Our belief
All tamariki have the right to receive and benefit from evidence-based literacy education. We know the most effective way for our tamariki to become successful readers and writers is through a systematic, evidence-based teaching approach grounded in the science of reading and the science of learning.
It’s about doing what works — strategically and sustainably.
Since 2016, we’ve empowered educators to embed sustainable literacy practices that lead to meaningful, long-term change. We provide professional learning and in-school support, delivered by our experienced team, to ensure strong, sustained implementation of best-practice literacy approaches. We also support educators and specialists with our trademarked iDeaL Approach and specialist training in intervention through our LMIT Certification—accredited by the International Dyslexia Association.
"Poipoia te kākano kia puawai"
Nurture the seed and it will blossom.
- He Whakatauki
Our Purpose
To Inspire, enable and influence education.
Our Vision
Equitable educational outcomes.
Our Values
We're a passionate team with extensive knowledge of Structured Literacy, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in education.
As a mother of a child with learning differences and experience as a former teacher and principal, Carla McNeil came to realise that some changes needed to be made.
After spending years researching and undertaking professional development, she founded Learning MATTERS in 2016 with a primary focus to provide learning support to tamariki with literacy learning differences.
The Demand Was High, but Why?
Learning MATTERS use an evidence-based approach called Structured Literacy, which is the most effective approach for teaching students with dyslexia. The demand for learning support was high. Carla quickly realised that to make the biggest difference for our tamariki, change was needed within the mainstream classroom.
“A shift in literacy practice in schools throughout New Zealand will make the biggest difference and ultimately change the course of literacy outcomes for New Zealand.”
Developing the iDeaL Approach for Schools
In 2020, Learning MATTERS developed and launched the iDeaL Approach for Schools which includes an online platform that builds knowledge and provides tools to teachers to be able to effectively teach foundational literacy through a Structured Literacy approach. Normalising this teaching approach in classrooms leads to increased success and creates a more inclusive learning environment.
"Throughout my teaching career I have vivid memories of students I had taught who were unable to read and write. As a beginning teacher I often thought that perhaps it just hadn’t ‘clicked’ for these students. I was unaware however, of the implications of a student going through six years of schooling not being a confident and or capable reader or speller. I feel somewhat ashamed sharing this, but it is this very realisation, and the strong desire to create change for many students and teachers across the country that led to the development of iDeaL."
In addition, Learning MATTERS established a consultancy arm to guide and enable schools with the implementation of Structured Literacy approach supported by the iDeaL Approach.
Today, the iDeaL Approach is used by 1000’s of teachers throughout New Zealand. During an TV interview in 2021, Penny O’Brien (Principal of Ladbrook School who is using iDeaL) commented about the implementation of a Structured Literacy approach, “It’s beyond phenomenal, and it’s about what you see but it’s also about what you feel”.
Providing Support for Specialists
In early 2022, Learning MATTERS developed the iDeaL Approach for Specialists which provides professional development, assessments, and a resource platform for intervention specialists. This ensures that the intervention provided is evidence-based and aligned with what is happening in mainstream classrooms.
Intervention Teaching Certification
In 2023, Learning MATTERS launched the Learning MATTERS Intervention Teaching Certification (LMIT). Participants of the LMIT course are supported in learning and administering quality intervention assessment tools suitable for creating diagnostic education plans for use during evidence-based literacy instruction.
We have worked with the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) to develop a training curriculum and course that aligns with the IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS). Our LMIT training has successfully attained an Accreditation Plus level from the International Dyslexia Association.
Cultivating the Literacy Landscape Symposium
Cultivating the Literacy Landscape is a full-day symposium designed for school leaders, teachers, parents—anyone dedicated to fostering a literate society. It offers an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, deepen your understanding of the latest research in reading instruction, and explore evidence-based literacy practices.
Each year, we bring internationally renowned keynote speakers to New Zealand to inspire, empower, and enable progress in literacy education. Our inaugural symposium in 2023 was a resounding success, featuring esteemed speakers Emily Hanford, Lorraine Hammond PhD, and Dr. Pamela Snow. In 2024, we were privileged to host Dr. Anita Archer, Dr. Carolyn Strom, and Sarah Asome.
Take a look back at our 2024 Cultivating the Literacy Landscape.
Ministry Funded Structured Literacy Professional Learning & Development
Our Professional Learning and Development (PLD) equips and empowers teachers to confidently implement a Structured Literacy approach within their teaching contexts.
Upon completing our PLD, teachers graduate with the 'Application of Structured Literacy Teaching' Certification.
As an accredited provider with the Ministry of Education, Learning MATTERS ensures that teachers receive training aligned with best practices and the latest research, preparing them to make a lasting impact in their classrooms.
Why We Do What We Do
Language-based learning differences such as dyslexia impact more than learning to read and write. It can have a wide-ranging impact on physical, behavioural and emotional wellbeing. But if those who are struggling with language-based learning differences such as dyslexia are supported at the very earliest opportunity - with the right research and evidence-based interventions - well, they’ll have the opportunity to flourish.
We are a passionate team with an overarching goal to support an andragogical and pedagogical shift in literacy practice to ensure literacy outcomes are lifted for students in New Zealand. We believe this can be achieved through clear and consistent direction and with a Structured Literacy approach that aligns the explicit and systematic teaching of literacy to learners of all abilities.
We are committed to our purpose and vision: to inspire, enable, and influence education in pursuit of equitable educational outcomes.
Head to our Knowledge Hub
Our knowledge hub is packed full of information regarding evidence-based literacy instruction and support.
Hear from literacy experts during our regular Chit Chats, read informative blogs, leap into literacy with our bite-sized videos, and much more.
