Carol's Clients Say:

Carol Eshleman works magic!  She moves children multiple reading levels in such a short time!

Ninety-one percent of our children qualify for free/reduced lunch, and we are located in one of the highest crime areas in Oakland. Despite this, EnCompass Academy was one of 4 schools in the entire Oakland Unified School District to be recognized as a “Blue School” for consistent academic growth, for closing the achievement gap, and for overall API score. We owe much of our success in accelerating far below and below basic readers to Carol’s expertise, persistence and high expectations for children.  She puts children’s needs at the center and is always very resourceful in getting them what they need to succeed.

— Ms. Minh-Tram Nguyen, founding Principal of EnCompass Academy

One of [Ms. Eshleman’s] talents was having an extensive understanding of children's literature, levels of difficulty and ability to choose the best books to suit children’s needs. Ms. Eshleman was always kind and gentle with the students. She gave students much extra information and helped them understand everything.

— Ms. Rita Kimball, Principal of Washington School

Thank you so much for giving Ellis, my 7 year old, the basis for reading. As a busy single parent and a non-professional “educator,” I felt I did not have the skills to guide Ellis in the appropriate direction. He was frustrated and behind the class in his reading last year, and needed intervention as soon as possible. Your tutoring gave him the methods he needed to decode words and sentences, which in turn helped his confidence level. He is now reading at grade level, and enjoying free reading of signs, labels, etc. Your help was invaluable and filled the gap that his first grade teacher and I could not meet.

— Lesa Vanoncini

When our 6 year old son Robert started 1st grade, our main goal for the year was that he would be able to read. But, he was having difficulty getting there until his 1st grade teacher introduced us to Ms. Eshleman. Over the short course of about 3 months Robert went from recognizing only a few words to fluently reading chapter books and with such feeling and enthusiasm — his teachers couldn’t keep him quiet! We are so grateful to Ms. Eshleman for her tireless and kind ways with our son and for giving him the priceless gift of reading. Thank you!!

— Claire Vesely

Carol started tutoring my son at the beginning of fourth grade. A year later all aspects of his language arts test scores increased at least 60%. He now grabs books from my hand and reads in bed at night . After testing him and finding him more than capable, Carol tailored her tutoring to my son's unique personality and needs. Carol used her skill, training, and intuition to help my son build confidence and achievement in his reading and writing.

— Wendy Stephens

In about five months worth of classes, I went from not knowing each letter’s sound to reading chapter books. Teacher Carol really makes you feel comfortable with reading and is really nice. Plus, now that I can read, I just can’t stop!

— Milo Dubinsky, age 9

I enjoy reading and writing stories, and without Ms. Carol that wouldn't have happened. When I couldn't read it was very hard for me in school. I am 9 and I have read Homer's Odyssey and Iliad.

— Jonathan Butler

I want to thank Carol Eshleman for being a wonderful Reading Specialist; for her unprecedented skills, and patience with my son Jonathan. You, Carol, sparked his complete enjoyment for reading and writing. Your teaching skills ignited for him an all inclusive interest to read and write at a high level to this day.

When he started 1st Grade, Jonathan was assigned to Ms. Eshleman for early intervention. Within 3 months his literary skills went from very low to the best in the class. It is only her professional dedication as a Reading Specialist that I have to thank. You are the best Reading Specialist I know.

— Kelly McShane
(mother of 9 year old, Jonathan)

My son has seen Carol since the middle of his kindergarten year.  He was slow to remember letters and their sounds.  For my child, learning to read has been a challenge, and Carol has been a tremendous support.  She knows his abilities, discusses his strengths with him, and has given him strategies and techniques that have helped.  Carol’s style is gentle and playful, but she can be firm if need be.  I know this because I’ve sat in her living room within earshot as she has worked with my child each week.  She will offer him a range of options for how to spend their time together and moves from one exercise or game to another quickly.  Importantly, she has helped keep his self esteem intact in the process, and I’ve often heard them laughing as they work together.

Carol has also been a resource and a sounding board for me as I work with my son at home.  We come away with books thar are level-appropriate and she is always ready to discuss his progress, give me strategies and send me home with concrete suggestions. 

Now, at the end of second grade, my son is reading at grade level.  This is a tremendous accomplishment for him.  I am incredibly grateful to Carol for he support and encouragement of my son’s learning.

— Ruth Ehrenkrantz