Lynne Howard

In this eye-opening episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Lynne Howard, co-founder and Executive Director of Cornerstone Charter Public School, to explore the urgent literacy crisis facing our nation, and what can be done about it. A reading specialist and Orton-Gillingham practitioner, Lynne shares why two-thirds of American students are not reading proficiently and how ineffective instructional practices and gaps in teacher training have contributed to the decline.

Lynne explains what makes charter schools unique, public, tuition-free, accountable, yet flexible enough to innovate, and how Cornerstone’s mission is to “shape a future where all children rise with the power of literacy."

Through research-based instruction grounded in the Science of Reading and the Orton-Gillingham approach, Cornerstone aims to deliver systematic, multisensory, sequential literacy instruction that aligns with how the brain actually learns to read.

Beyond curriculum, Lynne emphasizes the importance of teacher training and coaching, ensuring educators receive not only classroom instruction but hands-on mentorship to refine their craft. With plans to open in fall 2026 and grow thoughtfully from kindergarten through eighth grade, Cornerstone represents both innovation and intentionality in public education.

Key Takeaways:

• Charter schools are public, tuition-free, and accountable — with the flexibility to innovate around mission-driven education.
• Two-thirds of U.S. students are not reading proficiently, highlighting a national literacy crisis.
• The Science of Reading and Orton-Gillingham approach align instruction with how the brain actually learns.
• High-quality teacher training and ongoing coaching are essential to sustainable student success.

Connections

• Connect with Lynne Howard
• Learn more about Cornerstone Chartered Public School
• Connect with Rick Peck
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