The Six Essential Elements for Systemic Literacy Improvement (Complimentary Webinar)
Join us for this 45-minute webinar to explore what it takes to improve literacy outcomes across your school or district.
Learn how building a strong adult learning culture and shared responsibility can ensure all students become successful readers and writers.
- District and School Leaders
- Literacy Coaches/Teacher Leaders
Principals and district leaders are invited to a focused 45-minute conversation on creating a coherent, high-quality literacy system. Cindy Downend and Linda Murphy from the Center for Literacy Teaching and Instructional Leadership will guide participants through six essential elements that form the foundation for systemic literacy improvement across grade levels.
Drawing on their extensive experience working with schools nationwide, Cindy and Linda will share real-world examples of how leaders can build professional capital and strengthen instructional practice. Participants will also learn why developing internal capacity—through literacy coaches or teacher leaders—is critical for sustaining improvement and fostering collective responsibility for student success.
Cynthia Downend, Director, Literacy Programs
Cynthia Downend has worked at the Center for Literacy Teaching and Instructional Leadership for over 15 years, serving in the roles of a trainer at the Center and Associate Director of Primary Literacy Programs before currently serving as the Director of the Center.
Cynthia has worked with many school districts across the United States to train and develop district level literacy staff developers, literacy coaches, classroom teachers, literacy interventionists and school administrators on a variety of topics related to improving literacy instruction.
Prior to her work at Lesley University, Cynthia held positions as a literacy coach, Reading Recovery teacher, and classroom teacher for over 20 years working in a variety of school settings including urban, suburban, and international schools.
Linda Murphy, Associate Director, Literacy Programs
Linda has worked in school districts in New York in a variety of roles and settings. Prior to her joining the center at Lesley University, Linda held positions as a principal of an intermediate school, a Director of English Language Arts, Social Studies and Reading, a district trainer for Literacy Collaborative Intermediate, a Reading Recovery Teacher Leader and a classroom teacher. Linda holds licenses in Elementary Education and School District Administration.
Registration Deadline
The registration portal closes at 12pm EST on January 27, 2026.
Interested in professional learning at your school or district? Schedule a meeting with one of our faculty trainers.
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