From Aha! to Action: Lexia® LETRS® Empowers Educators Through Science of Reading Grant

For Tiffany Holmes, literacy is a fundamental right that every student deserves. “We have to make sure teachers are knowledgeable so they can teach in a way that’s truly effective,” she says. As one of the 120 educators awarded the Lexia® LETRS® Science of Reading Grant in February 2024, Holmes is now part of a transformative journey that spans classrooms across 26 states. The recipients, chosen from a passionate group of K–5 educators, gained access to Lexia’s renowned LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) program, a deep dive into the science of reading.

As the school year unfolds, these educators—teachers and instructional coaches—are bringing their LETRS training to life in their classrooms. They share their experiences, revealing both challenges and moments of triumph as they adapt their teaching methods. Holmes and Michelle Sullivan, an instructional literacy coach, have been especially vocal about the insights they’ve gained.

For Sullivan, LETRS has offered an “aha” experience unlike any other. “I’ve worked in literacy for years, read countless books, but LETRS goes deeper,” she says, impressed by how the program distills cutting-edge research into actionable lessons. “It’s not information you’d find in just any book.” This depth of knowledge has shifted her approach to professional development, allowing her to provide teachers with manageable, bite-sized insights they can integrate into their daily routines.

Holmes, too, has found that LETRS offers clarity. Where she once sorted students based on scores, she now focuses on diagnostic assessments to truly understand and address each child’s needs. “We’ve taken a step back to really figure out what’s happening with each student,” she explains, underscoring the shift toward a more individualized, needs-based approach. 

Supportive Leadership Fuels Success

The enthusiasm for LETRS extends beyond the classrooms of Holmes and Sullivan. Both educators speak of supportive school leadership. Sullivan’s district leaders, for example, are highly supportive of the LETRS approach, fueling her hope that more teachers will eventually have access to this impactful program. Holmes’ principal brings up the program often with the leadership team, citing it as the next step for the future in terms of professional development and providing students with the evidence-based instruction they need. 

Transforming Literacy, 1 Student at a Time

Already, the grant recipients are witnessing changes. Holmes has seen her feedback to teachers become more precise and actionable, while Sullivan’s LETRS-inspired guidance has begun making a difference in students’ lives. “You’re not just teaching them to read a word,” she says. “You’re helping them build a foundation for life.”

As this inspiring journey continues, we invite you to follow along. Witness the dedication of educators like Holmes and Sullivan as they bring LETRS into classrooms, transforming literacy learning one “aha” moment at a time.

Celebrating Educator Dedication and Drive

The Lexia LETRS Science of Reading Grant has provided these educators with an invaluable resource, equipping them with the knowledge they need to make a meaningful difference. And, as Sullivan says, “Every teacher goes into education wanting to make a difference.” With LETRS, they’re doing just that.

The inaugural Lexia LETRS Science of Reading Grant invited educators from across the nation to apply for a chance to win no-cost access to the award-winning LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) professional learning. Since access to LETRS in these cases is outside the traditional district-supported rollout, these educators must rely on their own self-motivation to engage with the course material and fully benefit from the program. We applaud them for their dedication to transforming their teaching through the science of reading.