Susan Barton loves hearing from graduates of the Barton Reading & Spelling System who are thriving as adults. Here’s Jordan’s story:
Throughout much of his childhood and adolescence, Jordan bore a silent burden that few around him noticed. Reading even simple three-letter words felt like climbing a mountain. As classmates zipped through homework and read aloud with ease, Jordan’s world was filled with anxiety, confusion, and a growing sense of inadequacy.
“Growing up, school was very difficult because I couldn’t read,” he remembers. “And everything you do in school is reading.”
Jordan was dyslexic, though no one had named it yet. His mother tried computer-based programs like Hooked on Phonics, and he was placed in special education classes. But nothing truly helped.
That changed when Jordan’s aunt recommended the Barton Reading & Spelling System. With the help of two dedicated tutors—Certified Barton Tutor Laurie Butler and Susan Barton herself—Jordan finally began to make progress. As his reading improved, his confidence blossomed. One day, he proudly read a paragraph aloud in class—a moment that once felt was impossible.
Then came another turning point. Jordan earned a perfect score on the reading portion of his GED exam.
“I was so excited and happy,” he shares, “because for the first time in my life, I got a 100% on something I could never do before.”
Today, Jordan enjoys reading books, spending time with his family, and caring for his Rottweiler, Geri. He has a successful career and a message of hope: With the right support, it’s never too late to learn.
Susan Barton truly appreciates hearing from graduates of the Barton Reading & Spelling System as they share their unique dyslexia journeys. Here’s Ruby’s story:
Ruby always knew that she “had something” because she felt like she learned differently from her classmates. She couldn’t read until third grade and constantly struggled with spelling. “For a long time, I felt stupid, like I couldn’t learn anything,” she recalls. “I just thought I was dumb.”
Everything changed when her mom discovered the Barton Reading & Spelling System. Ruby was nervous the first time she met with her Certified Barton Tutor, Laurie Frydenlund. But soon she realized that Laurie understood her in a way her teachers at school never had. Working through the Barton System gave Ruby confidence — something she says she never had before.
One memory that stands out for Ruby is riding in the car with her mom and suddenly realizing she could read the street signs. “I could never do that before, and that is probably why I want to be an educator,” Ruby shares. “Because of Barton, I found a love of learning, and I want to help kids learn too.”
Looking back, Ruby knows her journey would have been very different without the right type of tutoring. “The Barton Reading & Spelling System changes people’s lives 100%. I think about it all the time — what I would be without Barton. I would be a different person for sure.”
For much of her life, Yvette Jones carried the quiet weight of not knowing why reading was so difficult. It wasn’t until adulthood that she discovered she has dyslexia—and with that discovery came both relief and hope. Her story reminds us that it is never too late to understand your challenges and find the right tools to succeed.
When Yvette began Barton tutoring, she experienced what she calls her “aha moment.” For the first time, reading started to make sense. The barriers that once felt permanent began to break down, replaced by confidence and joy. Her journey shows the incredible power of structured literacy—not just for children, but for learners of any age.
Yvette’s testimony is proof that dyslexia doesn’t define your potential or put an expiration date on learning. Whether you are six or sixty, the Barton Reading & Spelling System can open new doors and offer the gift of reading. Now she shares that freedom with others. She tells parents who feel lost, “You are not alone. Dyslexia is not a weakness—it’s a gift.” Instead of hiding, Yvette speaks openly, serves at her church, and inspires others with her simple, powerful message:
“It’s never too late to learn. Dyslexia doesn’t define you—it can empower you.”
Watch this short 8-minute video to hear Yvette’s inspiring story in her own words.
Susan Barton loves teachers who understand dyslexia, notice students who have the warning signs, and share their suspicion with the parents. It often changes the entire future for that child, as this parent shares.
School was very difficult for my son. Although Bates was incredibly bright, he struggled to get his answers and ideas on paper.
We started his dyslexia journey when my son was in first grade. His wonderful teacher noticed he had many of the warning signs of dyslexia and dysgraphia.
I did not want my son to feel he wasn’t as good as the other kids because of his dyslexia. He was already extremely self-conscious about standing out and being perceived as different.
So I explained to him that everyone is different in one way or another. We are not all the same height or have the same eye color or hair color. The same is true for learning. Some people learn differently. This helped to ease his mind.
We are incredibly grateful that our son’s teacher pinpointed the cause of his struggles. With her help, we found two fantastic Barton tutors. Shortly after he began receiving Barton tutoring, we noticed our son’s confidence soar.
The Barton System has made a huge difference in my son’s life. Bates recently completed Level 10, and he now has the tools and the confidence to succeed.
Susan Barton loves hearing stories about the impact Barton tutoring has had on students, as this Certified Barton Tutor shared:
Dear Susan,
I’ve been meaning to write to you for some time. I have been using the Barton Reading & Spelling System for many years and I have helped many students who struggle with dyslexia.
Because of your incredible program, I can proudly say that each one of my students has a success story. There is one story that has especially touched me, and I have permission to share it. I have tears in my eyes while writing this.
Please meet my former student, Amanda.
When I started tutoring Amanda using the Barton System, she was in fifth grade but reading at only a first-grade level. The school’s recommendation was special education. Thankfully, her parents heard about your amazing program and contacted me.
Amanda worked incredibly hard to complete all ten levels. She is now a freshman at Boise State University, where she continues to thrive academically. As you might imagine, Amanda’s parents could not be prouder.
I’ve always had such a deep love of reading and helping struggling students. This is my true calling, and I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to help many students like Amanda.
So here’s my heartfelt thank you for creating a remarkable program, and for your dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of people with dyslexia. Without your vision and support, I would not possess the knowledge to make such a difference in the lives of others.
Every child has a right to learn to read.
With much gratitude,
Kim Vandiver
Certified Barton Tutor at the Masters level
Pleasanton, CA
Susan Barton loves hearing how Barton tutoring has changed a child’s life – as this grandmother shared:
Dear Susan,
Throughout my 44-year career as a teacher and a tutor, I have used several different programs to teach reading to children with varying degrees of dyslexia.
The Barton Reading & Spelling System is by far the best. If a tutor does the Barton System with fidelity, their students will learn to both read and spell. Simply put, your program is genius.
While using the Barton System to tutor my grandson, who has severe dyslexia, as well as many other children, I have grown to deeply appreciate everything you do to support the dyslexic community.
Watching my grandson grow in joy and confidence – not just in reading and spelling, but also in his outlook on life – has been one of the greatest personal achievements of my teaching career.
Thank you for creating such a brilliant program and for dedicating your life to helping us help our own children.
With gratitude,
Mary Cresalia, Certified Barton Tutor
San Rafael, CA
Susan Barton loves hearing from homeschool parents, like this one:
Dear Mrs. Barton:
I’m not sure how I found your website five years ago, but it has been a tremendous blessing for our family.
Thanks to the knowledge and recommendations I gleaned from your website, I was able to have my middle son diagnosed with dyslexia in first grade.
For the next four years, we homeschooled using the Barton Reading & Spelling System, and in fifth grade, we incorporated The Institute for Excellence in Writing.
Jonah is currently in sixth grade, and we have transitioned to a small Catholic classical school.
He is now near the top of his class in every subject and beginning next week, he will move out of the small group for struggling readers and into the regular literature classroom.
We wouldn’t be where we are today if it were not for you and your program. Thank you!
Susan Barton loves getting letters from parents, like this one:
Dear Susan:
When our son was in the 6th grade, he was only reading and spelling at a 1st grade level. His teachers, school, and district failed to provide him with the appropriate services and even discouraged us from seeking outside intervention.
We knew we had to do something to help our son. I spent many hours researching programs when I discovered the Barton Reading & Spelling System.
With your help, we found an amazing Certified Barton Tutor, Gretchen Stevens. Thanks to Ms. Stevens, our son is thriving — and reading and spelling at grade level!
Nathaniel recently graduated from high school with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 and an impressive senior year GPA of 4.0.
This fall, he will attend a local trade school to study Machine Tool Technology. He hopes to one day become a skilled Machinist.
We are extremely proud of Nathaniel. He is a great example of how hard work, dedication, a lot of encouragement, and the right type of tutoring can positively change a child’s life.
Thank you for creating the Barton System and for everything you do to support families like ours.
Ken Mengel, Parent and Certified Barton Tutor
Hendersonville, TN
Susan Barton loves hearing from tutors about the impact the Barton System has had on their students, as this tutor shared:
I am writing to tell you about a special student, who just completed level 10. Bill was 52 years old when he came to us, ready to do whatever it takes to learn to read.
My most memorable tutoring moment came when Bill was reading a story. He stopped in the middle of a sentence and said, “I just read a three syllable word! I have never read a three syllable word before.” It was a tearful moment, and it continues to be upon each retelling.
When my service as an AmeriCorps volunteer ended, I went to work for the Adult Learning Alliance, at the state level. Thankfully, Ms. Audrey, an experienced Barton tutor, was able to take over tutoring Bill in Level 5.
In Level 8, Bill remarked to Ms. Audrey, “I was sitting at home, staring at the shelf. I suddenly realized that I was reading an award I received years ago. I have never been able to read what it says.” Needless to say, Ms. Audrey was delighted.
Last week was a tearful week for us. Bill and Ms. Audrey announced that they had completed their very last lesson. Our office will feel so very empty without their constancy. What a wonderful way for Ms. Audrey to end her almost 25 years of tutoring. She is finally retiring.
We are so proud of Bill’s tenacity and dedication to learn to read, especially after leaving school so many years ago.
And we want to thank you for creating the Barton System. I have seen, time and again, the difference it makes for students who go through your program.
Heather Powell, Barton Tutor and Executive Director
Twin Lakes Literacy Council
Mtn. Home, AR
Susan Barton loves hearing from parents about the impact Barton tutoring has had on their child, as this parent shared:
This is my daughter — today.
Three years ago, her confidence was basically nothing. She didn’t feel comfortable getting up in front of others, and her reading and writing were just terrible.
We started her on the Barton System in the summer of 2020.
Her confidence has improved so much that she decided to try out for theatre last year – even though that meant reading lines in front of others.
This winter, she was cast as Annie at a theatre near us. I wanted to share this photo because it almost speaks of her journey. She went from lost, defeated, and discouraged to determined, hopeful, and thriving.
Thank you for making this curriculum. It has helped my daughter find her wings.
With your help, we found an amazing Certified Barton Tutor, Gretchen Stevens. Thanks to Ms. Stevens, our son is thriving — and reading and spelling at grade level!
Bright Solutions for Dyslexia 