Meet Julia Brennan | Science of Reading Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julia Brennan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julia, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Our National Assessment of Educational Progress has consistently reported that since 1992, only about 30% of 4th and 8th-grade students read at or above proficiency. This means that approximately 70% of students struggle with reading—an alarming statistic with lifelong consequences.
My mission is twofold:
Empowering the Future Workforce – Literacy is the foundation of opportunity. When students learn to read proficiently, they gain access to knowledge, higher education, and career paths that align with their natural talents. Right now, too many students are unable to reach their full potential because they are “handcuffed” by their reading difficulties. If we could reverse this statistic—reducing the number of struggling readers from 70% to 30%—our society would see a profound shift. We would develop more critical thinkers, innovators, and contributors in all fields, from the arts to the sciences.

Improving Mental Health & Breaking Cycles – Learning to read saves lives. Research by Dr. Steve Dykstra highlights that children with dyslexia, often possessing average to high IQs, become painfully aware of their struggles as early as age six. When they believe they are failing at reading, it leads to anxiety, depression, and a downward spiral in self-worth. These struggles don’t just stay in the classroom; they persist into adulthood. Dr. Dykstra’s work in juvenile detention centers has shown that many incarcerated individuals were never taught to read. Additionally, research connects educational struggles with addiction, proving that literacy impacts every aspect of life.

This issue transcends socioeconomic status. While some families can afford tutoring, most cannot. But the reality is that most of these struggling readers can be taught—if we implement research-based strategies and shift a child’s mindset from “I can’t” to “I can.”
My course provides teachers and parents with the tools they need to make this shift happen. By equipping educators with the science of reading, we not only strengthen our workforce at all levels but also improve students’ mental health by ensuring their educational journey is one of success, not struggle.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career as an educator and literacy advocate spans over 24 years, with a specialization in teaching word decoding strategies. What sets me apart is my unwavering dedication to the Science of Reading and my mission to bridge the gap between research and practice. Over the years, I’ve not only taught in Special Education but also worked as a teacher consultant, presenting at district-wide trainings, and helping educators and parents understand how to teach reading more effectively.

One of my proudest achievements is writing Code Emphasis Reading Strategies: Teacher Toolkit for Explicit Word Decoding Instruction a course that reflects my deep belief in research-based literacy instruction. This course is designed to equip teachers and parents with the tools they need to support struggling readers, combining the latest reading science with practical strategies that make an immediate impact in the classroom.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t always easy. Early in my career, I struggled to find resources that effectively addressed the needs of students with reading difficulties. The strategies I was taught—such as skipping words, guessing, and using pictures—were not helping students make real progress. These methods, which were part of my teacher training in college, left me frustrated when I saw students falling further behind despite my best efforts. These challenges motivated me to dive deeper into the research and become a stronger advocate for evidence-based practices. Through perseverance, collaboration with experts in the field, and a constant drive to improve, I’ve developed methods that help students unlock their full potential.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are numerous. One of the most important is that teaching isn’t just about sharing knowledge; it’s about fostering a mindset of growth, resilience, and possibility in both students and educators. I’ve learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how collaboration—whether with fellow educators, researchers, or parents—can create lasting change.

What I want the world to know about me is that I am a passionate advocate for every child’s right to learn to read. The work I do isn’t just about teaching reading; it’s about giving children the tools to succeed in life, build self-confidence, and contribute their talents to society. My brand is built on the belief that with the right instruction, every student can become a successful reader, and that reading unlocks doors to countless opportunities in life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love Detroit! If I were showing my best friend around the area, I’d want to give them a mix of culture, relaxation, adventure, and good food! Here’s an itinerary for the week

Day 1 – Exploring the City Ride bikes on Belle Isle then across the bridge to the River Walk to the Ren Cen. Ride through downtown showcasing The iconic Joe Louis Fist and The Spirit of Detroit, shops, street art, cool graffiti, and explore the stadium and entertainment district (Opera House, Music Hall, Tiger Stadium…). Then grabbing a famous coney dog.
Day 2 – Go over to Canada and visit the wineries on Lake Erie.
Day 3 – DIA and more Detroit exploring then drive along Woodward to Boston Edison and the New Center area and nearby neighborhoods.
Day 4 – Eastern Market to shop the local farmers then take a walk through the Dequindre Cut up to the Riverfront
Day 5 -Staying local in the neighborhood
Day 6 – Relax/spa treatments
Day 7 – Relaxed breakfast. Depending on the time of the year, take them to a game.

Restaurants would include areas in Mexican Village, Corktown and the Midtown area. I’d also look for some free outdoor concerts on either Beacon Park or Campus Martius. I’d also fit in somewhere Pewabic Pottery

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the researchers and educators who have shaped my understanding of literacy instruction. Dr. Danille Thompson, Dr. David Kilpatrick, Dr. Louisa Moats, Dr. Carol Tolman, Linnea Ehri, Dr. Steve Dykstra, and many others dedicated to the Science of Reading have been instrumental in deepening my knowledge of how the brain learns to read. Their research has profoundly influenced my teaching, my course, and my advocacy for evidence-based reading instruction.

I also want to recognize the countless teachers, speech-language pathologists—especially Michelle Biggerstaff—and parents who work tirelessly to support struggling readers. Their dedication fuels my passion for bridging the gap between research and practice, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to unlock the power of literacy.

Website: https://www.thatswhatiheard.co/