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Getting to Know Your Readers

September 12, 2023 Nikki Drury, Literacy Trainer

Observational assessment, in the form of a benchmark reading conference, is a good way to begin the journey of teaching literacy in the new school year.

Tags: Teaching

A World of Songs, Poems, and Nursery Rhymes 

August 10, 2023 Genevieve Arcovio, Literacy Trainer

Have you considered the many benefits of using songs, nursery rhymes, and poetry in your classroom? Here are some recommendations as you get started.

Tags: Teaching

Growing as Educators: Making the Shift to a Culture of Professional Learning

August 7, 2023 Irene Fountas, Director

The shift from “professional development” to “professional learning” implies a thoughtful design that is part of the school’s shared vision, values, and beliefs.

Teaching Readers (Not Reading): Peter Afflerbach Discusses the Role of Motivation, Engagement, and Metacognition

August 2, 2023 Genevieve Arcovio

Looking back on the recent Summer Literacy Institute at Lesley University, researcher and educator Dr. Peter Afflerbach discussed the importance of instruction that moves beyond skills and strategies.

Tags: Teaching

Carl Anderson: Teaching with Mentor Texts

August 1, 2023 Genevieve Arcovio, Literacy Trainer

Reflecting on the recent Summer Literacy Institute at Lesley University, educator and author Carl Anderson spoke about how a well-crafted text can model strong writing for students.

Tags: Teaching

Word Study: Pairing Joy and Purpose with Pam Koutrakos 

July 27, 2023 Genevieve Arcovio, Literacy Trainer

Looking back at the recent Summer Literacy Institute at Lesley University, educator and author Pam Koutrakos discussed how to combine joy and purpose while teaching word study.

Tags: Teaching

Dr. Timothy Rasinski Speaks About the Art and Science of Teaching Reading 

July 26, 2023 Genevieve Arcovio, Literacy Trainer

Looking back at the recent Summer Literacy Institute at Lesley University, Dr. Timothy Rasinski spoke of how the teaching of reading is both a science and an art.

Tags: Teaching

Mentor Texts: Powerful Tools for Writing Instruction

July 10, 2023 Gen Arcovio, Literacy Trainer

Studying the craft of writers and considering how to use what they notice develops critical thinking, versatility, identity, and creativity.

Tags: Teaching

Fall 2023: 8-Week Online Graduate Courses

July 7, 2023 Fall 2023 Online Graduate Courses

By enrolling in an online graduate course, you have the flexibility to learn at your own pace.

We Are Writers: A Kindergarten Journey

June 22, 2023 Heather Rodman, Literacy Trainer

Literacy trainer Heather Rodman reflects on her conversations with a literacy coach in Ardsley Union Free School District, NY. Find out what contributed to these kindergarteners’ identity, agency, and independence as writers.

Tags: Teaching

Upcoming Professional Development

May 18 – July 12, 2026 (Summer Term I)

Shared Leadership for School Improvement

In this 8-week online course for coaches and teacher leaders, you’ll learn how to promote a culture of shared leadership that can energize school teams.

$2,730 ($875/credit + $35/credit comprehensive fee) - required texts not included
May 18 - July 12, 2026 (Summer Term I)

Phonics, Vocabulary, Spelling, and Word Study in Grades K-8

In this 8-week online graduate course for teachers, learn the importance of systematic instruction in vocabulary, spelling, and word analysis skills.

$2,730 ($875/credit + $35/credit comprehensive fee) - required texts not included
July 13 – September 6, 2026 (Summer Term II)

Effective Reading Instruction: Community & Practice, K-8

This 8-week, online course will teach the rationales and organizational components of classroom reading instruction. You will examine effective instructional practices and strategies to strengthen reading development for a wide range of readers, including multilingual learners.

$2,730 ($875/credit + $35/credit comprehensive fee) + required texts

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