About Big Leaf Literacy

Welcome! I’m Rae (they/she), an educator and writer based in Seattle. I started Big Leaf Literacy with the goal of strengthening community literacy skills — in ourselves, our children, and future generations.

My Philosophy

I believe that literacy is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for personal and social transformation. Reading and writing are more than academic skills; they are technologies that expand our ability to communicate, think critically, and engage with the world around us. Unfortunately, many individuals face barriers to literacy, whether due to unsupported learning disabilities, inadequate instruction, or lack of access to education.

Over the past several years, I have developed my own skills in multisensory literacy and handwriting instruction and executive function coaching. My approach aims not only to build reading and writing proficiency but also to empower learners to think critically, solve problems, and shape their futures.

My Experience

I have been teaching in a wide variety of roles for the past 20 years. Here’s a brief overview of my work history:

• Certificated substitute teacher in public & private schools

• Learning specialist at an independent middle school & high school

• Private academic coach for K-12 and college students

• Teaching assistant and tutor at the university level

• ESOL, GED, and Adult Basic Education instructor at a community-based organization

To learn more about my professional experience, please visit my LinkedIn profile.