Mission and Vision
Julia Brennan, with over three decades of teaching experience, brings a wealth of knowledge, innovation, and expertise to the world of Reading Literacy.
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Author
Code Emphasis Reading Strategies: Teacher Toolkit for Explicit Word Decoding Instruction
Educator
Consulting for school districts and individual educators
Reading Literacy Advocate
Founder
That's What I Heard, LLCÂ
Our Inspiring Journey
Discover the story behind, 'That's What I Heard' and Julia Brennan's passion for transforming education
through proven reading strategies and personalized tutoring services.
What One Child Heard...
The inspiration for "That's What I Heard" blossomed during a routine day at school. Julia watched as a young kindergartner sat next to his teacher, his legs swinging with eager anticipation as they began a letter sound exercise. She admired the patience with which the instructor guided this young learner, fostering an environment of exploration and discovery.
When the teacher introduced the letter C and asked, "What sound does it make?" the child’s animated movements suddenly halted, replaced by a look of confusion. After a moment of contemplation, he tentatively replied with a /s/ sound. As the teacher prepared to offer correction, Julia sensed a unique opportunity for connection.
NICE TO MEET YOU
Julia Brennan, M.Ed.Â
Julia Brennan, M.Ed., is a seasoned educator with over 30 years of experience dedicated to advancing literacy education. As the author of Code Emphasis Reading Strategies: Teacher Toolkit for Explicit Word Decoding Instruction, she is committed to empowering educators with evidence-based strategies to enhance reading skills.
Holding degrees from John Carroll University and Wayne State University, Julia combines academic excellence with a practical, research-backed approach to reading instruction.Â
Over 20 years ago, while on the job, Julia realized her teacher training had not equipped her with the tools needed to teach foundational reading skills. Many of her students with Individualized Education Plans had deficits in these essential skills. Determined to improve, she sought out training with Stephen Tattum from The Denver Academy. Since then, Julia has continued to pursue professional development with top researchers in the field and collaborate with skilled Speech and Language Pathologists, all to strengthen her expertise as a practitioner.Â
Meeting My Heroes
As I reflect on my journey as an educator, I feel deeply indebted to the remarkable individuals who have shaped my understanding and practice of literacy instruction. I have had the privilege of working with talented Speech-Language Pathologists and teachers from whom I have learned immensely, as well as meeting some of the top researchers in the field who have profoundly influenced my practice.
The MDE Diversity Literacy Symposium
Among these influential figures, Dr. Anita Archer stands out as a beacon of knowledge and insight. It was at The MDE Diversity Literacy Symposium: The How and Why of Literacy that I had the privilege of learning from Dr. Archer. Her expertise in explicit and systematic reading instruction left an indelible mark on me. Through her teachings, I gained a profound understanding of the science and research supporting these instructional approaches. The importance of explicit instruction plays a pivotal role in my course and essential for all teachers to adopt and practice.
Transformative Reading Teacher Group Big Sky Summit
The Big Sky Literacy Summit, hosted by Dr. Danielle "Nell" Thompson and the Transformative Reading Teacher Group, brings together leading experts to share evidence-based insights and strategies for effective reading instruction.
Dr. Nell is an educational consultant, author, and researcher whose energy and engaging personality inspire others. Her mission to improve the quality of reading instruction aligns with leading research in the field, encouraging participants to join her in building a strong foundation for the future of our schools.
Dr. Steve Dykstra has played a crucial role in shaping my understanding of literacy instruction, particularly in the context of trauma-informed practices. Dr. Dykstra is a practicing psychologist renowned for his expertise in the intersection of trauma and reading difficulties, particularly in individuals with dyslexia. His insights into how trauma affects children's ability to read, as well as their self-confidence, have deepened my empathy and informed my approach to supporting struggling readers.
LETRS authors
LETRS, Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, training is one of my favorite accomplishments in my teaching career. Dr. Carol Tolman's and Dr. Louisa Moat's years of research and teaching practices are critical for all teachers of reading. Their training builds pedagogical knowledge of systematic instruction in Language Comprehension and Word Decoding.Â
I had the opportunity to connect with Dr. Tolman and Dr. Moats at the Transformative Reading Teacher Group Big Sky Summit 2023. In addition to their work with LETRS, they have authored numerous influential books on The Science of Reading, advancing our collective knowledge and practice in this essential field. Their insights and expertise continue to inspire and deepen our approach to literacy education.
 "At least 70-80% of English-speaking poor readers struggle with accurate and fluent word recognition." Tolman and Moats 2019
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