Overview
Wilson Reading System® Introductory Course
An intensive intervention program for students in grades 2–12 and adults with language-based learning disabilities, including dyslexia
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.
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.
Participants learn about reading research, dyslexia, appropriate student identification and placement, program implementation, progress monitoring, scheduling, and creating a successful learning environment. Principles of language structure and how to teach language with direct, multisensory methods are demonstrated and practiced during the course. Participants explore the standard 10–part Wilson Lesson Plan and practice planning and delivering a lesson while receiving modeling and feedback from a Wilson® Credentialed Trainer during the workshop.
Participants may enroll in the WRS Level I Certification Training or the WRS Intensive Instruction: Online Course (Steps 1–6) within five years of completing a WRS Introductory Course.
Who is this course for?
This program is designed for classroom teachers, adult education teachers, and special educators.
Course description
Participants will learn how to:
- Define dyslexia and describe common characteristics.
- Explain the process of identifying appropriate students and placing them in the Wilson Reading System.
- Understand the principles of instruction: explicit, sequential and cumulative, engaging multiple learning modalities with multisensory techniques, repetition, and feedback.
- Create an optimal learning environment, prepare a lesson plan, and practice techniques.
- Understand the key components of instruction and presentation of lessons.
Required Materials
- Wilson Reading System® kit is not included in the price of these workshops.
- If you are interested in purchasing a Wilson Reading System® kit, please contact Wilson Language Training. The Stern Center does not sell or provide Wilson Reading System® kits.
- Presentation materials: You will be mailed the course manual in the weeks prior to the course.
NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HOURS:
16.5 hours for all three days
Dates
Mar. 25-27, 2025
Time
9:00 AM–3:30 PM EST
Course Number(s)
1502
Location and Format
Cost
$750
Grade Level
Audience
Classroom teachers, adult education teachers, special educatorsGraduate Credit
Kristy Wysong, M.S.Ed.
Wilson® Credentialed Trainer
What Teachers Have to Say
Meet the Instructor(s)
Kristy Wysong, M.S.Ed.
Wilson® Credentialed Trainer
Kristy received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from Auburn University in Elementary Education. She has been teaching for 33 years and taught grades 1–4, focusing the last 12 years on teaching reading to struggling students and students with dyslexia. She is an in-district and on-call trainer for the Wilson Language Training company. She has been trained in Orton-Gillingham from the Michigan Dyslexia Institute and the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education.
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.
Is there research to prove the efficacy of Wilson Language Training® Programs?
Wilson Language Training programs, materials, and professional learning are proven effective in developing the reading skills of individuals with a language-based learning disability or who have otherwise struggled to learn to read. Read more at wilsonlanguage.com.
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.
Wilson® Language Training Resources
Wilson® Accredited Partner
We are an Accredited Training Partner, offering training in the Wilson Reading System®, Fundations®, and Just Words®.
Wilson Language Training®
For 35 years, Wilson Language Training has been offering research-based multisensory, structured literacy programs.
Wilson® Courses/Workshops
View upcoming Wilson Language Training courses and workshops. All of our Wilson offerings are available online.
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.
