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Facilitating Conversations about Race: Kids, Books & Anti-Racism Series

February 1, 2024 Jennifer Orr, Fourth-Grade Teacher & Author

Jennifer Orr, our next Kids, Books & Anti-Racism Series featured speaker, discusses how books can serve as a starting point when facilitating conversations about race.

Carla España: Promoting Access and Equity Through Literacy

January 19, 2024 Gen Arcovio, Literacy Trainer

Looking back on the first session of our annual Kids, Books & Anti-Racism Series, professor and author Carla España focused on how to teach in a way that’s inclusive to children from different language backgrounds.

Drawing: An Important Part of the Writing Process

January 10, 2024 Heather Rodman, Literacy Trainer

When students draw before writing it helps them visualize what they want to say. They include details in their drawings that they will later express in their writing using words.

Ensuring Strong Reading Skills for Grades 3-6

December 15, 2023 Nikki Drury, Literacy Trainer

Foundational skill learning does not end in primary grades. Students in grades 3-6 require ongoing instruction in phonics, spelling and word study.

Tags: Teaching

Our Top Posts from 2023

December 8, 2023 Center News

As the year winds to a close, let’s pause and reflect on the wealth of learning and collaboration that has enriched our Center in 2023. Check out these standout blog posts!

Spring 2024: 8-Week Online Graduate Courses

December 1, 2023 Spring 2024 Online Offerings

Stay cozy this spring and improve your career with an online course, where you can learn at your convenience.

Tags: Latest News

Three Reasons Why a Writer’s Notebook is an Important Tool for Writers

October 16, 2023 Linda Murphy, Associate Director of Literacy Programs

Encouraging your students to keep a writer’s notebook can nourish their informational and literary writing all year.

Tags: Teaching

Inviting Writers Into the Process: Three Strategies for Increasing Access 

October 13, 2023 Melanie Meehan, Author & Elementary Writing Coordinator

Author & Elementary Writing Coordinator Melanie Meehan explains how she makes the writing process more accessible to students who are struggling.

Tags: Teaching

Trusting Emergent Readers

October 10, 2023 Hannah Schneewind & Jennifer Scoggin, Literacy Consultants

Literacy consultants Hannah Schneewind & Jennifer Scoggin discuss the importance of developing students’ reading identities.

Tags: Teaching

Restorative Reading for Educators

October 6, 2023 Stephanie Affinito, Author & Educator, University at Albany, NY

Enhance the reading experience to soothe the body, spark the mind, and connect readers together.

Upcoming Professional Development

Days 1 & 2: September 30, October 1, 2025; Days 3 & 4: October 27 & 28, 2025

Leading for Literacy: What Every School Leader Needs to Know

In this 4-day institute for school principals and administrators, learn how to support literacy teaching in grades K–6. Learn how to improve student literacy outcomes by developing a coherent vision for literacy and a vibrant school culture that supports teamwork and continuous professional learning.

$1295 (includes professional text)
October 27 - December 17, 2025 (Fall Term II)

Linking Assessment to Teaching: Reading, Writing & Word Study

In this 8-week online course, you’ll develop the skills to systematically observe and analyze students’ reading, writing, and word-solving behaviors.

$2,730 ($875/credit + $75/credit comprehensive fee) - does not include required texts
September 3 – October 26, 2025 (Fall Term I)

Intentional Teaching in a Writers’ Workshop for Grades K-8

In this 8-week online course, you’ll examine how to plan and teach effective minilessons, lead small groups, and confer with individual writers—including multilingual learners.

$2,730 ($875/credit + $75/credit comprehensive fee) - does not include required texts

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