Hi, I’m Dr. Brennan Chandler.
Literacy Researcher | Dyslexia Specialist | Educator
Learning What Works—and Why It Matters
I began my career as a second-grade general education teacher—deeply committed to my students, but frustrated by my inability to meet their reading and writing needs.
Most weren't reading at grade level, yet my undergraduate preparation hadn’t equipped me with the tools to intervene effectively. Instead of evidence-based instruction, I was taught to rely on leveled readers, three-cueing strategies, and surface-level comprehension techniques—none of which addressed the root of my students' challenges.
That frustration led me to pursue a Master’s in Special Education, where I learned how to teach systematically—but still lacked the deep knowledge of what to teach my students who needed foundational reading and writing skills.
Discovering the “What”
It wasn’t until I moved to New York City and taught at an independent school for students with disabilities that I found the missing piece.
Through intensive Orton-Gillingham training and hundreds of hours of clinical tutoring, I learned how to teach reading and spelling using structured, evidence-based methods—and saw firsthand the power of systematic instruction grounded in research.
I couldn’t stop asking: Why aren’t all teachers taught this?
From Practice to Research
Driven to make a broader impact, I pursued a PhD in Special Education at The University of Texas at Austin, training as a fellow with the National Center for Leadership in Intensive Intervention.
There, I learned how to develop, test, and scale high-quality literacy interventions that reach students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities under the guidance of Dr. Jessica Toste.
I contributed to federally funded literacy grants, led my own multi-site experimental study on spelling and word reading, and helped design structured literacy programs—all while continuing to tutor, advocate for families, and teach future educators.
What I do Today
Today, I lead work at the intersection of research, educator preparation, and real-world impact.
As an Assistant Professor of Dyslexia at Georgia State University, I train graduate students in structured literacy, coordinate the college’s dyslexia endorsement program, and lead research focused on spelling interventions, word learning, and implementation science.
Beyond the university, I work directly with families, schools, and districts to bring that research to life—through high-impact tutoring, parent advocacy, professional development, and consultation.
My Mission
No matter the setting—university, classroom, or kitchen table—my mission stays the same:
To bridge the gap between what we know and what we do, so every child can access the instruction and support they deserve.