About Arzoo Shaikh
Educator. Literacy Specialist. Champion of Every Child’s Potential.
⸺ My Story
A Lifelong Passion for Literacy
My path into literacy education began with a genuine passion for teaching and a conviction that reading and writing can unlock opportunities for every child. Throughout my years of teaching elementary through middle school students and beyond, I have observed that confidence grows significantly when children receive proper support, clear instruction, and encouragement from someone who truly believes in their potential.
Working with students with diverse learning styles deepened my passion for helping children who struggle with reading, writing, vocabulary, and comprehension. This inspired me to pursue further training in reading and literacy, particularly through specialized Orton-Gillingham methods to better support students with dyslexia and related reading difficulties.
Literacy Roots originated from my extensive classroom experience, my passion for supporting students, and a commitment to offering personalized instruction that makes each child feel recognized, supported, and capable. My aim extends beyond improving students’ reading and writing skills to fostering their confidence, independence, and enthusiasm for learning.
⸺ Credentials & Certifications
- NJ Certified Elementary Teacher
- MA Ed in Reading & Literacy (Summa Cum Laude) — City University of Seattle
- Orton-Gillingham Dyslexia Teacher Certification — Fairleigh Dickinson University
- B.S. in Elementary Education (Magna Cum Laude) — Wichita State University
Experience
⸺ Teaching Philosophy
Strong Foundations
Students learn best when they have a strong foundation, clear instruction, and meaningful support — built step by step, one lesson at a time.
Team Approach
Children grow when teachers build positive relationships with both students and parents, creating a partnership where each child feels understood, encouraged, and capable.
Confident Learners
When students feel supported and have the right tools, they become more confident, independent learners ready to tackle challenges inside and outside the classroom.
⸺ Who We Serve
Every Student. Every Level.
Literacy Roots serves students in grades K–12 with a wide range of learning needs, goals, and learning styles. I support students who benefit from structured, explicit, and multi-sensory instruction, as well as those who need guidance in reading, writing, comprehension, vocabulary, and confidence-building.
I also work with students who are ready to be challenged, grow beyond grade-level expectations, and strengthen their skills at a more advanced level. Each student is met with patience, encouragement, and instruction tailored to the way they learn best.
K-2
Early Readers
Phonics, phonemic awareness, foundational reading skills
3-5
Developing Readers
Fluency, comprehension, vocabulary development
6-8
Middle School
Essay writing, literary analysis, academic skills
9-12
High School
Advanced writing, college essay prep, critical reading
K-12
OG / Dyslexia Support
Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory literacy instruction
Favorite Teaching Moment
When a student realizes they are capable of more than they thought.
Favorite Book
“Bud, Not Buddy” — Christopher Paul Curtis
Favorite Part of Teaching
Building confidence one lesson at a time.