Meagan Beam
Meagan Beam is an accomplished reading specialist, educator, author, and entrepreneur with a deep passion for literacy and inclusive education. With 16 years of teaching experience, much of it alongside her mother, Meagan cultivated a lifelong dedication to supporting students and families, particularly those in special education. Her early experiences volunteering in self-contained classrooms and mentoring students inspired her to focus on literacy and handwriting instruction, aiming to provide every child with the tools they need to succeed.
As the founder of OTTER Reading, Meagan combines her expertise in reading, phonics, and multi-sensory instruction with innovative product development. She authored a handwriting curriculum that embeds phonics, enabling students to learn to read, spell, and write simultaneously. Her hands-on OTTER Reading tools, produced through 3D printing and local manufacturing, are designed to make abstract literacy concepts concrete, including features for braille and other accessible learning modalities. She holds three provisional patents and continues to advocate for inclusive, practical approaches that support all learners.
In addition to her entrepreneurial work, Meagan serves as President-Elect for the CEC Division of Early Childhood in North Carolina and contributes to the literacy community through speaking engagements, grant writing, and curriculum consulting. As a single mother, she balances her professional endeavors with raising her daughter, ensuring that her mission to empower educators and students aligns with her commitment to family. Her work reflects a dedication to building words, confidence, and meaningful change for learners of all backgrounds.
• Grand Canyon University - MEd
• Cabrera Center
• Small Business Development Centers
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a commitment to continuous learning, the support of my family, and actively leveraging resources that help entrepreneurs, like the Cabrera Center and university Small Business Development Centers. I also hold two certifications through the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators, which included extensive training and practicums, reflecting my dedication to evidence-based learning and professional growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to be intentional and wholehearted in your work. For educators, focus on giving students what they truly need—start at the foundational level when teaching reading with phonics, and build systematically into writing, comprehension, and vocabulary. For women entrepreneurs, dive in fully, seek out available resources and mentorship, and be willing to take bold steps. Most importantly, pursue your dreams relentlessly and make them a reality.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I face is transitioning from educator to entrepreneur, which involves learning manufacturing and business processes, alongside addressing the large number of students who are not reading at grade level. At the same time, there are significant opportunities, such as the increased state emphasis on handwriting, the ability to integrate phonics into handwriting curricula, and the chance to design inclusive tools that support diverse learners.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are pouring into students and families, embracing lifelong learning, promoting inclusion and accessibility, and fostering confidence and meaningful change through education.