LETRS Volume 1 Cohort 1 (08198)

This is a 4-class series running from August 2026 through March 2027

Presenter: Melissa Santangelo

Dates:

2026- August 4th and October 20th

2027 - January 12th and March 30th

Time: 8:30 am-3:30 pm

LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) is a professional learning program for educators, particularly those working in early childhood and elementary settings, focused on the science of reading. It's designed to help teachers become literacy experts by providing them with the knowledge and skills to effectively teach reading and writing. Key Features of the LETRS Course:Based on the Science of Reading:The program is grounded in research and evidence-based practices on how children learn to read. Comprehensive Literacy Skills:LETRS covers the core components of reading: phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, as well as writing and language. Deep Knowledge Base:The program aims to provide teachers with a strong understanding of the underlying principles of literacy acquisition. Practical Application:LETRS helps teachers translate their knowledge into effective classroom practices. Self-Directed Learning:The program often includes online learning modules, interactive exercises, and video examples, along with opportunities for face-to-face learning. Focus on Student Needs:LETRS emphasizes the importance of assessing students' needs and differentiating instruction to meet individual learning styles. Modules for Specific Needs:The program is structured into modules, some of which are tailored for different age groups and/or specific needs, such as early childhood educators or administrators. Data-Driven Instruction:LETRS emphasizes using data to inform instruction and track student progress.

What You'll Learn in LETRS:

• Foundational Skills: Teachers will learn how to teach and assess phonological awareness, phonics, and spelling.
• Word Recognition and Decoding: The program covers strategies for teaching students to decode words and build their vocabulary.
• Fluency and Comprehension: Teachers will learn how to develop students' reading fluency and comprehension skills.
• The Reading-Writing Connection: LETRS explores the relationship between reading and writing and how to support students' writing development.
• Assessment and Differentiation: The program provides guidance on how to assess student progress and differentiate instruction to meet individual needs.

"LETRS professional learning complements and strengthens any district wide literacy curriculum by deepening educators’ understanding of the research and instructional practices aligned to the Science of Reading, ensuring high-quality implementation across any adopted literacy curriculum."