Anita Landoll
Anita Landoll is a seasoned reading specialist, educator, and published author with over four decades of experience in helping struggling readers overcome barriers to literacy. From a young age, Anita knew she was destined to become a teacher. Her journey began in elementary school, when she took it upon herself to tutor a classmate who was having difficulty learning to read—an experience that sparked a lifelong dedication to education. She earned her B.A. in Education from Virginia Wesleyan College in 1975 and later pursued a master’s degree in Learning Disabilities and Emotional Disturbance from Lynchburg College to better serve students with specialized needs.
Throughout her career—primarily in Halifax County Schools and through her private work with Learn To Read Now—Anita has developed and refined The Sounds of Words, a phonics-based, multi-sensory reading intervention. This program is designed to address the most challenging reading difficulties by supporting both comprehension and automatic recognition skills. Passionate about ensuring all learners have access to the least restrictive environment, Anita continues to advocate for literacy through faith, compassion, and innovative teaching strategies. Even in retirement, she remains active as a mentor and thought leader, sharing insights with over 29,000 followers on LinkedIn.
• University of Lynchburg- M.Ed.
• Virginia Tech- B.A.
• International English
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a deep desire to help students who struggled with reading, especially those with learning differences like dyslexia or ADHD. The limitations I faced with traditional teaching materials inspired me to develop my own methods—ultimately leading to the creation and self-publication of The Sounds of Words, a tool that has empowered countless learners over the years.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to stay the course, remain diligent, and always make room for growth and learning along the way.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now is gaining widespread visibility and awareness about the needs of students with learning disabilities; thankfully, more educators are beginning to prioritize this important work, which offers hope for meaningful change.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are perseverance, innovation, and compassion. My commitment to these principles guided me as I developed a pioneering multisensory reading method that has helped countless learners, including an adult student with dyslexia, overcome significant challenges through patience and dedication.