Award-Winning Reading Intervention Tutors
serving Memphis, TN
Reading Intervention
Tutors in Memphis
Private 1-on-1 tutoring, weekly live classes for academic support, test prep & enrichment, practice tests and diagnostics, and more to elevate grades and test scores.
Based on 3.4M Learner Ratings
UniversitiesSchools & Universities
DeliveredHours Delivered
ProficiencyGrowth in Proficiency
Who needs tutoring?
No obligation. Takes ~1 minute.

Early reading struggles compound fast — a student who can't decode confidently at seven often avoids reading entirely by ten. McKenna spent two years working directly with elementary learners on phonics, fluency, and comprehension, designing repetitive but engaging practice that builds real momentum. Her 5.0 rating speaks to the patience and positivity she brings to every session.

Candice's path through Fulbright teaching in Taiwan, Wilson Reading instruction, and years as a teaching artist gave her an unusually wide lens on why readers struggle — sometimes it's phonics, sometimes it's language processing, sometimes it's a confidence problem masquerading as a skills problem. Her MFA in Creative Writing from The New School and BA in English from the University of Chicago ground her in the structure of language itself, which she brings to bear when building decoding and comprehension skills from the ground up. Rated 4.7 by families.
Hello! I'm a reading intervention specialist with over 15 years of experience helping struggling readers build stronger skills and confidence. I use an Orton-Gillinghaminspired, structured literacy that is explicit, systematic, multisensory, and tailored to each learner. Sessions may include phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, spelling, fluency, comprehension, and writing based on individual needs. My goal is to strengthen the foundational literacy skills that make reading easier.
I earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Cardiff University, and have a Masters in Counseling from Monash University. Trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach to literacy, I am passionate and experienced in using a multi-sensory approach to tutoring students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. Having worked in an educational setting for over 11 years in Hong Kong, I am experienced in working with students from kindergarten all the way through to primary school.
I received my degree in Elementary Education from York College of Pennsylvania. I then attended McDaniel College where I received a masters degree in reading and became a Reading Specialist. My love for teaching reading continued and I furthered my education at Mount Saint Mary's University for training in Reading Recovery. I started my career teaching kindergarten and currently am a reading specialist in my school district, where I work one on one and in small groups with struggling readers. My passion is for tutoring early learners to help them gain the skills they need to grow as readers and writers. In my tutoring sessions I love to get to know my learners interests and personalities. I incorporate manipulatives, sight word games, leveled texts, and writing into sessions to make sessions more engaging. I love to build confidence in my learners by focusing on their strengths in order to get the most amount of growth out of my learners. My hobbies include exercise, spending time with my family, and going to the beach.
Testimonials
Because the right Reading Intervention tutor makes all the difference.
Average Session Rating – Based on 3.4M Learner Ratings
Nearby Reading Intervention Tutors
Other Memphis Tutors
Frequently Asked Questions
Reading intervention is targeted, intensive instruction designed to help students who are struggling with foundational reading skills like phonics, fluency, and comprehension. Unlike general classroom reading instruction, intervention focuses on closing specific skill gaps through personalized assessment and practice. Tutors work one-on-one to identify exactly where a student is struggling and provide customized strategies to build confidence and progress.
Many students struggle with phonemic awareness, decoding multisyllabic words, reading fluency, and comprehension—especially when tackling grade-level texts. Some students also have difficulty connecting what they read to prior knowledge or struggle with vocabulary in academic contexts. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps identify which specific areas need support and allows tutors to adjust pacing and strategies to match each student's learning style.
During the initial session, a tutor will assess your student's current reading level, identify specific strengths and areas for improvement, and discuss learning goals with you. This diagnostic approach ensures that instruction is personalized from day one rather than following a one-size-fits-all curriculum. The tutor will then create a customized plan and begin building foundational skills based on what your student needs most.
Many students show noticeable progress in fluency and confidence within 4-6 weeks of consistent, targeted instruction. However, the timeline depends on the severity of the reading gap and how frequently your student receives tutoring. Research on 1-on-1 instruction shows that personalized feedback and practice significantly accelerate learning compared to classroom instruction alone, especially when students work with a tutor regularly.
Tutors use evidence-based strategies like guided questioning, visualization, summarization, and making connections between texts and prior knowledge to deepen comprehension. They also teach students to monitor their own understanding and ask themselves clarifying questions while reading. With personalized instruction, tutors can adjust text complexity and provide immediate feedback, helping students move from struggling with basic decoding to engaging with grade-level material meaningfully.
Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have expertise in reading instruction, literacy development, and evidence-based intervention strategies. Many have backgrounds in education, special education, or reading specialist training. Each tutor is matched based on your student's specific needs and learning profile, ensuring personalized instruction from someone with relevant experience and knowledge.
Yes—fluency and accuracy are interconnected skills that tutors address together. Tutors use techniques like repeated reading, modeling, and guided practice to build both speed and precision. As students gain confidence with decoding and word recognition through personalized instruction, their fluency naturally improves, which also boosts comprehension and engagement with reading.
Simply connect with Varsity Tutors to discuss your student's reading challenges and goals. You'll be matched with a tutor who has expertise in reading intervention and understands how to work with students at your child's level. From there, your tutor will conduct an initial assessment and begin personalized instruction tailored to help your student build stronger reading skills and confidence.
Let’s find your perfect tutor
Answer a few quick questions. We’ll recommend the right plan and match you with a top 5% tutor.