Overview
Foundations of Reading Webinar Series
Structured Literacy Series: Focus on the Foundations
A Four-Part Webinar Series
What is Structured Literacy? In this asynchronous, self-paced interactive webinar series, you will learn the basics of structured literacy, with an emphasis on foundational word recognition skills. After completion of this training you will understand: what the ‘Science of Reading’ refers to, foundational frameworks, the difference between structured literacy and less effective instructional practices, and ways to shift your instruction to better align with what research tells us about how students learn to read.
Who is this course for?
This asynchronous, self-paced interactive webinar series is for classroom teachers, special educators, reading specialists, literacy coaches, private tutors, parents, and interventionists. This series is ideal for educators working with students in grades K-3, educators who want to build a deeper understanding of the ways our English language works, and educators working with older students who need continued instruction for foundational reading skills.
Course description
Dive into the latest research and learn how structured literacy practices can meet the needs of all of your students. This four-part pre-recorded interactive webinar series will equip you with foundational knowledge to understand:
- The “reading brain” and core principles behind how we learn to read.
- The language systems involved in reading and writing.
- Phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, and phonics
- The development of reading and spelling skills
You’ll learn and practice strategies that will demonstrate your deepened understanding of the above and that will enhance your instruction, as well as build confidence in your ability to support your students’ literacy progress. Along with the recorded webinars, you will have opportunities to explore resources and tools to continue your learning.
Topic One: Introduction to Structured Literacy/Science of Reading
Topic Two: Phonological and Phonemic Awareness
Topic Three: Reading and Spelling Development
Topic Four: Phonics and Syllable Types
NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING HOURS
10 hours
Dates
On-demand
Course Number(s)
1487
Location and Format
Cost
$300
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
Leigh Buettler, M.S.Ed.
Director of Professional Learning
Elizabeth Keenan, M.Ed.
Structured Literacy Coach
Monica Crumback, B.A., SLDI
Structured Literacy Coach
Cassie Budzilek, M.A. CCC-SLP
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Cassie Budzilek, M.A. CCC-SLP
Structured Literacy Coach
Cassie has been in the field of education for over 25 years as a speech-language pathologist and educational consultant. She earned both her B.A. and M.A. in Communication Disorders at the University of Pittsburgh, and Certificate of Competency in Autism Spectrum Disorders from Penn State University. Cassie holds an ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence and […]
Supporting Teachers
Grants for Professional Learning
The Cynthia K. Hoehl Institute for Excellence awards grants to individual educators and school cohorts seeking better outcomes for students through our programs. 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
1,800+
Teachers Served This 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.
