We’re excited you’ll be joining us for these upcoming professional learning opportunities! June 9th sessions are available exclusively to registered participants of the Language and Literacy Symposium. From June 10th –12th, all registrants of the Embracing Literacy: Soaring with Language and Literacy Conference are welcome to attend a wide range of engaging sessions designed to elevate language and literacy practices across our communities.
We look forward to learning and growing together!
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Introduction: This presentation will explore how schools and districts can strategically utilize staff members who are Science of Reading (SoR) leaders to improve literacy instruction and student outcomes. Participants will learn how to leverage these leaders as instructional coaches, professional development facilitators, and collaborative team members to support teachers in implementing evidence-based reading practices. The session will also highlight ways to create sustainable systems that empower SoR leaders to drive long-term literacy success.
Objectives: 1. Understand the Role of Science of Reading Leaders – Define key responsibilities and best practices for SoR leaders within a school or district. 2. Learn Effective Coaching & Mentorship Strategies – Explore how SoR leaders can support teachers through modeling, feedback, and collaborative planning. 3. Develop a Plan for Professional Development – Identify ways to integrate SoR leaders into structured, ongoing literacy training for staff. 4. Create Systems for Sustainability – Learn how to build a culture of literacy excellence by embedding SoR leadership into school-wide and district-wide initiatives. 5. Maximize Impact on Student Learning – Discover data-driven approaches to measure the effectiveness of SoR leadership and adjust strategies as needed.
Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice
What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?
This session will explore how integrating peer observations into a multifaceted approach to professional learning can sustain teacher engagement and foster a culture of continuous growth within school districts. Using one district's journey to enhance small group reading instruction aligned with evidence-based practices and the science of reading, we’ll demonstrate how peer observations can improve instructional efficacy, empower teachers, and drive lasting change. Through interactive activities—such as a case study discussion, insights from a district leader, building principal, literacy coach, and teacher shared via recorded video, and hands-on application to one’s own district—attendees will gain actionable strategies for implementing peer observations. Participants will also receive practical tools and a planning guide to help develop their next steps for creating sustainable, impactful professional learning that cultivates ongoing growth. This session is designed for educators and leaders seeking to strengthen their professional learning culture and maintain momentum beyond the initial stages of implementation.
Objectives:
1: Examine the characteristics, structures, and research behind peer observations as a tool for professional learning. 2: Explore how structured peer observations can improve small group reading instruction aligned with evidence-based instructional practices and the science of reading while fostering a culture of continuous growth. 3: Investigate how administrators and coaches can design and support peer observation programs that reflect a shared vision of effective practice and are integrated into a multifaceted, ongoing approach to professional learning. 4: Gain insights into the challenges and successes of peer observations, focusing on the goals of self-efficacy, non-evaluative feedback, and collaboration. 5: Leave with actionable strategies to launch or refine peer observation programs in one’s own district.
Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice
What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?
