Our Founder

Clarice L. Jackson is a nationally recognized literacy advocate, educational leader, and conference convener with more than three decades of experience advancing evidence-based literacy instruction, dyslexia awareness, and educator capacity building.

Her work is grounded in a sustained commitment to improving literacy outcomes for students who have been historically underserved due to disability, instructional gaps, or limited access to effective reading instruction. Clarice’s leadership reflects long-standing engagement with families, educators, policymakers, and literacy organizations at the local, state, and national levels.

In 2012, Clarice founded The Voice Advocacy Center (VAC) to address unmet needs in literacy screening, structured literacy tutoring, and parent advocacy. Through VAC, she has supported children and adults with dyslexia and reading difficulties while helping families and educators navigate evidence-based instructional pathways.

Clarice is also the founder of the Black Literacy Matters® Conference, a national professional learning convening focused on structured literacy, the science of reading, dyslexia-informed practices, and effective intervention. The conference was established in response to persistent literacy disparities documented across Nebraska and nearly every state nationwide, with a focus on equipping educators with practical, research-aligned strategies that improve student outcomes.

Her advocacy has contributed to important policy and systems conversations. In 2014, Clarice authored and advanced a dyslexia resolution within the NAACP, elevating national awareness of the instructional needs of students with dyslexia. This effort helped inform broader dialogue within national education and policy spaces, including engagement with members of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Clarice currently serves in multiple leadership, advisory, and public service roles, including:

• Founder and President, Decoding Dyslexia Nebraska

• Founder, Black Literacy Matters® Conference

• Founder, The Voice Advocacy Center

• Nebraska Commission on African American Affairs, Commissioner (Education focus)

• Omaha Public Library Board, Board Member

• Parent and Family Advocate, Evidence Advocacy Center

• Member, International Dyslexia Association (IDA) 2025 Definition Steering Committee

• Co-Chair, IDA Parent, Family & Legal Advocacy Subcommittee

• Member, 95% Group Educational Leadership Council

Her work has been recognized through numerous honors and awards, including:

• College of Saint Mary (Omaha, Nebraska) – Women’s History “Her Story” Award

• 2024 Dick Holland Literacy Advocate Award

• National Coalition of 100 Black Women – Education Reform Award

• NAACP Freedom Fighter Service Award

• Malcolm X Foundation Award

Across all of her work, Clarice maintains a consistent focus on instructional excellence, educator preparedness, and system-level accountability. Her leadership reflects a belief that addressing persistent literacy challenges requires evidence-based instruction, informed educators, and sustained commitment to ensuring students who struggle with reading are no longer overlooked.