Growing Word Noticers
Meet Jill
Who I Am
Hello! My name is Jill Gaughan. Welcome to my website, where I share my joy for learning, creating, and growing Word Noticers! Based in the Midwest, I’m a literacy intervention specialist with a focus on teaching children with dyslexia and supporting those who teach them. I support new educators with Structured Literacy Approaches — and I work alongside families as they navigate their child’s literacy journey. Through the videos and visuals I create, I break down complex educational terms and teaching strategies into clear, practical explanations—making literacy instruction more accessible, engaging, and effective for both teachers, families, and students.
What Led Me Here
My career as an Educator began in 2000 after earning dual degrees in Elementary and Special Education. I went on to complete a Master’s in Reading Education and received intensive training in the Orton-Gillingham approach becoming a Master Teacher Trainer and a Certified-Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (C-SLDS). Throughout my career, I’ve supported neurodivergent students in both public and private school settings, focusing on their individual strengths and learning needs. My roles have included Dyslexia Practitioner at The Children’s Dyslexia Centers of Cincinnati, Reading Specialist, Intervention Specialist, and Intervention Coordinator, supporting the design and implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). I’ve served on the board of the Ohio Valley Branch of the International Dyslexia Association and continue to advocate for children with dyslexia as well as other language-based learning needs. In 2013, I began a deeper study of English orthography through Real Spelling and continue learning from exceptional mentors such as Dr. Peter Bowers, Rebecca Loveless, Fiona Hamilton, Bradley Johnson, Dr. Jennifer Petrich, as well as many more (see Resources for Further Study).
What I Do
I provide in-person and online tutoring for children in grades K-5 using structured literacy approaches tailored to each learner’s needs. As a content creator, I design custom lesson resources — visuals and videos — supporting the literacy journey for the families of my students, educators and tutors. My resources provide clear, practical tools to help you and your students succeed.
