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At Carlow University, the next generation of ethical leaders is already in the making.
Here, our students gain more than just a degree – they build connections, find purpose, and thrive – working in ways big and small to reshape the future. With your support, we can continue to invest in these future leaders and expand their ability to transform our world.
How You Can Support
At Carlow University, the next generation of ethical leaders is already in the making.
Here, our students gain more than just a degree – they build connections, find purpose, and thrive – working in ways big and small to reshape the future. With your support, we can continue to invest in these future leaders and expand their ability to transform our world.
How You Can SupportElizabeth’s journey at Carlow University began when she started taking classes for her Masters’ degree and Dyslexia certificate. This is when Elizabeth learned about structured literacy and the Science of Reading. From this conviction sprang an entire framework of support for students with dyslexia and reading difficulties. To further her understanding of how to teach students with reading difficulties, she began the task of becoming a dyslexia tutor. With a Dyslexia Certificate from Carlow University and credentials as a Wilson Certified Dyslexia Practitioner, she uses her training to implement systematic, explicit instruction in her classroom literacy block.
As a Carlow Campus School teacher at Carlow University, Elizabeth, is deeply committed to providing a comprehensive and structured literacy-based English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum. Her teaching approach includes key foundational components such as phonemic awareness, explicitly taught phonics, multi-sensory learning activities, and focused handwriting instruction. She makes use of evidence-based tools like a sound wall and the Secret Stories curriculum to help students explore the many sounds within the English language and deepen their understanding of phonics.
In addition to classroom instruction, Elizabeth works with the Dyslexia Center in the after-school tutoring program. She offers Wilson Reading System lessons for students with dyslexia or reading difficulties, ensuring individualized support for those who need it most. Her dedication extends into the summer months, where she helps design, direct, and serve as one of the lead teachers for the Carlow Campus School Dyslexia Camp. This camp is specially created to support students with dyslexia and to prevent reading regression during the summer break. As one of the camp’s creators and lead instructor, Elizabeth helped design every element with purpose, weaving together the latest research. The camp has grown every year and has become a cornerstone of Carlow Campus School’s summer camps.
Elizabeth also plays an important role in mentoring future educators by working closely with college students placed in their classroom for practicum experiences. Through modeling and direct instruction, they demonstrate how to effectively integrate structured literacy strategies and activities into the classroom, helping to prepare the next generation of teachers with a strong foundation in evidence-based literacy instruction.
Education
Masters Degree in Early childhood Education with a Dyslexia Teaching Graduate Certificate, 2021, Carlow University/ Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, 1992, Clarion University/Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner (W.D.P.), Wilson Language Training, March 2024
Affiliated Programs
Certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner
Carlow Campus School Dyslexia Lab Tutor
LETRS Trained Teacher
Carlow Campus School Dyslexia Camp Director
Research Topics
Structured Literacy
Science of Reading
Dyslexia Research
Sound Walls
Integration of Art in Core Subjects
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Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.
