CERTIFIED ACADEMIC LANGUAGE THERAPY FOR GROWING READERS

ABOUT ME

I’ve dedicated my career to helping children become confident, successful readers. With over 25 years in education—13 as an elementary teacher and 12 as a reading specialist—I’ve worked with students of all abilities, guiding them toward growth and achievement. My passion for teaching comes from my own struggles as a child. I was extremely shy and insecure, which made school overwhelming. I often felt behind, was afraid to ask questions, and struggled to keep up while leaning on non-academic activities for comfort. Looking back, I wish I had someone to help me build a strong foundation, master the basics, and believe in myself. That’s why I became a teacher—so no child has to feel the way I did.

I'm a lifelong learner, always seeking new ways to support my students. I earned my master's degree in reading and, in 2022, achieved my CALT (Certified Academic Language Therapist) certification to deepen my expertise in structured literacy instruction. My goal is not only to teach reading skills but to instill confidence and a love of learning that will carry students forward in all aspects of their education and beyond.

TERESA KEEL, M.A., CALT

WHAT IS A CALT?

Becoming a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) requires extensive training and hands-on experience to ensure expertise in structured literacy instruction. Candidates must complete a minimum of 200 instructional hours in an accredited training program, along with 700 clinical practicum hours. In addition to practical experience, candidates must successfully pass the ALTA Competency Exam to demonstrate proficiency in academic language therapy. A master’s degree is also required, ensuring a strong foundation in education and language development. This rigorous process equips CALTs with the specialized skills needed to support students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.

WHAT DOES A CALT PROVIDE?

A Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) provides specialized, diagnostic, and prescriptive instruction for students with language-based learning differences. Using a structured, multisensory approach, a CALT integrates visual, auditory, and motor processing to build a strong foundation in the English language. Therapy sessions are offered one-on-one or in small groups, ensuring individualized support. During each session, students receive explicit instruction in phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and orthography, with ample opportunities for guided practice and repetition. This targeted approach helps students develop essential literacy skills with confidence and success.

SERVICES OFFERED

Offering targeted reading in-person instruction in the Huntsville/Madison County area. Individualized and small group sessions, using systematic, data-driven strategies to identify and address each student’s unique learning needs.

Free consultation | 1 hour session | One on one & group

GROUNDED IN RESEARCH, FOCUSED ON GROWTH

At ReadWell, I believe every child can become a confident, joyful reader with the right support. My personalized tutoring sessions are designed to meet each student where they are, using proven strategies and plenty of encouragement to help them grow. Whether your child needs a boost in confidence, support catching up, or a way to stay ahead, I’m here to guide them—one word, one book, and one breakthrough at a time.

My approach is grounded in the Science of Reading, a body of research that shows how children learn to read and what instruction works best. I use systematic, explicit teaching methods that take the guesswork out of reading by guiding students step by step—from understanding sounds and letters to building vocabulary and comprehension. By combining evidence-based instruction with meaningful practice and encouragement, I help children develop the skills they need to become strong, independent readers who love to read.

FOCUS AREA

At ReadWell I’m dedicated to helping your child become a confident, successful reader. Focus is on the five essential building blocks of reading to support growth at every level:

Phonemic Awareness: I’ll help your child hear and work with the sounds in spoken words—an important first step in learning to read.

Phonics: Your child will learn how letters and sounds work together, so they can sound out words with confidence.

Fluency: Through guided reading practice, your child will read more smoothly and naturally, making reading feel easier and more enjoyable.

Comprehension: Strategies are taught that will help your child understand and think about what they read—turning words into meaning.

Vocabulary: I’ll help your child increase their word knowledge so they can better understand what they read and express themselves more clearly.

My goal is to meet your child where they are and give them the tools they need to thrive as a reader, both in school and in life.

MATERIALS USED

Take Flight - A Comprehensive Intervention for Students with Dyslexia.

UFLI Foundations - An explicit and systematic phonics program.

Winston Grammar - A hands-on multi-sensory grammar program designed to teach the fundamentals of English grammar.

SIGN UP FOR SMALL GROUP SESSIONS

Melissa Hershbine

Mrs. Keel has worked with my daughter for the past four years. My daughter was diagnosed with Phonological Dyslexia and her diagnosis brought us much fear and a feeling of hopelessness as to how to best help her. Since being taught/tutored by Mrs. Keel, she has made great progress in her daily reading skills, and consistent growth in her test scores as well. We are grateful for Mrs. Keel and her willingness to invest in our daughters education, confidence, and growth. She's an incredible educator and person and we are blessed to have her in our lives!

Parent's Corner