Professional Development
Courses & Workshops for Teachers
When Teachers Grow, Students Grow
Our courses and workshops empower teachers with the latest research and effective practices to improve learning outcomes for all students.
Through our Cynthia K. Hoehl Institute for Excellence, we award grants to teachers seeking to deepen their knowledge through professional learning.
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Programs and Courses
Powerful, Practical Learning
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Read Vermont Professional Learning Facilitated Workshop Series
The Stern Center for Language and Learning welcomes Vermont teachers and education leaders to Read Vermont’s facilitated, interactive Professional Learning Workshops.
Literacy Courses | Online, Synchronous, Workshop
Session 1: Nov. 13, 2024
Session 2: Dec. 11, 2024
Session 3: Jan. 8, 2025
Fundations®
Wilson Fundations® uses a research-based approach and teacher-friendly materials to set teachers and students up for success. Fundations® ensures that K–3 educators have everything they need to teach with a carefully-structured reading and spelling curriculum using multisensory techniques.
Wilson Language Training Courses | Online, Synchronous, Workshop
One-Day Fundations® Workshop:
2024
Level 3: Dec. 6 (Closed)
2025
Level K: Mar. 28
Level 1: Apr. 24
Level 2: Apr. 25
Level 3: May 2
If a workshop shows “closed” please contact jconant@sterncenter.org to check on availability.
Reading and Writing Assessments Course
This interactive course focuses on issues related to the assessment of reading, spelling, and writing—including identifying early signs of trouble, diagnosing dyslexia and dysgraphia, and communicating test results to parents and other educators.
Assessments & Evaluation Courses, Literacy Courses | Course, Online, Synchronous
Jan. 7 | Jan. 21 | Jan. 28 | Feb. 11 | Feb. 18 | Mar. 4 | Mar. 11 | Mar. 18 | Apr. 1 | Apr. 15
Introduction to Orton-Gillingham for Upper Grades
The Orton-Gillingham (OG) Approach is the underlying foundation of all multisensory, structured literacy instruction. You will gain a basic understanding of the OG Approach and learn how to design integrated reading and spelling lessons for grades 3-12. You will leave class with a detailed guide for teaching suffixes, prefixes, Greek, and Latin roots. This interactive online course will cover the structure of the English language and how to teach it sequentially.
Orton-Gillingham Training Courses | Course, Online, Synchronous
Jan. 10 | 8:00 AM–3:30 PM EST
Jan. 24 | 8:00 AM–3:30 PM EST
Feb. 7 | 8:00 AM–3:30 PM EST
March 7 | 8:00 AM–3:30 PM EST
March 28 | 8:00 AM–3:30 PM EST
April 11 | 12:30–3:30 PM EST
Reading and the Brain
This interactive course is designed for the Orton-Gillingham (OG) or Structured Literacy (SL) educator who already has a basic understanding of the structure of the English language and wishes to learn more about the neuroscience of reading. You will leave with an in-depth understanding of phonemic proficiency, phonology, reading and spelling development, reading fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and sentence structure. You will learn practical strategies you can immediately implement.
Orton-Gillingham Training Courses | Course, Online, Synchronous
Jan. 14 | Jan. 30 | Feb. 13 | Mar. 13 | Apr. 10 | May 8
Contact Jo-Anne at jconant@sterncenter.org if you want to be placed on the waiting list.
Updated Approaches for Neurodiversity-affirming Social Cognition
No two brains are the same. All great minds learn differently, yet we all live in the same world. This interactive workshop focuses on how to teach social cognition skills within a neurodiversity-affirming framework. You will leave with tools and strategies you can apply as soon as the next day.
Social-Emotional Learning Courses | Online, Synchronous, Webinar
Feb. 4
Registration closes Jan. 28
Orton-Gillingham: Focus on Morphology
The English language morphophonological. Teachers need to feel confident teaching phonics and morphology to help students understand the complexities of our language. When students understand morphology, their word identification, reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, and written expression improve. Join this one-day workshop, geared for teachers in grades 3 and up, to learn about morphology ranging from the most basic prefixes and suffixes to Latin and Greek combining forms.
Orton-Gillingham Training Courses | Online, Synchronous, Workshop
Feb. 4
Registration closes January 30, 2025
Improving School Initiatives with Systems Thinking
Change isn’t easy in schools and districts, especially since the pandemic. Yet, change is what we need if we seek high levels of learning for all students and we seek a workforce that is engaged, satisfied, and consistent. In this interactive two-part workshop series, you will learn how to apply systems thinking to a school or district initiative in order to increase the likelihood of success. You’ll bring an initiative to the course and apply the knowledge you gain to your initiative. You will receive feedback about your initiative and make improvements to your plans. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of systems thinking and change theory.
| Online, Synchronous, Workshop
March 5th & March 26th 2025
New! Fundations® Level Pre-K Launch Workshop
Fundations® Pre-K supports students’ emerging understanding of the alphabetic principles of letter-sound associations and alphabetical order, and the written language skill of manuscript letter formation. Skills taught and practiced in Fundations® Pre-K include: letter-sound knowledge; forming key linkages between letter names, formations, and sounds; the alphabetic principle; alphabetic order; and letter formation and handwriting.
Wilson Language Training Courses | Online, Synchronous, Workshop
Mar. 24, 2025
Wilson Reading System® Introductory Course
This course provides participants with an overview of the Wilson Reading System® (WRS) 4th Edition curriculum and serves as the prerequisite for WRS Level I Certification. Over three consecutive days (16.5 hours), this course examines how WRS addresses the teaching of phonemic awareness, word identification, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension through an integrated study of phonology, morphology, and orthography with students in grade two and above with persistent phonological coding deficits.
Wilson Language Training Courses | Online, Synchronous, Workshop
Mar. 25-27, 2025
Just Words® Virtual Launch Workshop
Just Words ® is a highly explicit, multisensory decoding and spelling program for students in grades 4–12 and adults who have mild to moderate gaps in their decoding and spelling proficiency but do not require intensive intervention. The program is designed for students with below-average decoding and spelling scores and should be combined with other literature-rich programs.
Wilson Language Training Courses | Online, Synchronous, Workshop
May 8
Comprehensive Reading Evaluations
Reading comprehension is not easily quantified, and it can be difficult to separate out the factors that support readers in their efforts to make meaning from text. This workshop will focus on the components of a comprehensive reading evaluation and how a well-designed assessment can provide instructors with targeted instructional responses to student needs.
Assessments & Evaluation Courses | Online, Synchronous, Workshop
Reading Comprehension and Executive Functioning
Teaching reading is rocket science! What are the inner workings of the mind, and how do they enable reading comprehension? Participants will learn about the processes that comprise executive function, how they are measured, and how they relate to reading comprehension and instruction.
Assessments & Evaluation Courses, Literacy Courses | Online, Synchronous, Workshop
May 20 | 3:30–6:00 PM EST
Fluency: Linking Assessment to Instruction Webinar
There is a wide variety of tools to assess fluency, from word-level automaticity tests to silent reading measures. However, choosing the right assessment is crucial. This on-demand webinar equips you to evaluate reading fluency assessments, make informed decisions, and compare assessment types.
Assessments & Evaluation Courses, Literacy Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Webinar
On-demand
OG on the GO
Teach from anywhere in the world! OG on the GO will enable Orton-Gillingham (OG) and Structured Literacy (SL) teachers to learn engaging, multisensory strategies that complement each component of an Orton-Gillingham lesson plan. You will learn simple, effective methods for interactive instruction in a virtual setting and explore useful digital resources. Less is more when it comes to technology.
Orton-Gillingham Training Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Webinar
On-Demand
Orton-Gillingham: Diagnostic Assessment Workshop Series
Do you want to build a deeper understanding of the developmental progression of reading skills and know how to link assessment to instruction? This workshop series explores how to administer a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, how to analyze the results, and how to use an Orton-Gillingham scope and sequence to meet the needs of your learners.
Assessments & Evaluation Courses, Orton-Gillingham Training Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Synchronous, Workshop
2024
Aug. 5 | On-demand Recording
Nov. 11 | 12:30–3:30 PM EST
2025
Jan. 13 | 12:30–3:30 PM EST
Registration Closes November 1
Around the Block: Navigating OG and Your K-4 Literacy Block
Having a hard time fitting in all your literacy instruction? This workshop will enable you to make the most of your literacy block by balancing whole group and small group instructional time. You will learn how to maintain a perky pace to keep students engaged, as well as planning targeted small group activities. This workshop will cover progress monitoring, class-wide mastery criteria, and how to provide cumulative review as you progress through the Scope & Sequence.
Orton-Gillingham Training Courses | Online, Synchronous, Workshop
Oct. 10, 2024 | Jan. 21, 2025
An asynchronous version of this training will be available at the end of January and open for registration.
Introduction to Orton-Gillingham: Classroom Educator K-2: 2025
The Orton-Gillingham (OG) Approach is the underlying foundation of all multisensory, structured literacy instruction. This course provides an overview of the structure of the English language and how to teach it sequentially and systematically. It covers teaching the OG lesson in K–2 classrooms and meets the coursework requirements for Orton-Gillingham Academy Classroom Educator Level.
Orton-Gillingham Training Courses | Course, Online, Synchronous
2025:
June 20 | June 23 | June 25 | June 27 | June 30 | July 2
Beyond the Fundamentals: Building Critical Readers
Transform yourself and your classroom by taking your knowledge of Structured Literacy beyond the fundamentals. Our Structured Literacy Collaborative II will equip you with the tools and expertise of everything that goes into language comprehension, including syntax, sentence comprehension, and grammar; vocabulary; fluency; and morphology and etymology.
Literacy Courses | Course, Online, Synchronous
Whole Group Meetings
- Sept. 26, 2024
- Nov. 21, 2024
- Jan. 30, 2025
- March 20, 2025
- May 22, 2025
Coaching Meetings: To be determined
Putting Adolescent Literacy in Focus
Not every student is ready to read to learn by the fourth grade. In this course, you will have the opportunity to dive into those areas of adolescent literacy that are most relevant to supporting the success of your adolescent students. Additionally, each of the three parts includes practical suggestions for better understanding and addressing the needs of older struggling readers.
Assessments & Evaluation Courses, Literacy Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Synchronous
Course access begins:
Oct. 14
Registration closes:
Oct. 7
See full description for coaching options.
Free! Vermont Literacy Leadership Live Webinar Series
This free three-part live webinar series is specifically designed for superintendents, curriculum directors, special education directors, principals, and literacy coaches in their efforts to lead their districts and schools in implementing new reading legislation.
Literacy Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Webinar
Basic Reading: Case Studies Webinar
Target your teaching with data-driven insights. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to analyze student data, identify strengths and weaknesses, and tailor your teaching accordingly. Watch Dr. Melissa Farrall demonstrate effective case study analysis by focusing on basic reading skills.
Assessments & Evaluation Courses, Literacy Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Workshop
Reading Comprehension: Case Studies Webinar
Target your teaching with data-driven insights. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to analyze student data, identify strengths and weaknesses, and tailor your teaching accordingly. Watch Dr. Melissa Farrall demonstrate effective case study analysis by focusing on reading comprehension.
Assessments & Evaluation Courses, Literacy Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Workshop
Reading Fluency: Case Studies Webinar
Target your teaching with data-driven insights. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to analyze student data, identify strengths and weaknesses, and tailor your teaching accordingly. Watch Dr. Melissa Farrall demonstrate effective case study analysis by focusing on reading fluency skills.
Assessments & Evaluation Courses, Literacy Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Workshop
Listening Comprehension and Oral Expression: Case Studies Webinar
Target your teaching with data-driven insights. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to analyze student data, identify strengths and weaknesses, and tailor your teaching accordingly. Watch Dr. Melissa Farrall demonstrate effective case study analysis by focusing on listening comprehension and oral expression.
Assessments & Evaluation Courses, Literacy Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Workshop
Math Reasoning and Computation: Case Studies Webinar
Target your teaching with data-driven insights. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to analyze student data, identify strengths and weaknesses, and tailor your teaching accordingly. Watch Dr. Melissa Farrall demonstrate effective case study analysis by focusing on mathematical reasoning and computation.
Assessments & Evaluation Courses, Literacy Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Workshop
Written Expression: Case Studies Webinar
Target your teaching with data-driven insights. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to assess student strengths and areas of need, determine appropriate interventions, link assessment data to instruction, and identify targeted responses grounded in evidence-based strategies. Watch as Dr. Melissa Farrall demonstrates effective case study analysis by focusing on written expression.
Assessments & Evaluation Courses, Literacy Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Workshop
What About Writing? Webinar Series
This asynchronous, self-paced webinar series helps educators build a thorough understanding of the science of writing and how to implement evidence-based techniques and activities into their writing instruction. This series focuses on the most current research on writing, theoretical models that underpin updated understandings of the factors that enable skilled writing, and best practices for writing instruction.
Literacy Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Webinar
On-demand
Spelling Rules Interactive Webinar
Are you curious about why and how we spell certain words in our English language? Would you like to feel more confident in answering students’ questions and explicitly teaching spelling rules to students? This asynchronous webinar will give you the knowledge and confidence to help your students master four short vowel spelling patterns and three suffix-adding rules.
Literacy Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Webinar
On-demand
Language Comprehension Webinar Series
This five-part asynchronous, self-paced interactive webinar series goes beyond basic word recognition skills and addresses all that goes into reading comprehension, including syntax, sentence comprehension, and grammar; vocabulary; fluency; and morphology and etymology.
Literacy Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Webinar
On-demand
Foundations of Reading 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.
Literacy Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Webinar
On-demand
Orton-Gillingham Update & Refresh
This webinar is designed to review and update your knowledge of the Orton-Gillingham Approach if you have previously taken an OG course, especially through the Stern Center. This pre-recorded webinar will refresh your knowledge of the OG Approach and address several important updates, such as changes to the OG lesson plan.
Orton-Gillingham Training Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Webinar
Available On-demand
Orton-Gillingham: Focus on Level II, Vowel Teams, & Beyond
Do you have questions about how to teach syllabication, vowel teams, r-controlled vowels, and spelling patterns, or questions as you progress to more advanced levels in your Scope and Sequence? This webinar, rich with multiple opportunities to practice and troubleshoot, is designed for Orton-Gillingham (OG) teachers with a basic understanding of the OG lesson plan and Scope and Sequence whose students are advancing in Level II of the OG Scope and Sequence.
Orton-Gillingham Training Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Webinar
Available On-Demand
MindPlay Comprehensive Reading Course
MindPlay’s Comprehensive Reading Course was developed by leading literacy experts to give teachers, special educators, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of effective reading and spelling instruction, a strong foundation in reading science.
Literacy Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Workshop
Available On Demand
Orton-Gillingham: Robust Vocabulary
This workshop uses the Orton-Gillingham (OG) Approach to teach vocabulary with multisensory, research-based strategies that make vocabulary come alive. Carefully selecting the word list in your OG lesson plan is an important vehicle for teaching and reviewing vocabulary and critical thinking skills.
Orton-Gillingham Training Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Workshop
On-Demand
Building Blocks for Literacy
Building Blocks for Literacy® is a robust professional learning program for early care and education professionals to help ensure that our youngest learners are prepared for literacy success when they enter kindergarten.
Literacy Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Workshop
Available On Demand
Literacy Champions Symposium Webinars
Learn how we can grow strong readers and writers with these pre-recorded webinars from our Literacy Champions symposium. Join Louisa Moats, Ed.D. and Nancy Mather, Ph.D. as they unpack decades of research. Be a literacy champion!
Literacy Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Workshop
Available On Demand
How to Raise Resilient, Happy, and Confident Kids
Abby Roy, School Psychologist, shares practical strategies to help parents (and teachers!) know what to say and do to help children manage frustration, think flexibly, and learn the self-regulation skills they need to be happy and healthy. Together, we can be the parents we wish to be for our children.
Social-Emotional Learning Courses | Asynchronous, Online, Workshop
Available On Demand
Orton-Gillingham for Intervention: Associate Level Course & Practicum 2025-2026
In this course and yearlong practicum, you’ll dive into the structure of the English language and learn how to teach it sequentially and systemically to struggling readers, including students with dyslexia. This cumulative 76-hour course and 100-lesson practicum meet the Orton-Gillingham Academy’s Associate Level training requirements. This training is designed for educators seeking OG certification to work with struggling readers.
Orton-Gillingham Training Courses | Course, Online, Synchronous
July 7 | July 9 | July 11 | July 14 | July 16 | July 18 | July 21
When Writing is Hard: Written Language Disorders and Dysgraphia
Writing can be challenging, and our understanding of the writing process impacts how we teach, assess, and respond to our students. Participants will leave this workshop with an understanding of how writing develops, the root causes of most writing problems, tools for progress monitoring, and areas of support that children require to express their thoughts on paper.
Assessments & Evaluation Courses | Course, Online, Synchronous
Summer 2025 dates TBD
Trauma-Informed Social Learning Course
This course focuses on defining, identifying, and understanding children’s developmental experiences—such as early adversity or autism—that negatively impact typical social development. Our goal is to help teachers and programs protect vulnerable learners and provide the knowledge and support needed for robust instruction in social-emotional learning.
Social-Emotional Learning Courses | Course, Online, Synchronous
2025 dates TBD
Orton-Gillingham Institute
Ensure every child becomes a reader with this multisensory approach to literacy instruction.
The respected Orton-Gillingham Academy accredits the Stern Center as a leader in training teachers. Through studies of reading and dyslexia, researchers have illuminated the neuroscience behind Orton-Gillingham’s decades-long classroom successes. Watch our video on Orton-Gillingham.
Wilson Language Training
Learn how to implement Wilson® Reading Programs effectively in your classroom and school.
Used in schools nationwide, Wilson Reading Programs teach students how to read and write using an explicit, systematic, structured, and multisensory approach. We are a Wilson® Accredited Training Partner and proud provider of high-quality online training in Fundations®, Just Words®, and the Wilson Reading System®.
Social Emotional Learning Courses
Discover the latest research about trauma and the brain and develop practical approaches for social-emotional learning.
In our SEL courses, you’ll define, identify, and understand how early experiences impact social development. Develop classroom strategies that help your students strengthen self-regulation to foster their learning.
Assessment and Evaluation Courses
For students with learning challenges, effective intervention hinges on accurate, well-designed assessment.
Learn from expert educational evaluators about identifying and optimizing students’ learning profiles and linking assessment to instruction.
MindPlay’s Comprehensive Reading Course
Developed by leading literacy experts, this online course is designed for educators who want to know how foundational reading skills align with the science of reading.
Learn strategies to enhance all aspects of reading performance, including phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, grammar, vocabulary and comprehension.
Building Blocks for Literacy
Building Blocks offers play-based exercises, activities, and strategies that promote language and early literacy skills.
Informed by the latest literacy research and packed with evidence-based practices, this online course teaches what research has shown about how our youngest learners develop reading readiness.
Our schoolwide literacy initiatives help teachers reach every reader:
What Teachers Have to Say
Meet Our Team
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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
Ready to enroll in a course but have questions about how to register, credits, grants, etc. 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.