Our program
Our program has three unique elements – our teachers, our technology, and our educational program that work together to create a personalized experience for your child.
our teachers
We’re parents too! We understand how important it is to have the right teacher for your child. We select each of our certified teachers with our own kids in mind.
Certified Classroom Teachers
All of our instructors are certified teachers, the same you would find in your child’s class. They are trained in early guided reading strategies to help foster confidence in your child.
Kid Tested & Approved
As part of our selection process, we have each of our candidates read with a child. This gives them the opportunity to see how live lessons work and gives us the chance to watch all of our candidates in action.
Background Checked
All new teachers go through our Hoot training program and are onboarded with our Lead Hoot Teachers to help ensure each teacher feels confident before their first lesson. All teachers must provide an up to date criminal background check.
meet some of our teachers
Ms. Lindsay Gustafson
Lindsay is an Early Years teacher with a passion for learning and growing with each child she teaches. She has been teaching for the past 10 years, with experience as a classroom teacher for K – Gr.2 and she has worked abroad as a teacher for special needs. Lindsay has a B. Ed from U of Alberta, a Post Baccalaureate Diploma of Ed. from the U of Manitoba and is currently working on her Masters in Education. Lindsay is a certified children’s yoga instructor and loves spending time with her family and two dogs, reading, baking, skiing, golfing, sewing, and crocheting.
Ms. Dawn Ruff
Dawn is a passionate educator with experience teaching K- Gr. 6 literacy and math intervention. Ever since she can remember she has loved books! She always wanted to become a teacher and transfer the love she had for learning and literature to her students. Dawn received her B. Ed from Eastern Illinois University, Masters in Reading from St. Xavier University in Chicago, and M.Ed Leadership from the American College of Education. In her spare time, you can find her reading (of course!), writing, and spending time with her husband and five children.
Ms. Dawn Arens
Dawn is an enthusiastic educator with 13 years of experience, ranging from grades 1-5 and has also served as a lead literacy teacher. She earned her B. Ed from Michigan State University, her M.A. in Education from DePaul University as a Reading Specialist, and a M.A from Concordia University in Education Administration. Dawn is passionate about education and striving to help every child become a successful reader. In her spare time, Dawn enjoys reading, cooking, coaching, and cheering on her Michigan State Spartans football and basketball teams.
what teachers say
“The interactive nature of the program is very engaging for kids, especially in our digital world! The platform offers a fun way to engage in home reading, to strengthen reading skills, and to encourage a love for reading!”
— Ms. Lindsay
“As a 25-year veteran teacher, reading specialist, and mom of a 14-year old, I love literacy education and finding innovative ways to bring daily reading to all children. Hoot is a gem of a program allowing just that! The smart technology and creativity make it an excellent way for teachers to impact children beyond their classroom walls.”
— MS. DEB
Questions about how
Hoot works? Let’s talk.
Complete the form and we will contact you shortly to discuss your child’s reading goals and book your first free lesson.