Featured Professional Learning Opportunities
Leading for Literacy: What Every School Leader Needs to Know
K-6This 4-day institute equips school principals, district administrators, and professional learning leaders to lead, support, and sustain evidence-based literacy instruction in grades K–6. Participants will develop a clear vision for literacy and identify actionable strategies to build collaborative teams and a professional learning culture that accelerates student literacy growth.
The Effective Instructional Coach: Leading Growth, Navigating Challenges
PreK-8This 4-day training is designed for all school-based coaches including instructional coaches and those who support literacy, math, science, social studies and/or technology. You’ll learn how to better understand your role and how to effectively coach teachers at your school.
Power Up Evidence-Based Reading Intervention with LLI
K-8Maximize the power of LLI’s structured lessons to deliver evidence-based literacy instruction that accelerates learning for students who need additional support.
Over 35 Years of Academic Excellence in Literacy Learning
The Center for Literacy Teaching & Instructional Leadership at Lesley University has been engaged in thirty-five years of innovative, research-based, system-wide educational improvement efforts. We are focused on a single mission—to ensure that every child has the opportunity to live a literate life.
We have been working with educators in school systems to improve children’s literacy.
35 Years
of experience improving
childhood literacy
50,000+
educators served from
across the nation and
around the world
Millions
of children’s lives
improved through literacy
Featured Blog Posts
Three Essential Practices for Effective Vocabulary Instruction
Vocabulary knowledge is a key element in comprehending text. Students need ongoing instruction and support in developing their vocabulary because it affects their ability to comprehend texts and communicate their ideas clearly. Here are three instructional practices for approaching vocabulary instruction that will support students in expanding their word knowledge.
Analyzing Hip-Hop as Text: Teaching Students to Read the World Through Culture
Hip-hop is powerful because it provides a voice and a platform to marginalized communities and critiques injustice. It continues to be a powerful means for young people to critique social injustice, demand change, and celebrate their identities—offering not just music, but a way to imagine and create a better world. At its core, hip-hop is a culture that critiques society.
Season’s Readings: 2025 December Holiday Books
The holiday season is a wonderful time to spark joy, build community, and celebrate some of the traditions your students bring into the classroom.