Next Step Learning Center
Empower your student for a life of learning
What We Do
We utilize two evidence based sensory cognitive programs to strengthen your student's reading and comprehension ability. After an initial reading ability evaluation, students begin a one-on-one program that is tailored to their individual needs and goals. The program targets and strengthens the sensory cognitive functions that underlie basic reading and comprehension skills, such as sight word recognition, spelling ability, oral vocabulary, and comprehensive dynamic mental imagery. Student progress is tracked through efficient in-session monitoring by our qualified instructors.
How We Do It
Students progress best if they want to learn, and we pride ourselves on being fun, energetic, and empathetic. We highlight a student's strengths rather than telling them they are wrong, and we use Socratic questioning to direct students to the best response. We increase the confidence and well-being of our students through specific praise, small rewards, and fun games interspersed throughout the program.
“Our son has struggled with reading since first grade despite every intervention and special service, continually falling behind and despising reading. This school year we found Peter. In a 4 month period he has improved a grade level and more importantly feels good about himself and likes to read!”
“Our daughter Veronica learned to read in school but had very little comprehension of what she was reading and had difficulty communicating. [Peter] developed a program of letter-word visualization which led to an amazing increase in her ability to read fluently. Her expressive vocabulary and her confidence have both grown significantly.”
Who We Serve
We work with students of all ages and backgrounds, including:
students from 1st grade through college
adult students
struggling beginning readers
students who struggle with reading comprehension or lack of retention
students with Autism, Dyslexia, Down Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, or undiagnosed developmental delays
students who are noticeably underperforming in reading and/or comprehension.
any student who wishes to excel
Meet the Team
Peter Staffelbach received his BA in English from Sewanee: The University of the South. He has taught English internationally, and has worked in an instructional managerial role for a prominent learning center where he received training and experience with the Lindamood-Bell programs. His genuine empathy and passion for reading energizes his students, giving them a sense of confidence and joy.
Michael Busk has a PhD in English and Creative Writing from the University of Southern California, as well as a BA in English and Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame. He has worked as an English teacher and tutor for ten years. Having three young kids of his own, he loves working with children, and he has a knack for drawing out the best in them.