Overview
Building the Foundation: Core Practices in Structured Literacy
Building the Foundation: Core Practices in Structured Literacy
Our newly updated Structured Literacy course is here! Redesigned with current research and expanded resources, this course has been thoughtfully reimagined and updated to better meet educators’ needs. With expanded content, new insights, a more flexible format, and coaching opportunities, this course continues our tradition of providing effective, research-aligned professional learning. This series is designed to highlight the foundational components of teaching students how to decode.
Course description
NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HOURS: 45
Strengthen your understanding of how students learn to read and how you can support every learner through this four-part, self-paced webinar series. Grounded in the Science of Reading, this interactive course introduces the essential components of structured literacy and connects research to practical classroom application.
The fall asynchronous course is to be completed during the designated timeframe beginning September 19th – December 19th. The coaching will be scheduled with your instructor on a coordinated date.
The spring asynchronous course is to be completed during the designated timeframe beginning January 23 – May 8, 2026. The coaching will be scheduled with your instructor on a coordinated date.
You’ll build foundational knowledge in:
- How the brain learns to read and the principles of structured literacy
- The language systems that support reading and writing
- Phonological and phonemic awareness
- The development of reading and spelling skills
- Phonics instruction, including syllable types and decoding strategies
Through a blend of recorded webinars, interactive practice, and curated resources, you’ll gain tools to enhance your instruction and deepen your confidence in supporting all readers. This course also includes opportunities for personalized feedback and virtual coaching to support implementation and deepen instructional impact.
Topics Covered:
- Topic One: Introduction to Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading
- Topic Two: Phonological and Phonemic Awareness
- Topic Three: Reading and Spelling Development
- Topic Four: Phonics and Syllable Types
You can opt to earn three graduate credits for this course.
This series is for all educators and administrators who would like to grow or refine their knowledge of foundational reading skills and how students learn to read. The course content, activities, and strategies are applicable for educators and administrators working in grades K-5, or who support striving adolescent readers in grades 6-12.
As part of the course, participants will record and submit 3–5 instructional videos using a secure online platform called GoReact. These videos serve as a foundation for reflection and feedback, allowing you to closely examine your teaching practices in action. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to schedule a personalized, one-on-one coaching session with a member of our expert team. This session offers dedicated time to receive targeted, actionable support tailored to your unique instructional context and student needs. During coaching sessions, you can:
- Discuss specific literacy challenges you’re seeing with your students
- Receive feedback on your developing lesson plan, instructional strategies, and submitted video(s)
- Review student work samples or course materials to inform next steps
- Explore ways to adapt course strategies for your grade level, content area, or learner population
- Ask questions, troubleshoot implementation barriers, and reflect on your learning
Your submitted videos will help guide the conversation, enabling your coach to provide more personalized support and practical next steps that are directly relevant to your classroom.
Dates
Fall:
Sept. 19 -Dec. 19
Registration closes Sept. 4
Spring:
Jan. 23-May 8
Registration closes Jan. 9
Course Number(s)
1598
Location and Format
Cost
$1,220
This course is being offered at a discounted cost to participants made possible by the generosity of the Hoehl Family Foundation, in honor of Cynthia K Hoehl’s vision of teachers as lifelong learners.
Grade Level
Audience
Graduate Credit
Leigh Buettler, M.S.Ed.
Director of Professional Learning
Monica Crumback, B.A., SLDI
Structured Literacy Coach
Elizabeth Keenan, M.Ed.
Structured Literacy Coach
Kendra Totman Padilla, M.Ed.
Structured Literacy Coach
What Teachers Have to Say
Meet the Instructor(s)
Leigh Buettler, M.S.Ed.
Director of Professional Learning
Leigh Buettler has been in the educational field for over fifteen years, beginning work as an adjunct lecturer at SUNY at Albany in the Women’s Studies department, where she also earned a B.A. and M.A. in the same field. In 2009, Leigh was accepted into the Teach for America NYC Corps, where Leigh taught middle […]
Monica Crumback, B.A., SLDI
Structured Literacy Coach
Monica Crumback has more than a decade of experience working with students, families, and educators as an Orton-Gillingham tutor, mentor, trainer, coach, presenter, and curriculum and instruction manager. She received her initial-level training at the Children’s Dyslexia Center of West Michigan and has since gained extensive experience working with students diagnosed with dyslexia as well […]
Elizabeth Keenan, M.Ed.
Structured Literacy Coach
Elizabeth Keenan (she/her), M.Ed., Associate/OGA, is a Structured Literacy Coach for Lead to Read and provides consulting services to schools around Vermont. She holds a Special Educator (K-age 21) teaching license in Vermont, and is certified at the Associate level from the Orton-Gillingham Academy. Prior to joining the Stern Center in 2020, Elizabeth established Keenan […]
Kendra Totman Padilla, M.Ed.
Structured Literacy Coach
Kendra entered the field of education after earning her undergraduate degree in psychology from Williams College. She spent her early career teaching outdoor, environmental, and after-school education to students in multiple states across the country.
Supporting Teachers
Hoehl Institute for Professional Learning
The Cynthia K. Hoehl Institute for Excellence provides high-quality professional learning to educators. Learn more about Cynthia K. Hoehl, whose vision as an educator inspired a powerful legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terms and conditions are there for professional learning registrations?
Please read the terms and conditions for our courses and workshops and contact us if you have any questions.
How do I register?
- If the course or workshop you’re interested in is on our website, please visit the course or workshop’s page and follow the link to access our online registration form. Complete the form by doing the following:
- Indicate whether you will pay with a credit card or a Purchase Order (PO).
- Fill out the participant information and workshop information sections.
- Read the Terms and Conditions and check the box to confirm your agreement.
- Click “Next”
- If you are paying with a PO:
- Please verify that your PO is complete.
- Upload the signed PO when prompted through the registration process. If you have questions please email: proflearning@sterncenter.org.
- Click “Next.”
- Your information will be sent to us to review. In 1–2 business days, we will confirm your registration by sending you an email with “Registration Confirmation” in the subject line.
- If you are paying with a credit card:
- Click “Continue.”
- On the Payment Method screen Click “Pay with Credit Card” to continue to Authorize.net.
- Enter your credit card information and click “Pay now” to complete your credit card transaction.
- Your information will be sent to us to review. In 1–2 business days, we will confirm your registration by sending you an email with “Registration Confirmation” in the subject line.
- If the course or workshop you’re interested in is not listed on our website, please contact us to learn more.
I’m considering taking a course for graduate credit. How long do I have to decide?
Graduate Credit Policy
Vermont State University (VtSU): If you are registering for a course that offers graduate credit from VTSU, you may add graduate credit up to and including the first day of class.
Graduate Credit Withdrawal Policy: For classes running consecutive days, participants who withdraw must decide by the end of the first day whether to request a graduate credit refund. To request a refund, email the Professional Learning Intake Coordinator at proflearning@sterncenter.org or by phone at 802-276-8684.
My school said they would register me. Do I need to do anything else?
Please confirm with your school that they have completed all the necessary steps to register you. Please do not plan to attend the class without verifying that you are registered, as we may be unable to accommodate you due to limited seating. If you are officially registered, you will receive a Registration Confirmation email. If you do not receive a Registration Confirmation email, please check with your school.
What is a purchase order or PO?
- A purchase order (PO) is a document from your school or district stating that they will pay a certain amount for you to attend a course or workshop. A PO allows us to invoice your school or district for your attendance.
- A PO might look something like this.
- A PO is not a number. Please supply the complete document to register, not just the PO number.
How do I register with a purchase order?
You’ll need to complete a purchase order (PO) before you register. Make sure your PO fulfills the following:
- The PO is issued to “Stern Center for Language and Learning.”
- The unit price is for the total cost (if your school or district pays for only part of the total cost, please email us at proflearning@sterncenter.org.
- The PO is signed by an authorized party at your school or district.
- Upload your PO as part of the registration process.
Can you invoice my school or district so they can make a PO?
Unfortunately no. We cannot submit invoices without first receiving a PO.
My school/district/I sent you a PO. Why am I not registered?
Ensure you have also completed and submitted a registration form and your PO. Without both documents, we cannot register you.
Make sure you sent us a copy of the PO itself and not just a PO number or a letter of intent from your school or district. We cannot invoice either of these items without the PO document itself.
Please get in touch with us if you haven’t received confirmation of your registration 1–2 business days after you submitted a completed PO and the registration information form. We may have missed one of these documents and would appreciate your letting us know to look for them.
My school or district won’t cover the total cost of a course or workshop. How can I complete my registration?
If your school or district is paying for only part of the total cost, please get in touch with us by calling 802-276-8684 or emailing proflearning@sterncenter.org. To complete your registration, you must send the remaining balance by check or credit card payment.
How do I pay for graduate credit?
Please make all payments to the Stern Center for Language and Learning. We’ll handle the rest!
If you are worried about the course or workshop filling up, you can pay with a credit card or check while you wait for your PO to be completed. Please check with your school or district before doing this to make sure you can be reimbursed when the PO is completed.
If paying for the course out-of-pocket isn’t an option for you, please get in touch with us.
My school or district is still working on my PO. Can I still register?
We’re sorry, but we cannot accept registrations without proof or payment or proof of intent to pay (such as a completed PO).
Can I still take a course if I need to miss one or more days?
All participants must be prepared for and attend every class and be ready to participate as required by the instructor.
If that is not possible for you, please get in touch with us before registering. You may still be able to take the course in some instances, but such decisions are at the course instructor’s discretion. Please refer to our Attendance & Participation Policy.
Can I audit a course or workshop?
Auditing our public offerings is not available. All attendees must register, pay tuition, and follow the attendance and participation policy.
Do I need to register with Wilson® after I enroll in the course or workshop with the Stern Center?
If you wish to receive a certificate of attendance, access additional resources, and register for graduate credit (when available), you will need to pre-register with Wilson. These resources and materials are only available through Wilson.
Our Reach by the Numbers
2,500+
Teachers Served Every Year
When a teacher takes one of our courses, the positive impact ripples beyond one life, spreading through an entire classroom, school, and community.
Our Reach by the Numbers
10,901+
Student Services Hours This Year
We offer one-on-one teaching that transforms lives, lifts up voices, and inspires learners to bring forth their unique gifts to a world that awaits them.
Our Reach by the Numbers
415+
Schools Served This Year
We celebrate the dedication of our school partners and share their commitment to a brighter future for all learners.
Our Reach by the Numbers
39
States and Counting
We’re a national leader in language and literacy. Our impact currently extends across 39 states and several countries through the thousands of educators we reach and students we serve.
Keep Learning
Resources for Teachers
Explore evidence-based resources for teaching structured literacy, Orton-Gillingham, SEL, and more.
Teachers Making Change
We celebrate the dedication of our fellow educators and share their commitment
to helping every learner grow and thrive.
Course & Registration FAQs
Do you have questions about course registration, credits, grants, or anything else? Find your answers here!
Get in Touch!
For questions about courses and workshops, email proflearning@sterncenter.org, call 802-878-2332, or fill out the form below.
