Award-Winning Reading Intervention Tutors
serving Nashville, TN
Reading Intervention
Tutors in Nashville
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Reading intervention is targeted, specialized instruction designed to help students who are struggling with foundational reading skills like phonics, fluency, and comprehension. Unlike general classroom reading instruction, intervention focuses intensively on closing specific skill gaps through personalized strategies tailored to each student's needs. For students in Nashville attending one of the 167 schools across the five school districts, personalized reading intervention can make a significant difference when students fall behind grade-level expectations.
Many students struggle with phonemic awareness, decoding unfamiliar words, reading fluency, or comprehension—often due to gaps in foundational skills. Some students also have difficulty with vocabulary development or connecting what they read to prior knowledge. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction can address these specific challenges by identifying exactly where a student is struggling and building targeted strategies to move them forward at their own pace.
During an initial session, a tutor will assess your student's current reading level, identify specific skill gaps, and understand their learning style and interests. This diagnostic approach helps create a personalized plan focused on the areas where your student needs the most support. You'll get a clear picture of where your student stands and what targeted instruction will look like moving forward.
Progress depends on the severity of the reading gap and the frequency of instruction, but many students show noticeable improvements in fluency and comprehension within 4-8 weeks of consistent, personalized tutoring. Research on 1-on-1 instruction shows that targeted, frequent practice with immediate feedback accelerates skill development significantly. Your tutor will track progress regularly and adjust strategies as your student gains confidence and competence.
Look for tutors with expertise in reading science, phonics, fluency, and comprehension strategies—ideally with training in evidence-based intervention programs like Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading System, or similar structured literacy approaches. Experience working with students at your child's specific grade level and familiarity with common reading challenges is also valuable. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have demonstrated knowledge in reading intervention and a track record of helping students build strong foundational skills.
Consistent, low-pressure reading practice at home is one of the most powerful supports you can provide. Your tutor can recommend specific strategies and texts matched to your student's level, and suggest daily activities like repeated reading, word games, or listening to audiobooks together. Regular communication with your tutor ensures you're reinforcing the same skills and strategies being taught during sessions, creating momentum between lessons.
Reading struggles can be identified as early as kindergarten or first grade, and early intervention is most effective for preventing long-term reading difficulties. However, students at any age can benefit from targeted instruction—whether in elementary, middle, or high school. If you notice your student is falling behind in reading fluency, comprehension, or confidence, connecting with a tutor for personalized assessment is a valuable first step, regardless of grade level.
Pricing for personalized reading intervention varies based on factors like tutor expertise, session frequency, and your location in Nashville. Many families find that investing in targeted intervention early prevents larger academic gaps down the road. Varsity Tutors can help match you with tutors at different experience levels to fit your budget, and many families start with 1-2 sessions per week to see meaningful progress.
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