For Schools
Structured Literacy Training and Coaching
Targeted Structured Literacy Training and Coaching
Our professional learning workshops and coaching services give educators the foundation, understanding, and support to implement structured literacy practices to meet the literacy needs of every student. A customizable partnership with the Stern Center for Language and Learning will help to strengthen your school’s multi-tiered system of support for literacy instruction through:
Professional Learning
Job-embedded, online professional learning that supports teachers in ensuring every student’s right to read.
Effective Instruction
A focus on evidence-based instructional practices that support all students in becoming proficient readers and writers.
Supportive Coaches
Coaching from structured literacy mentors who support teachers in a variety of roles—flexibly, thoughtfully, and in real time.
Informative Data
Data-informed discussions support instructional decisions and foster successful student outcomes.
Essential Literacy Knowledge
Participants in a school partnership learn about literacy practices grounded in the most recent research by building knowledge of how our brains actually learn to read. Teachers can participate in synchronous and asynchronous activities to apply their learning into practice. Our interactive virtual workshops center participant engagement with built-in time for reflection and collaboration, and provide tools, resources, and strategies that participants can put into practice as soon as the next day.
Structured Literacy Coaching
Our coaching helps teachers apply Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading in their practice. We focus on practical strategies for immediate use, with optional video recordings for self-reflection and feedback. These videos help identify strengths and areas for growth, supporting teacher development and improving student outcomes. Coaches help teachers leverage, build, and extend their knowledge and experience. Coaching is individualized and helps facilitate progress and change through collaboration and dialogue. Our coaching services are non-evaluative, confidential, supportive and tailored to fit the needs of each participant.
Data-Informed Discussions
To improve literacy for their students, schools need valid and reliable assessment data, and informal measures of student performance, as these work together to inform plans and shape progress. We support schools that are focused on literacy gains by convening and facilitating discussions that get to the heart of what we can learn from student, cohort, and school-wide data.
Professional Learning Pathways
With our coaching options, educators receive personalized support to help deepen their understanding, address specific challenges, and refine their teaching practice.
All teachers deserve support and guidance.
Coaching can be the missing link between knowledge and practice. Research shows that coaching, practice, and feedback are what drive change in classrooms and build capacity in systems. Stern Center coaches help teachers focus on applying their knowledge to practice and discuss activities, strategies, and methods participants can use the next day. We work to ensure our coaching is targeted to help transform teacher practice and student outcomes.
Our Coaching Model
Identify & Explore
Coaches and educators collaborate to identify instructional needs and explore innovative strategies.
Learn & Apply
Educators measure the impact of their learning and application of new strategies through specific student outcomes.
Improve & Adapt
Educators and coaches refine strategies based on data, ensuring continuous improvement in student outcomes.
Flexible and Convenient
We know the fast-paced nature of schools and classrooms. Teachers and leaders schedule virtual sessions with coaches when it works best in their day, whether that’s during school hours or outside of them. Our flexibility ensures that coaching participants have the space to deeply reflect and engage with the coaching cycle.
Individualized
Stern Center coaches account for individual differences and help facilitate progress and change through dialogue. We are non-evaluative and work to ensure each coaching session is individualized. Our coaching services include:
- Access to coaches between sessions
- Analysis of student work
- Analysis of assessment data and next steps
- Reflection and feedback on submitted videos
- Lesson planning support and guidance
- Guiding participants when working through “problems of practice”
- Facilitating dialogue between colleagues
- Sharing best practices and evidence-based resources aligned to the Science of Reading
Transformative Change
If desired, participants can film themselves teaching a lesson or portion of lesson, watching and reflecting on their video, sharing their video and reflections with their coach, and receiving feedback. Although recording and watching yourself on video can be uncomfortable, research has shown over and over again that using video is a proven way to support teacher growth and development, and improve student achievement. Videos are a powerful transformational tool and allow participants to pinpoint areas of strengths and areas of growth, and receive support in all areas.
Meet the Structured Literacy Coaches
What Teachers Have to Say
What Makes Our Approach Different
We specialize in working within a school’s existing culture and literacy curriculum to design a professional learning plan tailored to each school’s unique needs. The plan could, for example, help teachers develop a common vocabulary for literacy, update educators’ conceptual knowledge based on neuroscience research that is directly relevant to instruction, and refine teachers’ skills in interpreting assessment data, designing lessons, and delivering effective instruction.
Teachers trust our expertise and count on our support
Our team includes professionals with experience in school administration, Special Education, reading research, classroom literacy instruction, structured literacy, dyselxic readers, Orton-Gillingham, and social-emotional learning. This depth of experience supports the development of a customized model for each of our school and district partners.
We’re practical and flexible
The Stern Center’s school partnerships are based on what works for educators in a specific setting: yours. Leaders appreciate the chance to think with us, plan with us, and evolve with us. For-profit, one-size-fits-all commitments don’t square with our values as educators, so you can be confident that our nonprofit mission and commitment to sustaining shared goals over the long-term guides everything we do.
Supporting Schools
Reducing Costs of Professional Learning
The Cynthia K. Hoehl Institute for Excellence reduced costs for 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
Can I pick and choose training and coaching elements?
Yes, we offer highly customizable professional learning, and will work with you to tailor a plan that is right for your educators. We do highly recommend our coaching services, since practice and feedback are so essential to instructional success and effective student support.
How does Structured Literacy training differ from Orton-Gillingham training?
The Stern Center’s Orton-Gillingham Institute and our Structured Literacy professional learning services are all solidly based in the Science of Reading. Orton-Gillingham is generally considered a more intensive introduction to the structure of the English language and provides formal levels of certification. Our other Structured Literacy training is broad, flexible, and customizable.
Is your training and coaching based on the Science of Reading?
Yes, all of our Structured Literacy training and coaching is grounded in evidence-based practices and the Science of Reading.
Our Reach by the Numbers
2,250+
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
13,891+
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
94%
of Vermont School Districts Served
We celebrate the dedication of our school partners and share their commitment to a brighter future for all learners.
Our Reach by the Numbers
37
States and Counting
We’re a national leader in language and literacy. Our impact currently extends across 37 states and 9 countries through the thousands of educators we reach and students we serve.
Keep Learning
Resources for Schools
Explore evidence-based resources for teaching structured literacy, social-emotional learning, and more.
Schools Making Change
We celebrate the dedication of our fellow educators and share their commitment to helping every learner grow and thrive.
Courses & Workshops
We partner with school leaders to provide transformative training and coaching for teachers.
