Spelling: So Much More Than Memorization
Learn how to improve students’ spelling abilities by strengthening their word-solving skills.
No more test on Friday, misspell on Monday. During this 1-day workshop, you will learn about the multifaceted, frequently misunderstood concept of spelling and how you can teach for strong spelling skills.
- Classroom Teachers 1-6
- Interventionists/Specialists
- Literacy Coaches/Teacher Leaders
Join us for this one-day workshop that will transform the way you think about teaching spelling!
Research shows that memorizing spelling words isn’t enough. Spelling involves a complex process of using multiple sources of knowledge—phonology, morphology, orthography, and etymology—and applying that knowledge flexibly to accurately spell words.
You’ll gain practical strategies for teaching students how to study words and learn how to spark your students’ curiosity for spelling.
Topics Include:
- Knowledge and use of spelling patterns, morphology, orthography, and etymology
- Teaching students to be strategic in the ways they can solve words to spell accurately
- Assessment of children’s spelling skills, including error analysis and spelling surveys
- Ways to teach for and expand students’ spelling development
You’ll earn 5 clock hours for this training.
Cynthia Downend, Associate 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 primary level literacy trainer and currently as the Assistant Director for Primary Literacy Programs.
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.
Required Materials (mailed to you as part of registration)
- The Comprehensive Phonics, Spelling, and Word Study Guide, Second Edition
Cancellation Deadline & Refund Policies
You have until one week before the first day of this offering to cancel your registration. The cancellation deadline is Thursday, October 16, 2025. There is a $50 cancellation fee. If you request a cancellation after the deadline, you will not be issued a refund. Substitution requests are acceptable. Please email centerliteracyteaching@lesley.edu if you have a cancellation or substitution request.
Registration Deadline
The registration portal closes at 5pm ET on October 22, 2025. If you register within the week before the start of this training, you may experience delays in receiving the required professional text included with your registration and you may incur additional fees for expedited shipping.
Requirements for Participation
After the training, you will receive a certificate of attendance for your participation. To receive a complete certificate, participation during the specified times is required. Additional work may be assigned to meet the clock hours.
In-Person or Virtual Attendance
You may choose to attend this training in-person at Lesley University or virtually in real time. Should any of the conditions change and it is determined the training will be offered virtually only, you will be notified as soon as possible. We recommend that you contact us before reserving travel and lodging.
If you choose to attend in-person, the training room will have Lesley University’s HyFlex Classroom Technology to support an engaging learning environment for in-person and virtual participants. If you have questions about in-person or virtual attendance, please email us at centerliteracyteaching@lesley.edu.
On-Site Professional Development
We can deliver this training to your school/district. This option can be delivered virtually or in-person for a group within your school/district. For detailed costs, complete our online form to request this training for your school/district and we will contact you.
Interested in professional learning at your school or district? Schedule a meeting with one of our faculty trainers
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