Today we’d like to introduce you to Debian Blackwood Clarke.
Hi Debian, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
How I Discovered the Foundation of Reading Method & Started Start Right Tutoring Services
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved helping children learn to read. I’m a trained teacher with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education, and I’ve spent years studying how reading actually works—the science behind how the brain learns to decode, understand, and enjoy language.
But early in my career, I faced a difficult reality. Even with all the training, many of my students still weren’t reading at grade level. They were bright, eager kids—but the system expected me to move through a set curriculum, week by week, whether or not they were ready. I felt like I was “checking boxes,” not truly changing lives.
One day, I decided to do something different. Instead of sticking to the script, I met my students exactly where they were. I slowed things down, broke reading into clear, manageable steps, and built from the ground up. I focused on what each child needed, not what the lesson plan said to do next.
Some colleagues thought I was taking a risk, but I believed something powerful—if we teach with intention and meet students where they are, they can all learn to read.
That year, something incredible happened: 98% of my students scored in the Blue—the highest level—on their external reading exam. It was the best our school had ever seen.
That success became the blueprint for what I later called The Foundation of Reading Method, a research-based system built on five key components:
Phonemic Awareness – helping students hear and identify sounds in words
Phonics – teaching them to blend and decode those sounds
Fluency – guiding them to read accurately and smoothly
Vocabulary – expanding their understanding of words and meaning
Comprehension – empowering them to think deeply and connect with what they read
Word started to spread. Parents wanted to know what I was doing differently. Soon after, I founded Start Right Tutoring Services to bring this approach beyond my classroom—to help students everywhere build confidence, close reading gaps, and truly start right.
Today, Start Right Tutoring has helped hundreds of students across the U.S. and internationally master reading using The Foundation of Reading Method. Every success story reminds me why I took that leap years ago—to prove that with the right strategies and support, every child can become a confident reader.
Looking Back
Looking back, I’ve learned that true success in education isn’t about how perfectly you follow a program—it’s about how deeply you understand your students. My journey taught me to trust my instincts, embrace creativity, and never underestimate the power of one teacher’s belief in a child.
What started as one bold decision in a small classroom has now grown into a mission: to change lives through literacy, one reader at a time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been helping parents and students believe that transformation is possible. Many families come to us after years of frustration—students who have struggled to read for so long that they’ve begun to doubt themselves, and parents who feel discouraged after trying everything.
Before we can close a reading gap, we often have to rebuild belief—the belief that their child can improve, that online tutoring can be just as effective (and often even more personalized) than in-person instruction, and that with the right strategies, every child can reach grade-level success.
Mindset plays a huge role in reading progress. Some students come in thinking they “just aren’t good readers.” Part of our work at Start Right Tutoring Services is helping them see that their challenges aren’t a reflection of their ability—they simply haven’t been taught in the way that works best for them. Once they start experiencing small wins, their confidence and motivation skyrocket.
Of course, this work isn’t something I do alone. I’m blessed to have an incredible team of tutors and support staff who share my passion for helping students thrive. Together, we work to create a supportive, encouraging environment where every child feels seen, capable, and inspired to keep going.
Changing mindsets—for both parents and students—has been one of our greatest challenges, but it’s also the most rewarding part of what we do. Watching families regain hope and children light up with pride when they finally read with confidence is what keeps my entire team motivated every single day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Start Right Tutoring Services LlC ?
At Start Right Tutoring Services, our mission continues to grow—helping K–12 students who struggle with reading or simply want to strengthen their reading skills to reach their full potential. Every day, we see how the right approach can completely transform a child’s confidence, mindset, and academic success.
Our program is delivered 100% online through Zoom, allowing students from anywhere to access high-quality reading instruction. Each session is led by a trained, certified teacher who uses our proven Foundation of Reading Method to ensure that every lesson is targeted, engaging, and effective.
We keep our class sizes intentionally small so students can build a sense of community and learn from one another. In these small-group sessions, children not only strengthen reading skills but also develop teamwork, communication, and confidence as readers.
And because we believe in meeting every child exactly where they are, students who need extra help receive one-on-one sessions at no additional cost. This individualized support is one of the ways we go above and beyond to ensure that no student is left behind.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand our reach and continue improving how we deliver online literacy instruction. We’re developing new reading programs, expanding into more grade levels, and continuing to train passionate tutors who share our vision.
Our goal is simple yet powerful: to make high-quality reading instruction accessible to every child—no matter where they live—so they can start strong, stay confident, and succeed for life.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Favorite Books, Tools, and Apps for Understanding the Science of Reading
Some of my favorite books that shaped my understanding of the science of reading are the ones that connect research with real classroom success. I’m always drawn to resources that explain why certain approaches work—because once you understand the “why,” you can transform how students learn.
A few books that have truly influenced my teaching are:
Speech to Print: Language Essentials for Teachers by Louisa Cook Moats – This book helped me understand how spoken language connects to written language. It’s a foundational must-read for educators.
Shifting the Balance by Jan Burkins and Kari Yates – Perfect for teachers moving from balanced literacy to evidence-based reading instruction.
Equipped for Reading Success by David Kilpatrick – An excellent guide for building strong phonemic awareness and decoding skills.
The Reading Mind by Daniel Willingham – Explains what’s happening in the brain when we read and how teachers can use that knowledge to support struggling readers.
Know Better, Do Better by David and Meredith Liben – A practical, research-driven roadmap for strengthening foundational reading skills.
The Knowledge Gap by Natalie Wexler – Highlights why background knowledge is essential for comprehension success.
How the Brain Learns to Read by David Sousa – Breaks down the neuroscience of reading in a clear and teacher-friendly way.
In addition to books, I stay current by reading research articles and journals about the science of reading. Staying informed helps me refine our tutoring methods so that our lessons always align with proven literacy practices.
When it comes to digital tools, I love using platforms that reinforce the same evidence-based principles. Some of my go-to resources include:
IXL – Excellent for skill-based reading and language practice, with data that helps track student growth.
Learning A-Z (including Raz-Kids and Reading A-Z) – A favorite for leveled texts, fluency practice, and comprehension development.
ReadWorks and Newsela – Both provide leveled nonfiction texts that build background knowledge, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Epic! – A digital library that encourages independent reading and a lifelong love of books.
I believe that great teaching blends solid research with meaningful practice. Whether it’s reading the latest study on decoding instruction or exploring tools like IXL and Learning A-Z, I’m always learning—because when educators grow, our students grow too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.startrighttutoringservices.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debianreadingtutor/#
- Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/latest/home?business_id=1098644860758725&asset_id=100903322719235
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/debian-blackwood-clarke-47852030
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@debianreadingtutor
- Other: https://readingtutor.foundationofreading.com/calendar-page-4256
