Why Every Classical School Needs a Reading Specialist (Even if They Don’t Call It That)

In a classical school, teachers inspire students to love truth, beauty, and goodness through the rich language of great books. But when a student struggles to read, that beauty can quickly become frustration—for both the child and the teacher.

Many classical schools hesitate to hire a reading specialist, assuming that structured literacy instruction doesn’t fit their model or that their size doesn’t warrant the position. Yet the truth is simple: every classical school needs a reading specialist, even if they don’t have one on staff.

The Hidden Reading Struggles in Classical Classrooms

Because classical schools emphasize text-rich learning, reading gaps appear quickly. Students who struggle with decoding, fluency, or comprehension often fall behind—not for lack of intelligence, but because they need explicit, systematic instruction in how language works. A reading specialist understands how to bridge the gap between phonics-based skill development and the deep reading demanded by classical curricula.

Specialists Support, Not Replace, Teachers

A reading specialist doesn’t take the place of the teacher; they empower them. Through collaboration, coaching, and targeted interventions, a specialist helps teachers differentiate instruction while keeping the integrity of the classical classroom intact. This support is especially valuable in small schools where teachers wear many hats.

“Out of House” Support That Works

We understand that not every school can afford a full-time specialist—and that’s where we come in. At Higdon Learning Solutions, we partner with classical schools as an out-of-house reading support team. We provide assessments, targeted instruction, and teacher coaching—without the expense of adding a full-time position to your payroll.

Keeping Every Student in the Great Conversation

When reading support is integrated—whether in-house or out-of-house—students who once felt left behind can fully join in the “Great Conversation.” That’s what classical education is all about: ensuring that every child can access the wisdom of the ages and delight in learning.

Ready to explore reading support for your school?
We’d love to help you strengthen literacy instruction while staying true to your classical roots. [Contact Higdon Learning Solutions today.]