Piper Nuetzel with Reading Journey is a dedicated and driven teacher with 23 years of full-time classroom experience working with students in grades 1-4. She holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education with a Reading Endorsement from Utah State University. She is a certified Montessori teacher. She holds a current Utah Teaching License and is trained in the Orton-Gillingham Reading Program and Wilson Reading. She strives to stay up to date on the Science of Reading. Piper is passionate about working with students who struggle in reading and math.
As a child, Piper struggled with learning to read. She understands the frustration children and parents often feel when learning to read becomes difficult. She has worked with many students who need extra support in reading and math and finds joy in teaching students who struggle.
Nala and Zuri, the Therapy Dogs
Nala is 5 (tan), and Zuri is 3 (brown). They are a sweet mother-daughter duo who love to listen to children. They are mini-golden doodles weighing about 23 pounds each and are phenomenal at helping students feel relaxed and joyful.
What is the Orton-Gillingham Approach to Reading?
The Orton-Gillingham reading program is a structured, multisensory approach designed to help struggling readers, particularly those with dyslexia. It’s rooted in the Science of Reading, a framework supported by research in cognitive psychology, linguistics, and neuroscience. The program focuses on systematically and explicitly teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills by breaking down language concepts into smaller, manageable parts and incorporating hands-on activities that engage multiple senses, such as sight, sound, and touch. Orton-Gillingham helps students build a strong foundation in reading. This approach is highly effective for elementary students as it provides them with the tools and strategies to become proficient readers, boosting their confidence and fostering a love for learning.
What is the Montessori Philosophy?
The Montessori philosophy is an educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori that emphasizes independence, self-directed learning, and hands-on exploration. In a Montessori environment, children are encouraged to learn at their own pace and follow their natural curiosity. This philosophy aligns with the Science of Reading by recognizing the importance of fostering a supportive environment in which children can engage meaningfully with language. Montessori materials and activities often incorporate sensory experiences and promote the development of phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.