

I have a Master's degree in Literacy Education from Northern Illinois University, where I had the privilege of studying under Dr. David Paige, one of the leading researchers in the science of reading. My graduate training gave me a deep understanding of how phonics and phonemic awareness actually develop in children — not just what to teach, but why it works and what to do when it isn't working. Over ten years in the classroom, I've taught phonics across K-5 in whole class, small group, and intervention settings. I know how to look closely at where a child is in their reading development and build instruction that is clear, systematic, and — importantly — never makes a child feel bad about where they are. Reading is learnable. Phonics doesn't have to feel like a mystery. And every session we have together will be built around your child specifically — their strengths, their gaps, and what they need next.

Reading

I have a Master's degree in Reading Specialization (Northern Illinois University, 2024) and a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education — so literacy isn't just something I teach, it's what I've devoted my graduate studies to. I've spent over 10 years teaching in K–6 classrooms across Illinois and Washington, working with early readers at every level — from kids who needed a little extra support to those who needed significant intervention. Throughout that time, I've taught explicit phonics instruction, designed targeted reading groups based on student data, and worked one-on-one with children who were struggling to find their footing with reading. I've also trained extensively in structured literacy and evidence-based reading instruction — the approach backed by decades of reading science that focuses on teaching phonics and language skills in a clear, systematic way. It's especially effective for kids who haven't responded to more general classroom instruction. I genuinely love this work, and I take a lot of pride in helping children not just read better — but feel confident doing it.

Special Needs

I have extensive experience supporting students with diverse learning needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences, using individualized, structured approaches that build confidence alongside skills. My instruction is grounded in evidence-based, multisensory literacy methods that are particularly effective for neurodiverse learners who thrive with explicit, sequential, and consistent teaching. I am experienced in collaborating with families, IEP goals, and support teams to ensure continuity between tutoring sessions and each child's broader learning plan. My greatest joy is helping students who have struggled find their footing — building not just academic skills, but a genuine belief in themselves as learners.