Literacy Specialist Spotlight: Today’s Mistakes are Tomorrow’s Lessons

Two, four, six, eight! Who do we appreciate? Wilson® Literacy Specialists are the lifeblood of our company and central to our mission of empowering educators to help their students become fluent, independent readers. In the words of one of our own, Lisa Brill, they’re “in the schools supporting teachers to make sure they are reaching every single reader.” We sat down with Lisa to get more insights into a day in the life of a Wilson Literacy Specialist and what makes her role so rewarding.

How does a Literacy Specialist contribute to achieving our vision of “literacy for all”?  

We help ensure Wilson programs are implemented with fidelity by providing continuous support to teachers. This starts with launch workshops to introduce the program and its materials, followed by school visits throughout the year to model lessons, co-teach, and offer feedback directly in the classroom. We also hold regular study groups to dive into challenges and plan diagnostic, prescriptive lessons that target students’ specific needs. 

What makes Fundations^® stand out in your opinion?  

I believe Fundations is the best of the best out there. Our comprehensive scope and sequence demystifies the complexities of the English language and breaks it down so that students can understand. We follow the gradual release model and work with teachers to make sure they are diagnostic and prescriptive in their lesson planning. This means that they always have their eyes and ears on the trouble spots their students are encountering in their daily lessons. 

One of my favorite phrases is, “Today’s mistakes are tomorrow’s lessons,” and we help teachers identify those errors and then say, “You know what? Tomorrow during my drill sounds, I’m going to address this.” That’s continually happening; and I think that’s really what sets our programs apart.

Can you share an example of successfully supporting teachers?  

Recently, I worked with a group of second-grade teachers who were resistant to using the magnetic Letter Boards. I listened to their reasons why, invited them to bring the boards to a study group, and modeled how to use them during Echo/Find activities. By my next visit, I was thrilled to see them embracing the boards and using them effectively. I think resistance often comes from a lack of understanding; teachers have so much on their plates and just need a little extra support sometimes.

What are some of the most rewarding moments you’ve seen with students?  

I’ve witnessed many aha moments, especially with kindergartners learning the tapping strategy to blend and read words. They get so excited and proud when they master this skill; their faces just light up.

What tips do you have for kick-starting a successful Fundations school year?  

Start by carefully planning your Fundations corner in the classroom, ensuring it’s visible and accessible to all students. Organize your Standard Sound Card display and student materials, like Letter Boards and Student Notebooks. Be mindful of how you set up and store Magnetic Letter Tiles, as these need to be gradually introduced throughout the year.

How can teachers stay motivated and aligned with the program throughout the year?  

Utilize our Learning Community and demo videos to refresh and renew your approach. Watching others model the lessons can be incredibly helpful to get that inspiration burst of “Oh, that’s how it should be done,” or “Oh, I loved the way the teacher did that.” We’ve got some great demos and new concept videos, and I think that’s always a wonderful way to reenergize.

What are your top three Fundations resources for supporting struggling readers? 

There are so many wonderful resources in FUN HUB®. The digital Teacher’s Manual is excellent. Being able to reference the manual from anywhere is so helpful and the new concept videos are embedded directly within the relevant sections. My other FUN HUB favorite is the digital Unit Test Tracker. It does all the calculations for you and displays the data beautifully, so you clearly see the errors that your students are making and identify which concepts you need to continue to weave in as you move forward.

I’m also really excited about Fun in Focus™. This intervention kit is essential for students needing extra practice and intensity. It’s purposeful and well organized, with lesson plans and diagnostic tools readily available, making it easier for teachers to provide targeted support. Fun in Focus complements Tier 1 Fundations instruction and supports students in developing essential reading and orthographic mapping skills.

The Fundations® Readers have been such a game changer. These decodable readers are crucial for reinforcing students’ applied skills in connected text reading. We all know students need ample opportunities to practice what they are learning. The controlled text ensures that students can confidently apply their knowledge without encountering unfamiliar words, helping them build their reading proficiency.

What advice would you give your former self as a teacher?  

I’d tell myself, “Keep going; you’re doing great.” As a former special education and intervention teacher, it was hard to see progress, but it’s happening. Celebrate the small wins because your students are learning and growing.

And finally, just for fun, what did you want to be when you grew up?  

I wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. My love for reading started with my mother reading Mother Goose nursery rhymes to my siblings and me, creating a special shared-reading experience.