The Missing Piece: Lexia LETRS Grant Recipients Start Science of Reading Journey

“Lexia® LETRS® was the missing piece in my science of reading journey,” says Sherry DuBoff, one of the 115 passionate educators selected for the Lexia LETRS Science of Reading Grant in February 2024. This transformative program, awarded to K–5 educators across 26 states, provides access to Lexia’s renowned LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) professional learning. For these educators, it marks the start of a journey that will shape classrooms and change lives.

A Transformative Start

The grant recipients, now progressing through Unit 3 of LETRS, are already seeing the benefits of their hard work. While some initially hesitated at the program's time commitment, they quickly discovered its immense value.

Tiffany Holmes approached LETRS with cautious optimism, unsure if it would deliver truly actionable insights. Instead, she found herself immersed in a treasure trove of knowledge. “I’ve not only solidified what I already knew but also gained an incredible depth of understanding,” she says, highlighting concepts like allophonic variation that are reshaping her teaching approach.

For DuBoff, the program has filled a critical gap in her previous training. “I’m Orton-Gillingham certified, but LETRS goes deeper—teaching me how the reading brain works,” she explains. Equipped with this understanding, DuBoff says she feels better prepared to address her students’ unique needs, year after year.

Dr. Shaime Cortes Vega shares a similar enthusiasm, citing LETRS’ resources as game changers in her professional growth. She’s especially inspired by the phonology contrastive analysis chart, which explains language differences and has enhanced her ability to support English Language Learners. “It’s exactly the training I needed to fill gaps in my knowledge,” she says.

Balancing Busy Schedules

While the LETRS program demands commitment, its flexibility makes it manageable for working educators. With a blend of video sessions, guided activities, readings, and live online learning, participants can tailor their schedules to fit their needs.

“This program was clearly designed with teachers in mind,” Holmes says, appreciating the convenience of completing work in smaller portions or tackling units when time allows. DuBoff values the sense of community fostered by LETRS, noting, “Even though I’m the only participant in my district, I feel supported by educators and Lexia® employees across the country.”

From live office hours to online forums, the program provides resources that keep educators motivated and connected, even as they navigate their demanding schedules.

Empowered To Make a Difference

Beyond individual classrooms, the impact of LETRS resonates at a systemic level. DuBoff sees it as an opportunity to ignite districtwide change. “LETRS is empowering me to be a catalyst for change,” she explains. Holmes and Dr. Cortes Vega echo this sentiment, emphasizing how LETRS equips them to meet the diverse needs of their students—from beginning readers to English Language Learners.

Celebrating Educators’ Dedication

As these inspiring educators move forward in their LETRS journey, their commitment to literacy transformation shines. They are not only shaping students’ futures but also redefining the role of professional development in education.

The Lexia LETRS Science of Reading Grant is more than just a program—it’s a movement. By equipping teachers with evidence-based strategies, it’s empowering them to create lasting change, one “aha” moment at a time.

The inaugural grant program brought together 115 dedicated educators, each relying on their own motivation to make the most of this life-changing opportunity. We applaud their drive, resilience, and commitment to advancing literacy through the science of reading.

Follow their journey with us, and witness how the LETRS program is transforming literacy education, one classroom at a time.