About

Jenica Semler

FOUNDER AND OWNER OF LITERACY ILLUMINATED

Jen has a Bachelor's degree in English, a Master's degree in Elementary Education, a graduate certificate in Literacy/Reading instruction, and specialized training in the Orton-Gillingham approach. She is licensed in Virginia as an elementary teacher (Pre-K to 6th) and as a Reading Specialist (K to 12). Jen taught for twelve years in public elementary schools in Northern Virginia, first as a classroom teacher, then as a reading interventionist. Her work included: administering literacy assessments, providing small group interventions for students at various reading levels, including English Language Learners, and students receiving, or eligible for, special education services. She also has experience teaching 6th to 8th grade students in a specialized private school for neurodivergent children with learning differences.

Early intervention has become a focus for Jen. Prior to reading, students need a strong foundation with pre-reading skills. Some students need additional time and practice with phonological and phonemic awareness. Literacy Illuminated was founded in 2023, with the purpose of helping students and families to achieve academic, and personal, success.

As a child, Jen had difficulty hearing. As a result, she was not able to articulate or communicate well. Through practice and play (as well as inner ear surgery), Jen learned to articulate everything she wanted to say and was able to express herself in an understandable way.

Literacy Illuminated is a team of highly-dedicated educators with a passion for serving students. We currently focus primarily on private, one-to-one, individualized tutoring for children who are struggling academically, or may have learning differences. We also serve students just learning how to read, and those in need of enrichment. Literacy Illuminated offers five in-person learning locations, as well as virtual learning options, in order to serve families in Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland.