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What Does a Reading Specialist Do? Expert Instruction and Literacy Support from Lindamood-Bell

Feb 6, 2026
 
 

what does a reading specialist do

What Is a Reading Specialist?

When parents search for a reading specialist, they often seek expert support to help a child improve their reading accuracy, understanding, and confidence. They look for a professional who understands how children learn to read and applies this expertise when progress has slowed or challenges persist.

In school settings, reading specialists may work under titles such as literacy interventionist, dyslexia specialist, special education reading teacher, or reading intervention teacher. Their work typically includes individualized or small-group instruction to address challenges with decoding, fluency, and comprehension. Many also support classroom teachers through professional development, coaching, and the implementation of literacy programs.

For families seeking expert reading support and development and schools focused on improving literacy outcomes, Lindamood-Bell’s founders’ evidence-based programs provide a proven foundation for lasting gains in reading and learning.

 

The Role of a Reading Specialist 

role of a reading specialist

At its core, the role of a reading specialist is to identify why reading is difficult and to provide instruction that targets the underlying causes—not just the symptoms—of reading challenges.

At Lindamood-Bell Learning Centers, this role is fulfilled by a team of instructional experts who support each child from evaluation through instruction and ongoing educational guidance. Each student begins with a comprehensive Learning Ability Evaluation, which identifies learning strengths, challenges, and the most effective path forward.

Based on this evaluation, the experts at the Learning Center develop individualized instructional recommendations, lesson plans, and relevant goals—providing the depth of expertise families expect when seeking a reading specialist.

Instruction is delivered using truly evidence-based programs designed to develop the foundational skills that underlie reading, comprehension, and learning. This integrated approach ensures instruction is precise, intentional, and responsive to each student’s needs.

 

Reading Specialist Instruction at Lindamood-Bell Learning Centers

instruction with a reading specialist

Instruction at Lindamood-Bell Learning Centers is delivered by dedicated instructors who work one-to-one with each child, delivering the steps of instruction exactly as outlined in the individualized lesson plan. Instruction includes:

  • individualized lesson plans based on a comprehensive Learning Ability Evaluation for each student,

  • one-to-one instruction focused on foundational literacy skills,

  • ongoing progress monitoring to ensure measurable growth,

  • And instructional quality oversight from our most experienced instructional team members.

Instruction at Lindamood-Bell does more than teach reading rules or provide practice—it develops the underlying sensory-cognitive processing that makes learning possible. Families often seek a reading specialist when a child guesses at words, struggles with comprehension, or lacks confidence. Lindamood-Bell’s individualized instruction directly targets these challenges for students.

Does Your Child Need a Reading Specialist? Consider Lindamood-Bell

Ready to get started? Contact us to set up a comprehensive Learning Ability Evaluation

 

Professional Development at Lindamood-Bell for Reading Specialists

professional development for reading specialist

Lindamood-Bell also partners with reading specialists, special education teachers, and literacy professionals who want to use our approach with their own students. Through live, online professional development workshops, educators learn to implement programs that address the sensory-cognitive skills underlying learning and literacy, including: Seeing Stars Symbol Imagery for Phonological and Orthographic Processing in Reading and Spelling (SI) and Visualizing and Verbalizing for Language Comprehension and Thinking (V/V). Our interactive teacher workshops empower reading specialists to apply proven methodologies directly with the students they serve individually, in small groups, or in classrooms.

Contact us to learn more about professional development opportunities designed to strengthen literacy instruction at your school.

Connect with us
Young students need strong listening comprehension to learn, communicate, and succeed in school, but these skills are often expected to develop on their own instead of being taught intentionally.

Join us at the Head Start California Annual Conference in Ontario, California for Closing the Comprehension Gap: Develop Language Comprehension, Expression, and Critical Thinking for Early Learners, presented by Melissa Garner, Director of Lindamood-Bell For Schools, and Zuzy Chaves, Director of Jardin de la Infancia.

Learn how developing Concept Imagery can strengthen listening comprehension, vocabulary, language expression, and early critical thinking for young learners.

Get session details and conference information at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
As we begin Black History Month, we honor and celebrate the achievements, leadership, creativity, and resilience of African American leaders, educators, scholars, and artists—past and present.

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer.” —Harriet Tubman

Explore resources and learn more with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture. Link in Bio.
If your child has dyslexia, accommodations may help them get through the school day. But what about building real reading skills?
Our latest blog explores common school accommodations and why developing sensory-cognitive skills is essential for independent reading. 
🔗 Read the full article at the link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Start 2026 Strong with Workshop Savings ✨

Kick off the year with special pricing on Lindamood-Bell for Schools professional development, aligned with the Science of Reading.
✔ Save 25% when you bring a colleague or bundle workshops
✔ Group inservice training discounts up to 25% available

Use code HELLO26BOGO

⏰ Offers end January 31, 2026.
👉 View the workshop schedule and reserve your spot.
🔗 Link in bio @lindamoodbellofficial
✨ Experience the Lindamood-Bell Academy Difference!
 
📅 Jan 12–16 | Academy Week
See firsthand how we help students build their learning ability while thriving in a full academic curriculum.

🎓 Special Enrollment Offer available!
 Tap the link in our bio @lindamoodbellofficial to learn more.
📚 Teaching students to connect language with imagery strengthens reading skills and comprehension.

At Lindamood-Bell, our approach is grounded in Dual Coding Theory (DCT), a cognitive framework explaining how the brain processes information. Our founders’ programs, including Seeing Stars for reading and spelling and Visualizing and Verbalizing for comprehension and critical thinking, apply these principles through sensory-cognitive instruction.

✨ See how our approach translates into classroom practice and the real results it produces for students.
Read the full article - tap the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
📖 Want to help your child build strong reading skills from the very start?
Our latest blog, Developing Early Literacy Skills: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Young Readers, shares practical tips for nurturing language, decoding, and comprehension at home. Discover how everyday reading and playful activities can spark curiosity and confidence.
✨ Learn how personalized support at Lindamood-Bell can strengthen the foundational skills your child needs to succeed in school and beyond.
Tap the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
As we close out the year, we’re grateful for the trust you place in Lindamood-Bell and for our shared commitment to helping individuals learn to their full potential. 
Wishing you a holiday season filled with rest, joy, and connection, and a 2026 full of inspiration and possibility.
See the difference the right instruction can make. 💙
Miss Georgia’s Teen, Carrington Manous, shares how dyslexia once left her feeling discouraged about school and learning, and how Lindamood-Bell helped her build the skills and confidence to succeed. Today, she uses her voice to advocate for students with learning differences and to expand access to effective instruction.
🎥 Watch Carrington’s full, inspiring story. Link in bio at @lindamoodbellofficial.
Parents, ❄️ Winter Break ❄️ is a great time to give your child a boost. For a limited time, enjoy 10% off instruction. Contact your Learning Center to get started!
❄️ Don’t miss our Winter Wonderland Learning Savings!❄️
📚 10% OFF instruction during Winter Break!
Help your child catch up, conquer learning loss, or get ahead. Our individualized instruction will set them up for success and confidence in the New Year.
👉 Visit our website for details and to get started today! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
See the impact our Lindamood-Bell instruction can have! This family shares how our evidence-based approach helped their child thrive. 🎥 Watch their full story and get inspired. Follow the link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.

❄️ Parents, winter break is the perfect time to give your child a boost! For a limited time, enjoy 10% off instruction. Contact your Learning Center to get started!
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Learn how evidence-based instruction, the Cognitive Science of Learning, and effective leadership strategies can help drive meaningful, sustainable improvements in student learning.
▶️ Watch now at the link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Reading fluency isn’t about extra drills or repetition.

It grows when students strengthen the sensory-cognitive foundation behind accurate, automatic reading. 

Symbol imagery is key. Visualizing sounds and letters in words helps students:
 • Decode accurately
 • Recognize words automatically
 • Enjoy reading

Discover why symbol imagery matters and how educators can build fluency. Read the full article at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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