After obtaining a B.A. in English from Loyola College and a Teaching Degree with a specialty in Early Childhood Education from the University of Manitoba, Cathy Jackson taught in Toronto while completing Primary Specialist qualifications from the University of Toronto. After two years teaching in Scotland and Wales, she spent 27 years teaching kindergarten to grade five in Ottawa while completing a B.Ed. and Special Education Specialist from the University of Ottawa.

When Cathy noticed the lack of resources that captured her students’ attention and provided stepping-stones for growth, she decided to create her own short stories to teach a few letter-sounds and sight words at a time. Best Reading! Phonics began as photocopies on folded papers to which students could add words, continue the stories as they coloured, and keep them at home. Jackson’s students’ enthusiasm prompted her to continue writing and eventually publish her reading program so all young readers can build a strong reading foundation.