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Welcome to Our Blog

Engaging Hearts and Minds Through Purposeful Talk

September 14, 2022 Maria Nichols, Author & Consultant

Create conditions and supports for engaging hearts and minds in ways that build depth of meaning making, compassion, and critical process for all students, including our youngest learners.

Tags: Teaching

Focus on Phonics: Five Tips for a Successful Beginning with Phonics, Spelling and Word Study Lessons

September 2, 2022 Cindy Downend, Associate Director of Literacy Programs

Daily systematic explicit phonics instruction is essential for students to learn how to read effectively. Consider these five pointers for organizing your time and materials from the Fountas & Pinnell Phonics, Spelling, and Word Study Systems.

Tags: Teaching

Open Windows, Open Minds: Let’s Not Close the Pools Again

August 23, 2022 Afrika Afeni Mills, Author & Education Consultant

Every educator in the United States must be prepared to engage in their own racial healing work and face challenges without fear, for the lives of their students.

Setting up the Classroom Library for Optimizing Student Choice and Engagement

August 5, 2022 Genevieve Arcovio, Literacy Trainer

The classroom library can become the heart of the classroom. Here are a few tips to optimize your students’ engagement and ease in choosing books.

Summer 2022: Online Graduate Courses

April 19, 2022 Summer 2022 Online Graduate Courses

Make the most of your summer and take your career to the next level!

Tags: Latest News

Inquiry as a Stance for All Literacy Educators: Teaching Reading Like a Scientist

April 15, 2022 Irene Fountas, Center Director

Take the stance of a scientist and notice, respond and refine your instruction through systematic observation based on evidence.

Tags: Teaching

Summer 2022: Professional Development for Literacy Educators and School Leaders

March 24, 2022 Center News

Make the most of your summer! Check out these literacy professional development opportunities.

Tags: Latest News

Assessment as the Gateway to Responsive Literacy Teaching

December 21, 2021 Irene Fountas, Director

Responsive teaching always begins with the effective assessment of each learner’s unique profile.

Lead for Literacy: Your Moment is Now

December 10, 2021 Irene Fountas, Center Director

A sneak peek into Irene Fountas & Gay Su Pinnell’s new professional book, Leading for Literacy; What Every School Leader Needs to Know.

Spring 2022: Online Graduate Courses

November 5, 2021 Spring 2021 Online Graduate Courses

Take your career to the next level, whether you are working in a remote setting or socially-distanced classroom!

Tags: Latest News

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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