About Luminary Literacy

Books change lives.

If you have ever stumbled across my social media pages throughout the past decade, you’ll have noticed my using that phrase, from promoting engaging titles for kids to read, sharing successes of struggling readers I’ve worked with, or even contemplating how literature has played a formational role in my own life. I firmly believe that books can change lives. But they can only do that if people read them. And people can only read them if they are taught how to read.

Over the past 5 years, I’ve delved deeper and deeper into the fascinating and perplexing realities of what it takes to cultivate readers. I’ve been shaped by Moats and Tolman, Wolf, Wexler, not to mention Dehaene, Hennessy, Kilpatrick, and Seidenberg. Bowers, Shaywitz, Young and Hasbrouck, and goodness there are probably more… but through all this study, I realized that Louisa Moats was right, teaching reading is Rocket Science.

I also have been dumbfounded that I knew so little of this and have been in education for over 15 years.


There’s a movement taking place in trying to help students learn how to read, and to read well. If you haven’t heard of it, I highly encourage you to go check out Emily Handford’s Sold a Story podcast by APM reports. There you will learn about the different philosophies that have been promoted throughout literacy education, Whole Language, renamed Balanced Literacy, versus what is called the Science of Reading, a body of research that impacts instructional practices.

Luminary Literacy stems from my passion for helping all individuals obtain the skills needed to read proficiently, and to have the opportunity to experience a world beyond themselves. Proficiency in reading paves the pathways allowing for people in our communities to learn and pursue their best selves. But it doesn’t happen overnight. Learning to read and learning to love reading is something that must be cultivated. Having the tools and knowledge to tend this learning is what I want to connect teachers, parents, and anyone who is interested in promoting literacy. Luminary Literacy seeks to shed light and influence the profound ways books can change lives when they are read.

  • Founder

    Meet Betsy Alwine, a dedicated advocate for student learning, teacher training, and a beacon of inspiration in the field of education.

    Betsy is an esteemed educator, dynamic speaker, and passionate advocate for student learning. With a wealth of experience and expertise in education, Betsy is available to deliver captivating presentations and workshops on a variety of topics related to education and the Science of Reading.


    As the Local LETRS training facilitator for the prominent Northern Indiana School Corporation, leading hundreds of educators in gaining a deeper understanding of the Science of Reading, Betsy brings a wealth of expertise and passion to her trainings. She is driven by a deep-seated commitment to ensuring that every teacher and student receives the support they need to thrive and positively impact learning.


    Betsy is a true champion of cultivating a positive and engaging learning environment. She understands the power of joyful classrooms and authentic relationships in fostering student success. By acting on data in a timely manner and aligning instruction with the Science of Reading, she ensures that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Her dedication extends to refining processes for tiered instruction, ensuring that all students receive targeted support tailored to their individual needs.

    Betsy is a relentless pursuer of professional growth and learning, always seeking out new challenges and opportunities to enhance her skills. She thrives on prioritizing action items, identifying teams’ strengths, and leveraging them for maximum impact. 🌟

    Betsy is widely recognized for her exceptional support of educators and their commitment to creating a mission-driven culture. With experience as a K-5 Elementary Principal at a Title I school, Corporation K-12 Dyslexia Specialist, dedicated reading specialist, and an empowering instructional coach, she brings a wealth of knowledge and insight, and would love to partner with you and your literacy needs.


    As a member of esteemed organizations such as the International Dyslexia Association, International Literacy Association, Indiana State Literacy Association, and The Reading League - Indiana, Betsy remains at the forefront of literacy education, continuously contributing to the advancement of the field.

    Betsy has also been recognized as the Outstanding Prospective Teacher Award at Grace College - 2007, A Member of Michiana’s Forty Under 40, Class of 2024, as well as an Honored Listee of Marquis Who’s Who 2024.