At CLF, we celebrate the educators and innovators who make a lasting impact on readers. One of them is Sue Marasciulo, a lifelong special education teacher and the author behind the HILARIOUS Pat & Pals decodable book series.

“Getting this training has changed the way I see struggling readers. I can identify the characteristics of a struggling reader much more readily. I also feel I now have a roadmap of how to begin appropriate interventions. Truly, all teachers should have this course in their toolbelt.” 

"Even with a master’s degree in education and 20 years of classroom experience, I was never taught the evidence-based methods I’m now learning through my Slant training. Like most teachers, this knowledge was not part of my training. Because of this, I frequently see families of children who learn differently struggling to address unfinished learning, often without the time, resources, or expertise to help their kids develop critical foundational skills.”

When Jeannine heard about the challenges the family was experiencing she stepped up in a BIG way. Jeannine chose to dedicate her time to this family at no cost. Two to three times a week, Jeannine drives 30 minutes to the family’s home to provide individualized, one-on-one literacy tutoring to the two children—one in second grade and the other in fifth grade.  

In 2024, our first year of operation, we supported 31 extraordinary educators serving in 27 schools. Collectively, these teachers participated in 1,245 hours of training and are serving 1,539 students this school year.

Meet Matteo, a determined 15-year-old who loves his family and sports. Diagnosed with multiple layers of dyslexia, Matteo was once told he would never be able to read or write and would always depend on others. But through his resilience, and with the support of his family and a Slant trained tutor, Matteo has defied all expectations— recently finishing 8th grade with a 3.5 GPA.

Kim Hillard is an special educator currently participating in the SLANT year long practicum, partially funded by Classmates Literacy Foundation. She shares her story and the tremendous impact her SLANT training is having on her students.

February 14, 2024

Tina Shipman is a long-time educator and one of the first teachers funded by Classmates Literacy Foundation.