Literacy is far more than just the ability to read and write. It is essential for a just and equitable society.
NYSUT is proud to introduce a free, comprehensive reading education course designed to equip educators with the most current, research-based strategies for teaching literacy.
“The Science of Reading: A Practical Approach for Educators” incorporates key methods from various reading education
philosophies, ensuring that students can thrive in their reading development.
“Every individual, regardless of their background, deserves access to quality education and the ability to become literate. ... And yet the reading wars or debates on how to teach an individual how to read date back to the 19th century,” said NYSUT Executive Vice President Jaime Ciffone.
“This is exactly what NYSUT’s Science of Reading initiative aims to do. This is where we as educators get to raise our voices to take back the ability to make informed decisions about our students’ full literacy development.”
Designed for educators at all levels, this course, delivered through NYSUT ELT, delves into evidence-based instructional techniques rooted in the latest literacy research, empowering teachers to elevate their classroom practices.
The course, available free of cost to all members, features 10 modules delivered as five synchronous and five asynchronous sessions hosted virtually on Zoom.
Module topics include: Introduction to the Science of Reading; Oral Language Development; Phonological Awareness; Phonemic Awareness; Phonics Instruction; Word Recognition; Language Comprehension; Fluency; Reading Comprehension; and The Science of Reading for Diverse Learners. Assessments for educators include quizzes, reflective discussions and practical assignments.
The course, initially piloted by members from Niagara Falls and Schenectady, is open to members across the state and geared toward educators of all levels, literacy coaches, special education teachers and administrators aiming to support literacy instruction.
“The class is very well organized and it goes through the theory pillar by pillar,” said Lyndie Granto, a
member of the Niagara Falls Teachers, led by Daniel Weiss. “It’s very concise and all the resources are available after the course is over as well.”
Participants will learn from renowned experts and explore key models like the Simple View of Reading and Scarborough’s
Reading Rope, to understand how to improve students’ reading fluency, comprehension and word recognition.
Educators who complete the course will earn 30 Continuing Teacher and Leader Education hours toward state teacher certification requirements.
“Every week I speak with educators who care deeply for their students and want them all to experience the pride and joy that comes with learning to read and write,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “Our educators deserve the support that will enable them to give every student the opportunity to feel the joy and empowerment that comes with literacy.”
The Science of Reading approach addresses more than WHAT students are learning, Person said, it focuses on HOW children learn best. “And it gives our educators the backing they need to support ALL children,” she added.
Sessions start Sept. 18. Learn more and register at nysut.cc/SOR.