Literacy Coaching Network
You Support Teachers. We Support You.
A professional learning subscription service for Literacy Coaches, Reading Specialists, and all educators who lead professional development.
Coaching can be rewarding—but it can also be isolating. The Literacy Coaching Network provides the ongoing support, practical ideas, and professional community you need to thrive in your role.
- Literacy Coaches & Teacher Leaders
The Literacy Coaching Network: Learn, Connect, Grow is a responsive professional learning community designed for literacy coaches, instructional coaches, literacy specialists, and other educators who lead the professional learning of colleagues.
Through personalized coaching support, monthly learning, and a growing library of practical resources, members gain strategies they can immediately apply to strengthen teacher practice, improve literacy instruction, and build their confidence as instructional leaders.
Membership Benefits
As a member of the Literacy Coaching Network, you will have access to the following services:
- “Phone a Coach” – Receive confidential one-on-one support from an experienced literacy trainer. Whether you’re navigating a coaching challenge, planning professional learning, or thinking through a difficult situation, you’ll have a trusted thought partner to help you move forward.
- Monthly Webinars – Participate in exclusive live webinars (with recordings available) focused on current literacy research, coaching practices, leadership, and emerging issues—all designed specifically for literacy coaches and teacher leaders.
- A Curated Resource Library – Access an expanding library of practical resources, including:
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- Instructional and coaching videos
- Pre-recorded professional learning webinars
- Downloadable coaching tools and guide sheets
- Resources to support teacher learning and instructional improvement
- An annotated bibliography of timely articles and professional texts
- Virtual Book Clubs – Expand your professional expertise through meaningful conversations through facilitated book studies.
- Connect with a community of experienced university trainers and literacy coaches to share ideas, solve problems, and learn from one another.
Cynthia Downend, Center Director
Cynthia (Cindy) Downend has worked at the Center for Literacy Teaching and Instructional Leadership for more than 19 years, serving in the roles of Primary Literacy Trainer, Associate Director of Primary Literacy Programs and currently serving as the Center’s Director.
Cindy has worked with school districts across the United States to train and develop district-level literacy staff developers, literacy coaches, classroom teachers, literacy interventionists, and school administrators. Her work focuses on a range of topics designed to improve literacy instruction and strengthen coaching practices.
Prior to her work at Lesley University, Cindy held positions as a literacy coach, reading interventionist, 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 Murphy has been a member of the Center for Literacy Teaching and Instructional Leadership for the past six years, serving as both an Intermediate Trainer and Associate Director of Literacy Programs.
Prior to joining the Center, Linda held a variety of leadership and instructional positions in New York school districts. Her experience includes serving as an intermediate school principal, Director of English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Reading, district trainer for Literacy Collaborative Intermediate, Reading Recovery Teacher Leader, and classroom teacher.
Linda holds certifications in Elementary Education and School District Administration and brings extensive expertise in literacy instruction, leadership development, and educator professional learning.
Wendy Vaulton, Associate Director of Reading Recovery and Early Interventions
Wendy Vaulton has worked at the Center for Literacy Teaching and Instructional Leadership for more than 12 years. As the Center’s Reading Recovery trainer, she supports the preparation and ongoing development of Reading Recovery teacher leaders across the northeastern United States.
Wendy brings extensive experience as an educator, researcher, and professional learning facilitator. Her work has included serving as a Reading Recovery teacher, conducting early childhood education research, and designing and leading professional development for teachers and school leaders across the country and internationally. She is particularly interested in supporting effective literacy instruction, teacher decision-making, and leadership development.
Heather Rodman, Literacy Trainer
Heather Rodman has been a Literacy Trainer at Lesley University’s Center for Literacy Teaching and Instructional Leadership for 12 years. As a former elementary classroom teacher and literacy coach, she brings 30 years of experience in literacy education, instructional coaching, and professional learning. Heather works with educators, literacy coaches, and school leaders to develop teacher expertise that leads to student success.
Nikki Drury, Literacy Trainer
Nikki worked as a literacy coach and teacher in public school for many years before joining the Center for Literacy Teaching and Instructional Leadership as an Intermediate Trainer. She has experience as a primary and intermediate classroom teacher and literacy instructional coach at the intermediate level. Over the years, she has worked with students, educators, and administrators to improve literacy outcomes.
The Literacy Coaching Network Subscription Service access begins September 1, 2026 with ongoing registration available beginning July 23, 2026.
Interested in professional learning at your school or district? Schedule a meeting with one of our faculty trainers.
The Effective Instructional Coach: Leading Growth, Navigating Challenges
This 4-day training is designed for all school-based coaches including instructional coaches and those who support literacy, math, science, social studies and/or technology. You’ll learn how to better understand your role and how to effectively coach teachers at your school.
Power Up Evidence-Based Reading Intervention with LLI
Maximize the power of LLI’s structured lessons to deliver evidence-based literacy instruction that accelerates learning for students who need additional support.
Small Group, Differentiated Reading Instruction in Grades K-8
In this 5-day institute for teachers and literacy educators, learn how to plan for and teach small group, differentiated reading instruction including focus lessons, guided reading, and book clubs. Meet every reader’s needs using evidence-based reading instruction in grades K-8.