Mission and History

Simple Mission, Comprehensive Solutions

For over two decades, HILL for Literacy has transformed literacy outcomes for thousands of students. While we are a Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization, we partner with states, districts, and schools across the country to increase the number of students meeting state reading standards. 

Our Vision

We strive to create a world where every child is a reader.

Our Mission

HILL for Literacy is dedicated to advancing equitable literacy outcomes for PreK-12 students by equipping educators with the knowledge and skills to deliver high quality, responsive literacy instruction that meets the unique needs of every child.

Our Impact

Schools Served

Teachers Trained

Students Reached

Our History

2001
Founding

The Hanson Initiative for Language & Literacy (or the HILL) was founded as part of the Massachusetts General Hospital-Institute of Health Professions.

2003
Reading First

The HILL became a lead professional learning provider for Reading First, a major statewide literacy initiative in Massachusetts.

2010
The HILL Becomes a Nonprofit

The HILL became an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit and changed its name to HILL For Literacy, Inc.

2012
Connecticut K-3 Literacy Initiative (CKL3I)

The HILL joined the Connecticut K-3 Literacy Initiative (CKL3I), providing professional learning to teachers across the state.

2019
HILL Online 1.0 Released

HILL For Literacy launched HILL Online and its first component, Continuum, taking its data meeting process online.

2023
CT Right To Read Statewide Training

The HILL became a lead professional learning provider for Connecticut’s Right To Read Initiative, running virtual statewide trainings in literacy leadership and the science of reading.

2025
Literacy Launch

The HILL was named the primary professional learning provider for Literacy Launch Institutes, the largest statewide literacy initiative in Massachusetts in a generation.

2026
IES From Seedlings to Scale Grant

The HILL received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Institution for Education Sciences (IES) From Seedlings to Scale grant program to invest in development of HILL Online Advisor.

Our Expert Team

Our team brings together diverse expertise from across the education spectrum. Our facilitators have backgrounds in:

  • Educational Leadership
  • School Psychology
  • Special Education, including Speech Language Pathology
  • Reading Coaching and Reading Specialization
  • Multilingual Learning
  • General Education across all grade levels, including Early Childhood

Every HILL facilitator is a seasoned educator or administrator with extensive classroom experience. Our team includes four doctoral-level experts and professionals with up to 35 years in the field. This depth of experience allows us to deliver projects of any size while maintaining the highest quality standards.

We also believe in practicing what we teach, which means our facilitators receive ongoing training and support, ensuring they stay current with the latest research and programmatic updates while strengthening their abilities in coaching adult learners.

Meet Our Team

Our Research Partners

It is through partnerships with top-tier research centers that we are able to deliver the most current evidence-based literacy practices to our clients. Prominent historical partnerships include:

Ready to Partner With Us?

Let’s work together to ensure every child becomes a confident, capable reader.

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