About
About Antoinette (Toni) Cosentino
Hi, I'm Antoinette, and families that I know call me either "Toni" or "Mrs. Cosentino.
For more than 40 years, I’ve been helping children discover they are far smarter than they’ve ever been led to believe.
I’m a former elementary school teacher and principal who has dedicated my life to helping struggling readers thrive. I’m currently working toward full certification in the Barton Reading & Spelling System and use its proven, research-based approach to support students in building confidence and literacy skills. After decades in education, I’ve seen one truth over and over again: when a child is taught the way their brain learns best, everything changes.
My Passion for Helping Struggling Learners
From my earliest days in the classroom, I saw how many bright, creative children fell through the cracks because traditional teaching didn’t fit how they learned.
Those students weren’t lazy or “behind.” They just needed a different approach — one that recognized their strengths and helped them rebuild confidence step by step.
That realization shaped my life’s work: helping children who’ve lost hope discover that they can learn to read and deserve to feel proud of themselves again.
A Personal Mission
My mission became personal when I saw how deeply reading struggles affected children’s self-esteem. I’ve watched the tears, the frustration, and the quiet belief that “I’m just not smart.”
No child should ever feel that way. That’s why I’ve dedicated this chapter of my life to giving children back their confidence — one session, one success, and one smile at a time.
Every child I work with is a reminder that intelligence isn’t measured by reading speed — it’s measured by perseverance, creativity, and courage.
My Teaching Philosophy
After four decades of teaching, I’ve learned this simple truth:
Children don’t fail at reading — the methods fail them.
I use the Barton System because it’s a structured, multisensory approach that meets kids exactly where they are. Together, we move at their pace, celebrating every milestone until reading finally “clicks.”
My goal isn’t just reading fluency — it’s confidence, curiosity, and joy in learning.
Today's Goal
Today, my passion remains unchanged:
to help children build confidence, experience academic success, and rediscover their love of learning.
Every child deserves to feel capable and valued, and every parent deserves hope that things can get better.