For more than three decades, Wilson Language Training has provided science-based and research-backed literacy programs that empower educators to help their students become fluent, independent readers. Educators across the country continue to rely on Wilson’s multimodal Structured Literacy programs and steadfast commitment to professional learning and implementation science to achieve their unique literacy goals.
To provide quality professional learning and ongoing support so that educators have the skills and tools they need to help their students become fluent, independent readers who are ready to explore the endless possibilities the world of reading has to offer.
Our vision is “Literacy for All.” We believe that the ability to read opens up a world of possibilities to the individual. Reading is a door to personal, spiritual, and intellectual growth as well as a necessity for a secure future in an evolving global economy. We also believe that literacy is a cornerstone of freedom and democracy.
Our values drive our actions and reflect our vision of creating a world where more individuals are able to benefit from the endless possibilities that literacy has to offer.
Every decision we make promotes literacy for all and supports our customers as everyday heroes. The quality resources, professional learning, and customer experiences that we provide empower them to help individuals on their journeys to becoming proficient with reading and spelling.
We are dedicated problem solvers with a growth mindset, curious about new ideas and focused on working smarter, not harder.
Giving and receiving feedback is integral to our efforts, as we seek to understand, learn from each other’s expertise, and value both “how” and “what” gets done.
We are committed to clear, consistent, and thorough actions.
We are empowered to make thoughtful, data-driven and collaborative decisions, delivering on our promises with hard work and a realistic approach. Accountability is shared among us, ensuring collective success.
We embrace diversity, showing respect for all, advocating for equity, and without playing favorites.
We all have responsibility for an environment where everyone feels genuinely heard. One that enables belonging, open-mindedness, and authenticity. This allows us to creatively deliver all that we do.
We recognize the significance of trust, transparency, clarity, and humor in building and maintaining strong connections.
Whether it’s with each other, customers, or partners, we actively listen with grace, kindness, and compassion to better inform ourselves and our solutions.
We believe literacy is a fundamental right and should be attainable for all people. We strive to reflect this belief in our work (e.g. accessibility standards, using decodeables to teach cultural lessons and experiences) and respect all backgrounds, ethnicities, beliefs, abilities, and identities. We celebrate what makes every customer, employee, student, vendor, and partner organization unique. Everyone has a voice and all perspectives and insights matter.
Recently, the “science of reading” has become a buzzword in education circles. Wilson has been there from the start! Barbara and Edward Wilson founded Wilson Language Training in 1985 to improve instruction for students with dyslexia. Three decades on, we continue to empower educators with the skills and tools needed to help all of their students become fluent, independent readers.
If you’re looking to understand Wilson’s impressive track record of leveraging the science of reading to help students become proficient readers and writers, it starts with our founders.
Barbara A. Wilson is the co-founder of Wilson Language Training and a current member of our board of directors. For more than 35 years, she has worked to improve the lives of individuals with dyslexia and to bring structured reading to educators and students across the country.
The inspiration for Wilson began more than three decades ago. After spending several years working as a special educator in public schools in Massachusetts, Barbara completed training in the Orton-Gillingham (O-G) approach to literacy instruction at Massachusetts General Hospital’s (MGH) Language Disorders Unit. She remained at MGH for five years as an O-G fellow, working with adults with dyslexia.
In 1985, informed in part by her experience at MGH, Barbara and her husband Ed founded the Wilson Learning Center. In 1988, she authored Wilson Reading System®. She later went on to author two other multisensory Structured Literacy programs: Fundations for K-3 students and Just Words for students grades 4-12 and adults.
Barbara has gone to lead presentations, keynotes, and workshops at more than 300 conferences worldwide. She has developed and overseen graduate courses and clinical practicums which lead to Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner and Therapist certifications, which are accredited IDA Tier 3 training programs. She was invited to the White House to speak to the President’s Domestic Policy Adviser on Education regarding the issue of literacy in America’s middle and high schools and, in 2015, she testified in front of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Science, Space and Technology in support of H.R. 3033, the Research Excellence and Advancements for Dyslexia (READ) Act, which was later signed into law. Barbara has been awarded honorary doctorate degrees from two Massachusetts institutions: Becker College and Fitchburg State University.
As a Wilson Board member, Barbara continues to have a hand in developing Wilson products that positively impact young readers.
Edward J. Wilson is the co-founder of Wilson Language Training and a current member of our board of directors.
In 1985, Ed and his wife Barbara founded the Wilson Learning Center. Ed subsequently completed the Wilson Certification models in the late 1980s and early 1990s, learning that has contributed to his understanding of the science behind the implementation process of Wilson's programs.
Ed has served on both the board of directors for the New England branch of the Orton Dyslexia Society and the Executive Board of the International Dyslexia Association. Alongside Barbara, he spearheaded Wilson’s transition from a private learning center to a national educational company – all the while staying true to the original goal of helping individuals with dyslexia.