Deborah Baker

My name is Debbie Baker and I am the founder and owner of Travels Through Literacy. Teaching reading is an absolute LOVE of mine. As a Reading Specialist and a trained Literacy Educator guided by the Orton-Gillingham philosophy, I have found my dream job as a private tutor. My journey in my career and in my own life provides unique insight. Having worked as a special education teacher supporting students with dyslexia/ learning disabilities for thirty years allows me to understand the challenges, demands, and concerns from the educator's perspective. As the parent and now a grandparent of children with dyslexia/learning disabilities, I commiserate with the frustration and confusion experienced while navigating the many options and approaches being offered as a solution to meet their needs. In my exploration of the most up-to-date research and wisdom of the leaders in this field, and through supporting students with dyslexia/learning disabilities via the online format, l have continued to collect and refine the most efficient and effective instructional methods to traverse the kaleidoscope of concepts essential to success. With compassion and sensitivity towards families facing these circumstances, I have forged my new career path as a private literacy tutor. I enjoy the freedom to delve entirely into teaching reading and the many aspects of literacy.  My teaching has also expanded into teaching English as a Foreign Language. I have earned my TEFL (Teaching of English as a Foreign Language) certification, and greatly respect the overlap of my knowledge and skill in structured literacy with that of teaching English to those whose primary language is other than English. It is through these travels and experiences I have discovered my true purpose. I support students and their families and help to guide them as they voyage the vast world of literacy, the challenges, as well as the gifts, they will encounter, and provide support to them as they discover the achievement of their own dreams and purpose.