Bilingual Literacy & Academic Coaching Toronto | Great Brain Learning
For 20 years, we've been lighting the flame of curiosity to inspire student growth and deep learning skills with families across Canada. We offer Bilingual Literacy & Academic Coaching, Consulting & Educational Advocacy live, in person and online in Toronto & across Canada.
  At Great Brain Learning, we specialize in Bilingual Literacy & Academic Coaching, Consulting & Advocacy, and we deliver personalized tutoring and coaching services for every learner using research-validated strategies that support long-term success in learning: reading, writing, mathematics, and critical thinking. Connect with learning in a new way!Â
How I work with families:
Academic Coaching, Literacy Teaching, Consulting, and Educational Advocacy
OUR approach
Growth Through Metacognition
At Great Brain Learning, Dr. June Starkey teaches metacognition—thinking about thinking—to bridge learning gaps and build self-aware learners.
Every session integrates research-validated learning skills and learning development milestones with metacognitive strategies. Students in French immersion often opt to receive instruction in French to support what they are learning in class. Neurodiverse learners, intellectually gifted students, and learners who experience challenges with learning disabilities master how to learn through inclusive and personalized practice.
Dr. June's experience teaching from Kindergarten to Graduate School has supported 1,000+ families in the last 20 years in Ontario’s first evidence-based bilingual literacy clinic, Great Brain Learning. We hear from parents, educators and students that seeing real growth and confidence in reading, writing, thinking, and speaking is life-changing. We agree!
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Welcome to the place where learning comes alive.Â
We're so glad you've found us!
Tier 1 - Academic Coaching & Literacy Tutoring
Ongoing, evidence-based, academic coaching and personalized literacy teaching delivered LIVE online or in person in the GTA. Every session integrates content knowledge and metacognitive coaching.
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Best for K–12 students, French Immersion learners, post-secondary students, and SAT preparation.
from $150/hour
Tier 2 - Educational ConsultationÂ
Educational Consulting means dedicated conversations focused on the family's decisions and options. From a single strategic session to ongoing family strategy through complex transitions.
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Best for parents seeking guidance on a specific decision, understanding the big picture of a learning profile, or navigating a complex transition.
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from $250/hour
Tier 3 - Advocacy
Formal representation and preparation when families need someone with credentials, training, and evidence-based knowledge to intervene on their child's behalf in/at school.
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Best for school team meetings, IEP and IPRC meetings, formal correspondence, and escalated situations.
from $650/hour
Diagnostics: Learning Skills Assessment
A comprehensive learning skills assessment that identifies learners' strengths and challenges in French and/or English, with a personalized 10-page report on letterhead, a learning plan, and a bibliography of relevant research to guide the way.
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Best for families and professionals seeking clear, actionable data before choosing a path forward.
from $1495
Client Stories:Â What progress can look like
These client stories of learners who once struggled are shared for parents and families who want to understand what can change when the right support is in place.Â
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The names and identifying details in the case studies below have been changed to protect student and family privacy, but the triumphs and challenges described here are real results from Dr. June's work with students across Canada, since 2006.
When a bright child struggles with reading and writing
David was a curious Grade 3 French Immersion student, but reading and writing in both languages felt overwhelming to him, and homework had become a daily battle. Through structured literacy instruction and academic coaching that helped him understand how to think, he strengthened his skills, and began to complete work independently. He became a confident reader who stayed in French Immersion.
Finding a way forward at university
Kaitlin was studying university science when difficulties with reading, study strategies, and managing coursework put her academic future at risk. Together, we worked on reading fluency, comprehension, organizing study time, and advocating for appropriate support, helping her build the skills and confidence to move from academic probation to the Dean’s List.
Tell your child's story
Every learner’s path is different. These stories illustrate individual experiences, not guaranteed outcomes. What you’re seeing at home and what's happening at school can become the launchpad for building a framework of support that truly "fits" your child. Dr. June gladly listens and explores what is happening to find possibilities with you and your child.Â
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Behind every report card and assessment is an actual learner with meaningful strengths, honest challenges, and real potential. If you’re concerned about your child’s reading, writing, or confidence, ​and how that connects with unrealized potential, reach out to connect with Dr. June.
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