Transforming Classrooms: Lexia LETRS Grant Recipients Unlock the Potential of Educators and Students

For Stephanie Hughes, a dedicated reading intervention teacher, embracing the science of reading has been a game changer. “I feel a lot more confident that the interventions I am providing my students are backed by science,” she shares. Hughes, along with 119 other educators, was awarded the Lexia® LETRS® Science of Reading Grant last February. Now, one year into their LETRS journey, she and her fellow recipients are seeing firsthand how this professional learning is transforming their classrooms, their students, and even their broader school communities.

1 Year of Growth, 1 Year of Impact

From breakthrough moments to lasting instructional shifts, these educators have integrated LETRS insights into their teaching practices in meaningful ways. Jennifer Kreul-Buskerud, another grant recipient, has embraced LETRS-recommended screeners to pinpoint students’ skill gaps and tailor instruction accordingly. “We use these tools to drive our instruction, fill those gaps, and strengthen their reading,” she explains.

For Kristine Brandner, the program's depth has been eye-opening. Learning about phonemic awareness and implementing sound walls has reshaped how she approaches literacy instruction. “Now, I can explain the ‘why’ behind our reading strategies,” she says. More than just theory, these strategies are making an immediate difference in how students engage with reading and comprehension.

Beyond the Classroom: Building a Community of Literacy Leaders

What sets these educators apart is their commitment to sharing their learning with others. Hughes has been vocal about her LETRS experience, bringing her newfound knowledge to colleagues and leadership teams. “Ask the teachers at my school … Ask my admin if I’ve geeked out about reading instruction,” she laughs.

Kreul-Buskerud and Brandner have taken their expertise beyond their classrooms as well, leading Literacy and Lunch groups and hosting book studies to discuss the science of reading. “We've had opportunities to work with leadership, teachers in our school, and even within our district,” Kreul-Buskerud shares. By fostering these conversations, they are helping create a schoolwide culture of evidence-based literacy instruction.

Looking Ahead: A Future Rooted in the Science of Reading

As their professional development continues, these grant recipients are already thinking about the future. Kreul-Buskerud and Brandner plan to offer inservice training for teachers in their district, ensuring their knowledge continues to support even more educators. They’ve also attended The Reading League Conference and volunteered to support its board, further cementing their role as advocates for Structured Literacy.

And the impact isn’t just anecdotal. Hughes recently monitored her students’ progress and saw that 80% were making adequate or above-adequate gains toward their literacy goals. “LETRS has given me a toolbox and the knowledge of how to use each tool. Now, I know how to analyze assessments and be strategic in the interventions I provide. My students have greatly benefitted from what I’ve learned,” she says.

Empowering Educators, Transforming Students’ Lives

The Lexia LETRS Science of Reading Grant has provided these educators with the knowledge and resources to make a tangible difference in their classrooms. Their stories prove that when teachers are equipped with research-based strategies, the ripple effect extends far beyond a single lesson—it transforms learning for years to come.

As Hughes, Kreul-Buskerud, and Brandner continue their journey, their dedication is a reminder of what’s possible when passionate educators have access to the right tools. The science of reading isn’t just reshaping instruction—it’s unlocking potential, one student at a time.