Elizabeth Alexander: Transforming Literacy Through Compassion and Innovation

For more than two decades, Elizabeth Alexander, Founder and Owner of The Alexander Reading Method and Reading in PreSchool Tutoring, has been on a mission to reshape early education in the United States. What began as a personal passion for helping children read confidently evolved into a nationwide movement to close the literacy gap. With a background rooted in hands-on experience and years of research, Elizabeth’s work focuses on empowering young learners to build a strong foundation that supports lifelong confidence and academic success. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and deep empathy for the families she serves.

Let us start with your journey. Can you tell us how you began and what led you to your current leadership role?

I began my business after spending a decade working directly with children, helping them learn to read and build confidence early in life. At first, I did not plan to turn it into a formal company. However, when I learned how many children across the United States were struggling with literacy, I could not ignore it. That realization drove me to study, research, and understand why students were falling behind. After comparing my teaching methods to other curriculums, I saw what was missing, and in 2016, I officially launched The Alexander Reading Method.

Along the way, what motivated you to keep pushing forward, and which values guide the way you lead today?

My biggest motivation has always been the children and families we serve. Knowing that our work changes lives is incredibly fulfilling. There is a tremendous need for strong literacy foundations in the United States, and seeing our students thrive keeps me going. Our values are simple: commitment, care, and impact. We lead with purpose, making sure every effort we put in helps a child feel confident in their learning journey.

Every path has its challenges. Can you share one defining moment in your career and how you overcame it?

One of my biggest challenges came early on. Just as the business was starting to grow, I became seriously ill and discovered I had been living with an undiagnosed chronic illness for years. At that time, I had only one teacher who worked with me, and during my recovery year, he tried to take my clients. It was a tough period, but it taught me valuable lessons about resilience and trust. I started over slowly, rebuilt my team, and introduced strong contracts and NDAs to protect the company. That experience made me stronger and more intentional in how I manage people and processes.

Innovation and collaboration are key to success. How do you cultivate these within your team or organization?

In the beginning, I wore many hats: teaching, managing, training, and developing new products. As we grew, I learned to delegate and trust others who brought valuable skills to the table. Now I focus on fostering collaboration by giving each team member space to grow. I have also created leadership roles where experienced teachers mentor new ones. This approach allows everyone to contribute their strengths while continuously learning from each other.

From your perspective, what traits or habits distinguish top-performing leaders from the rest?

The best leaders know when to collaborate and when to protect their vision. It is important to be open to teamwork but also mindful of maintaining your brand’s integrity. Spotting great talent and empowering your team to thrive is crucial. Adaptability is another key trait. When COVID hit, we had to completely change our approach overnight to keep serving families. Leaders who can adapt quickly while staying true to their mission stand the test of time.

Mentorship and learning can shape a leader profoundly. How have they influenced your growth, and how do you encourage them in your team?

Throughout my journey, I have surrounded myself with people who believed in me and shared their wisdom. When I was in New York City working as a nanny and studying, I learned a lot from the families I worked with, especially from a mother who always sought the best for her children. Those experiences showed me what parents truly value in education. I have always been drawn to learning from older, more experienced people. Within my company, I have mirrored that by creating a mentorship system where senior teachers guide newer ones. It creates a culture of mutual growth.

The market and customer needs are always evolving. How do you keep your organization aligned and agile in this changing environment?

What keeps us adaptable is our awareness of the education landscape. I saw the literacy issue twenty years ago and already had the solutions, yet many schools are still trying to catch up. We focus on continuing to innovate by developing new teaching tools and materials aligned with our proven curriculum. Eventually, we aim to build a full platform that schools, tutors, and homeschool families can use to improve literacy outcomes nationwide.

Looking back, is there a particular experience or lesson that significantly shaped your leadership style?

In the early stages, I was overly protective of my methods because I was afraid others might copy my ideas. That fear made it hard to trust people, and I probably lost some great team members because of it. Over time, I realized that true leadership means protecting your brand but also allowing your team to take ownership and grow. Now I focus on empowering others while showing appreciation for those who help the company succeed. Having the right people around you truly makes all the difference.

What advice would you share with emerging leaders who want to make a meaningful impact in their industry?

Take your time choosing your team. Surround yourself with people who bring experience, creativity, and drive, people who might even be better than you in certain areas. Do not rush the process. Success comes from working with those who share your values and your vision. Above all, always aim to create real value for others. That is what leads to lasting fulfillment.

Finally, looking ahead, what excites you most about the future, both for your organization and the industry as a whole?

I am excited that the United States education system is becoming more open to alternative curriculums and teaching methods. The homeschooling community is growing, and more schools are willing to explore innovative programs like ours. We want to share our reading products and materials with as many families as possible. There is no reason the United States should continue to have one of the lowest literacy scores. With the right people supporting change, we can make a real difference.

Closing Reflections

Elizabeth Alexander’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and purpose. From overcoming personal health challenges to pioneering new approaches to literacy education, she has built more than a business, she has built a movement. Her commitment to empowering young learners and nurturing a new generation of confident readers continues to inspire educators, parents, and leaders alike. Through her vision and dedication, she reminds us that true disruption begins with compassion, courage, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child.