Celebrating Growth: Karen Monner and Carissa Backus Earn Advanced Wilson Certification

At Foothills Academy, we are proud to celebrate the continued learning and professional development of our staff, especially when it directly benefits the students and families we support. This year, two of our dedicated team members in the Read/Write & Math Intervention department, Karen Monner and Carissa Backus, have successfully completed the intensive requirements to earn their Wilson Reading System® Level II Certification and the Wilson® Dyslexia Therapist credential through Wilson Language Training.

What Does This Certification Mean?

This advanced certification enables Karen and Carissa to diagnostically teach and implement multisensory language instruction with a high level of expertise. They are now equipped to support students with complex reading and writing challenges in both one-on-one and group settings, working to advance reading, spelling, comprehension, and writing skills.

In addition, this achievement strengthens their ability to lead training and outreach efforts for staff and families, enhancing the overall impact of our Read/Write & Math Intervention (RWM) program.

A Four-Year Commitment

Karen and Carissa have been part of the RWM team for six years. Over the past four years, they have dedicated themselves to completing the certification journey, which includes coursework, practicum hours, and supervised instruction across both Level I and Level II.

What Motivated Them?

For Karen, the drive to improve is rooted in a commitment to others.

• “I’m always looking for ways to grow and learn so that I can best support my students, new staff members, and colleagues.”

Carissa was motivated by her curiosity and dedication to her craft.

• “It was my love of learning and a desire to deepen my practice that pushed me forward.”

Why This Matters

As Wilson Language Training explains, “The Wilson Reading System® (WRS) Level II Certification is recognized as an International Dyslexia Association (IDA) AccreditationPlus program. It is designed to prepare teachers to effectively implement WRS with students who are reading and spelling below grade level, as well as those diagnosed with a language-based learning disability, such as dyslexia” (Wilson Language Training, 2025). With this new credential, Karen and Carissa bring an even greater level of knowledge and leadership to our intervention work, helping students build lasting confidence and foundational skills.

Their achievement is a testament to the deep commitment our team has to student success. We are thrilled to recognize their hard work and celebrate this exciting milestone.

References:
Wilson Language Training. (2025). WRS Level II Certification. https://www.wilsonlanguage.com/professional-learning/wilson-reading-system-certifications/wrs-level-ii-certification