Rooted in Expertise. Driven by Compassion. Built for Real Families.
Your Literacy Lighthouse is more than a tutoring service—it’s a trusted guide for families navigating reading and literacy challenges, IEP confusion, and the emotional weight that comes with it.
Helping Struggling Readers and Their Families Find Clarity, Confidence, and a Way Forward
Your Literacy Lighthouse was created for the families who’ve been told “just wait and see.”
For the kids who’ve been labeled “lazy” or “unmotivated.”
For the parents who’ve spent sleepless nights Googling what to do next.
We believe:
Reading is a right, not a privilege.
Struggling readers are not broken —they’ve been underserved.
Every family deserves clear, kind, evidence-based guidance.
We offer structured literacy intervention, expert IEP coaching, and flexible support formats because no two learners—or families—are the same.
Hi, I’m Julie Knight
—And I’ve Sat on Both Sides of the IEP Table
I’m a veteran special educator, structured literacy interventionist, and parent advocate with over 17 years of experience helping students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning or cognitive challenges thrive—often after years of frustration and setbacks.
Before launching Your Literacy Lighthouse, I worked inside schools as a special education teacher, IEP case manager, and was a parent of a child with an IEP. I saw firsthand how broken systems can leave families confused and kids unsupported—and I also learned exactly what works, and what doesn’t. So I built a better way.
My work is rooted in the Science of Reading and grounded in compassion. I provide evidence-based literacy instruction designed to empower students who learn differently, while equipping parents with the tools and advocacy skills they need to champion their child’s unique educational needs. I work collaboratively with families to secure the resources and accommodations that set students up for success, promoting a partnership-focused approach to special education and advocacy.
As a homeschooling parent myself, I also help other homeschooling families craft personalized educational plans that fit their child’s strengths and goals. I believe every child deserves a learning experience that builds confidence, skills, and a true love of learning.
Today, I work with families across the country to:
- Provide 1:1 structured reading instruction for students who need more than general tutoring.
- Deliver self-paced literacy courses, with live supports, built on the Science of Reading.
- Guide parents in understanding, improving, and advocating within the IEP process.
- Support homeschooling families with curriculum planning and special education needs.
Education & Credentials
- Master of Arts in Education: Special Education
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology: Family Therapy
- Tier 4 licensed in Minnesota:
- Learning Disabilities (LD)
- Emotional Behavioral Disabilities (EBD)
- Highly Qualified by the state of Minnesota
- Achieved top-ranking scores in Elementary Education Content Knowledge.
- Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) Certification: This in-depth training in the Science of Reading perfectly complements my hands-on experience with students, enriching my teaching methodologies.
- Trained in Fundations by Wilson Language
- Orton-Gillingham Approaches to Instruction
- Parent of Children with Neurodivergencies in Dyslexia and ADHD
- Teaching Exceptional Students since 2008 in Public and Private Sectors
More about me
📚 Favorite Childhood Book:
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein.
✨ Favorite Book to Recommend to Parents:
Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz.
🧩 Favorite Professional Video:
How the Brain Learns to Read – Prof. Stanislas Dehaene.
🎧 Favorite Professional Podcast:
The Knowledge Matters Podcast — Season 1.
🔍 Favorite Topic to Teach:
How spoken reductions influence spelling!
🗂️ Favorite Literacy Tool:
My science and social studies based decodable readers for older students and interactive lesson activities.
☕ Favorite Place to Read:
du Nord Family Camp in Ely, MN…best place to unwind in nature!
💡 Favorite Quote About Reading:
“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” — Frederick Douglass.
❤️ Favorite Thing About Teaching Reading:
Seeing a student’s face light up when they realize, “I can do this!”
LETRS
I have completed LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training, a nationally respected, dyslexia-accredited professional development program for educators. This training deepened my understanding of how children learn to read and how to support struggling readers effectively. While I do not provide LETRS training myself, this knowledge guides the structured, research-based instruction I offer.
Dyslexia Accreditation
I have completed training programs that are accredited by the International Dyslexia Association, ensuring that the instruction I provide aligns with best practices for students with dyslexia and other reading challenges.
Fundations – Wilson Language
I am trained in Fundations, a highly regarded structured literacy program used in schools to support foundational reading and spelling skills. While I incorporate many of the evidence-based practices from Fundations, it is one of several resources I draw upon to create personalized instruction for each student’s needs.
Groves Learning Organization
In addition to running Your Literacy Lighthouse, I also work for Groves Learning Organization, a leading nonprofit dedicated to literacy, learning, and supporting students with learning differences. My work with Groves keeps me connected to best practices in the field while allowing me to bring high-quality instruction to the families I serve independently.
The Reading League – Minnesota
I am a proud member of The Reading League Minnesota, a professional organization dedicated to advancing the Science of Reading and evidence-based literacy instruction.
Mission
Your Literacy Lighthouse provides structured literacy intervention and expert IEP guidance—empowering learners to strengthen reading and spelling skills and guiding families to advocate with confidence. We do this through research-backed instruction, growth mindset coaching, executive functioning support, and compassionate partnership.
Vision
Your Literacy Lighthouse envisions a future where learners grow into capable, confident readers, spellers, and thinkers, supported by families who feel informed, empowered, and equipped to advocate for their child’s needs—free from confusion and worry.
We Teach with Purpose and Partner with Heart
These are the principles that guide every decision, every session, and every piece of support we provide:
Compassion First
Every learner and family is met with empathy.
Research-Backed Excellence
We use proven methods aligned with the Science of Reading.
Growth Mindset at the Core
Struggle is part of learning, and effort is worth celebrating.
Connection Builds Confidence
Learning starts with trust and grows with encouragement.
Respect for Every Learner
We serve older students with materials that affirm their dignity.
Empowered Families
We equip parents with knowledge, tools, and clarity.
Structure with Flexibility
Predictable routines that balance predictability and adaptability.
It’s Not Just What We Teach—It’s How We Teach
Families choose Your Literacy Lighthouse when they’re ready to stop feeling lost or discouraged. They stay because they finally feel seen, supported, and equipped to succeed — often for the very first time.
Here’s what we hear again and again:
