Hi, I’m DeAnn Hughes, founder of The Phonics Explorers LLC.

Helping children discover the joy of learning has been my passion for many years. I bring over 12 years of combined tutoring and classroom experience, along with 18 years as a homeschool educator, giving me a well rounded understanding of how children learn and grow. My experience as a para-educator, literacy tutor, homeschool educator, and homeschool enrichment instructor has allowed me to work with students of all learning styles and abilities

I founded The Phonics Explorers because I believe every child deserves personalized instruction that builds both academic skills and confidence. Whether a student is learning to read, struggling with phonics, improving writing skills, or strengthening foundational math, my goal is to meet each child where they are and help them succeed.

My tutoring approach uses structured, evidence-based literacy instruction while creating a positive, encouraging environment where children feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and celebrate their progress. Every lesson is tailored to the individual student’s needs, learning style, and goals.

I believe learning should be an adventure. With patience, encouragements, and the right tools, every child can become a confident learner.

A Background Built Around Helping Children Learn

Years spent in different educational settings have given me the opportunity to see learning from many perspectives—from the classroom and tutoring table to the homeschool environment.

That experience helps me recognize that children don't all learn in the same way. It also gives me a broad collection of tools and approaches to draw from when supporting each individual student.

Every Child Deserves to Feel Capable

Children are more than the skills they're currently working to master. A child who struggles with reading isn't defined by that struggle. A student who needs additional support in math isn't incapable of learning. Sometimes they simply need instruction that makes sense to them, time to practice, and someone who believes they can succeed.

I believe effective tutoring begins by meeting students where they are and building from there. Learning should be structured and purposeful, but it should also leave room for curiosity, questions, mistakes, and discovery.

Most importantly, I want students to leave their lessons knowing that they can learn, they can grow, and they can succeed.

Discovering the Joy in Learning

I believe children are natural explorers. Every new sound, word, sentence, story, and math concept is an opportunity to discover something new. That's the idea behind The Phonics Explorers.

The adventure theme gives students a way to see their learning as a journey rather than a list of things they aren't able to do yet. Missions, maps, passports, badges, and other milestones give them opportunities to recognize their effort and celebrate how far they've come.

Building Skills. Growing Confidence.

Academic growth and confidence go hand in hand. When students understand that mistakes are part of learning, they become more willing to try. When they recognize their own progress, they begin to trust themselves. And when they discover that something once difficult can become something they can do, they're ready to take on the next challenge.

That's the kind of growth I hope to encourage in every student who becomes a Phonics Explorer

Every Explorer Has a Story

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the person behind The Phonics Explorers. I look forward to getting to know your family, learning about your child's unique strengths and goals, and helping them discover what they're capable of.