A complete literacy system.
The science of reading is clear. The Phonics Wall offers a straightforward way to build reading mastery with your students.
Reading comprehension is the goal.
Decades of research confirms: systematic phonics instruction is essential for reading success.
Our brains are not naturally wired to read.
The Phonics Wall gives students the foundational decoding skills that align with how the brain learns to read, combining explicit instruction, multi-sensory engagement, and consistent practice to build strong neural pathways for reading success.
Where Experience Meets Innovation
The Phonics Wall was born from a simple yet powerful observation: while the science of reading is clear, teachers needed a straightforward system to implement it effectively in their classrooms.
With over 70 combined years of teaching experience, veteran educators Gina Coates and Cindy Livi Gray witnessed firsthand the challenges of translating reading research into daily classroom practice.
They saw too many children struggling with reading fundamentals despite educators' best efforts. This sparked their mission to develop a system that would bridge the gap between reading science and practical classroom application.
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Gina Coates
FOUNDER
Gina Coates is a dedicated literacy specialist with 30 years of teaching experience and extensive expertise in helping at-risk students master reading fundamentals. With advanced training in Reading Recovery from The Ohio State University and LETRS certification, she employs research-based strategies to unlock reading success for struggling learners. Coates holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Ashland University. Her career in Title 1 Reading has helped countless students build strong literacy foundations and discover the joy of reading; thus sparking the inspiration behind founding The Phonics Wall.
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Cindy Livi Gray
FOUNDER
Cindy Livi Gray is a distinguished educator with 41.5 years of teaching experience across foundational literacy instruction. Holding a Master of Arts in Education from the College of Mount Saint Joseph and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Youngstown State University, Gray has specialized training in Reading Recovery from The Ohio State University and LETRS certification. Her extensive experience spans First Grade, Kindergarten, Reading Recovery, Title 1, Leveled Literacy Instruction, and Phonics instruction, making her a comprehensive expert in early childhood literacy development. Co-founding The Phonics Wall was a natural next step in Gray’s mission to build student confidence in reading.
“There is no comprehension strategy powerful enough to compensate for the fact that you can’t read the words.”
— Dr. Anita Archer, literacy expert and global education consultant