Expert Reading Support That Builds Confidence
Personalized literacy tutoring led by a certified Reading Specialist and Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner, helping students strengthen foundational skills and grow into confident, capable readers.
SERVICES
Tutoring Services Offered
With 30+ years in education and deep intervention experience, Betsy focuses on identifying where reading breaks down and providing explicit, systematic instruction that helps skills stick—especially for students who need structured literacy and dyslexia-informed support.
1:1 Tutoring
Personalized, one-on-one instruction tailored to your child’s unique learning style and goals. Betsy pinpoints skill gaps and builds reading growth step-by-step—strengthening phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, and fluency with patient, confidence-building support.
Small Group Sessions
Engaging, interactive sessions with 3–5 students that stay focused on each learner’s growth and goals. Students benefit from shared practice and encouragement while still receiving targeted structured-literacy instruction to strengthen foundational reading skills.
On-Demand Support
A mix of message-based tutoring and community support where students can ask questions, get homework help, and receive guidance in real time. Between sessions, families can get quick clarity and support so students don’t feel stuck while skills are being reinforced.
During this session, we’ll assess your child’s needs, introduce personalized strategies, and give you a clear plan for next steps—so you know exactly how tutoring can make a difference.
About Roots to Wings Reading
I specialize in helping students become stronger readers by turning frustration into clear, step-by-step progress. My goal is to build confidence, strengthen foundational literacy skills, and make reading feel possible again—especially for students who need explicit, structured instruction.
With over 30 years in education, 13 years as a Reading Specialist, and certification as a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner, Betsy provides structured literacy support grounded in Orton–Gillingham principles—focused on phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, and fluency.
By the Numbers
Proven Results that Parents Can Trust
With years of experience and measurable student growth, we help every child move forward with confidence.
30 +
Years in Education
Decades of experience teaching and supporting students—bringing the calm, skilled guidance that helps learners feel safe, capable, and ready to grow.
13 +
Years as Reading Specialist
Extensive intervention experience identifying exactly where reading breaks down—and building the right skills in the right order for lasting progress.
92%
Measurable Improvement
Nearly all of our students show clear progress in grades, confidence, or test scores within just a few months of working with us.
How we work
Our Approach: Simple, Personalized, Effective
At Roots to Wings Reading, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all programs. We start by understanding your child’s unique needs, learning style, and goals—then identify the specific reading skills that need strengthening.
From there, we create a personalized plan and provide consistent support—whether through one-on-one sessions, small groups, or on-demand help.
Betsy’s structured, step-by-step approach builds phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, and fluency in a way that sticks. Every step is designed to build confidence, track meaningful progress, and give your child the tools they need to thrive in school and beyond
Testimonials
Betsy Smith is an exemplary teacher. Using effective, proven teaching techniques, she helped our son dramatically improve his reading skills. Most importantly, she connected with our son in a way that made the process rewarding and enjoyable. He came away with not just better reading skills but also an advocate, cheerleader, and trusted mentor
★★★★★
Skip Lockwood
The Wilson tutoring Charlotte received from Betsy was incredibly impactful. We saw meaningful growth not only in her reading and spelling skills, but also in her confidence as a learner. The instruction was structured, thoughtful, and highly individualized to Charlotte’s needs, which made a lasting difference and gave her a strong foundation that has continued to support her learning through school.
★★★★★
Mary Buttolph
I have been able to observe the kind of teacher Betsy is by working with her as a colleague as well as through the lens of a parent, when she tutored one of my own children. Betsy is truly a gentle, kind, and caring educator that connects easily with the children she works with and understands how to support children as they learn to read. Kids feel comfortable and safe working with her, and Betsy works to make learning fun.
★★★★★
Abbie Paine
School Social Worker
My son, Nate, was diagnosed with a reading disability in 2nd grade. Ms. Smith was my son’s reading specialist when he was in 5th grade. She instantly created a nurturing, supportive relationship with Nate to set him at ease while he worked on skills to strengthen his reading. She knew the best strategies and resources to use to move him forward in his journey, and he made the most gains that year in reading than any other year K-12. I’m so grateful to Ms. Smith for the work that she did with Nate to help him finally feel some success with reading & writing and give him confidence to continue working on his reading throughout Middle School and High School. He’s now a successful college student, studying mechanical engineering.
★★★★★
Bridget Patterson
"My daughter has always been a strong student, but she often felt pressure to be perfect. The support she’s received here gave her not only enrichment but balance—tools to stay confident and healthy while excelling academically.
★★★★★
Amanda Wales
"What I love is that Sarah sees the whole child, not just the grades. My son has grown in independence, organization, and self-esteem along with his academics. We’re so grateful for the lasting impact."
★★★★★
Stephanie Bronse