Professional Learning for Literacy Educators

Professional Learning
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Videos

Adlit.org: In the Classroom - Professional Development Webcasts - Find a series of professional development webcasts and resources for English language arts and content area teachers.

Implementation Guidebook for Iowa Academic Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy (173.18 KB) .pdf - Access video recordings and other resources to support implementation of the 2024 Iowa Academic Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects.

Student Achievement Partners Video Library - Search this database of bell-to-bell lessons with annotations to highlight moments of exemplary CCSS-aligned instruction.

UnboundEd Resources for Educators - Explore the latest research, tools and thought leadership. from UnboundEd.

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Blogs

Aligned Instructional Materials - Follow the blog to read about the latest trends in the field, including free CCSS-aligned materials, and tools to help with important instructional materials decisions.

Colorín Colorado - Visit a website dedicated to helping educators and English learners across the nation.

International Literacy Association: Literacy Now - Discusses cutting-edge research translated into practical resources for educators and students.

Iowa Reading Research Center - Offers high-quality posts about the latest issues in literacy education.

Literacy and NCTE - Read blogs covering a range of topics, such as grammar, teaching and writing instruction.

Teaching Channel: The K12 Hub - Features free digital resources to enhance ELA/Literacy instruction, including blogs, podcasts and video blogs.

Tim Shanahan on Literacy - Provides timely blog posts that are informative and responsive to questions from the field.

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Coaching Resources

CSAI: Getting a Handle on the Standards - Addresses key shifts in learning and teaching represented in the CCRS with a focus on understanding the Standards. It provides an introduction to the CCSS and outlines a detailed process that teachers can use to become knowledgeable about the standards and prepare to teach them.

District and School Site Literacy Implementation Rubric - Assess the state of literacy implementation for support and growth as part of a continuous improvement model.

Implementing Evidence-Based Literacy Practices Roadmap - Links to resources from across Institutes of Education Sciences (IES) to guide users in assessing their readiness for implementing literacy interventions, selecting evidence-based instructional materials and strategies, and evaluating their implementation of these practices.

Instructional Practice Guide Coaching Tool - Designed around the three Core Actions that encompass the Key Shifts in instructional practice.

Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction: Research-Based Strategies That All Teachers Should Know - Presents ten principles of instruction, along with suggestions for classroom practice.

Student Achievement Partners Resource Guide - Find support for teachers who work with English learners and students with disabilities.

Student Achievement Partners Knowledge and Practice Survey - Promotes reflection on instructional practice and understanding of the CCSS.

Student Work Library - Learn to distinguish between high and low-quality assignments with ratings on how well they align with college and career-ready standards.

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Online Self-Paced

Introduction to ELA Shifts (Grades K-12) - Access this 1-2 hour PD module (Student Achievement Partners) that can be adjusted to fit local needs.

Introduction to Literacy Shifts in Content Areas - Access this 1+ hour PD module (Student Achievement Partners) that can be adjusted to fit local needs.

Iowa Reading Research Center: Online Learning - Access modules written and developed by literacy experts at the IRRC and trusted collaborators. Participants may view the modules as often as they like for a full year (365 days) and can do so from any desktop or laptop connected to the internet.

Standards Professional Learning Opportunity - ELA Literacy Modules Course Directions (86.03 KB) .pdf  - Access an informational document for free professional learning around the English language arts/literacy standards. Individuals can choose to complete the modules as a course for one license renewal credit.

Direct Links 

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Social Media

X Hashtags

  • #iaedchat (Every Sunday at 8:00 pm CST)
  • #ILAchat (Second Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm CST)
  • #nctechat (Third Sunday of each month 7:00 pm CST)

X Feeds

Literacy Leaders on X

Young Adult Literature on X

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Webinars

Iowa Reading Research Center: Webinars- IRRC staff provide a review of relevant research and essential knowledge on a specific topic

Webinars and Online Learning - Access free professional learning webinars hosted by Student Achievement Partners.

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Professional Events

In-State

ELA/Literacy

Iowa Council of Teachers of English - (Annual Fall Conference, October) A volunteer organization that facilitates deep connections and professional learning face-to-face and online for English/language arts teachers of all stages.

Iowa World Language Association (IWLA) - The mission of the IWLA is to advance the worldwide mission of education and world languages, literature and culture.

Journalism

Media Now Drake - Four-day summer boot camp opportunity for high school journalism teachers and a minimum requirement of five students that aims to take digital media skills to the next level for the upcoming school year and beyond.

The University of Iowa Summer Journalism Workshops - One of the nation’s premier opportunities for professional development and university credit for high school journalism teachers, advisers and those aspiring to teach.

Performing Arts

Des Moines Performing Arts - Professional development events show educators how to integrate the arts – drama, music, dance, and visual – with instruction in core subject areas.

National

ELA/Literacy

Annual Conference on English Leadership - The Conference on English Leadership (CEL) offers a collaborative, dynamic, discussion-based forum for literacy leaders to explore current and emerging issues.

International Literacy Association - Combines practical, research-based sessions, engaging events, and renowned speakers at an annual conference that helps all attendees—from literacy leaders to educators—leave the conference feeling energized and empowered.

Learning Forward - Gain practical solutions to everyday challenges in the classroom, school, or district at Learning Forward’s annual conference.

LitCon: National K-8 Literacy and Reading Recovery Conference - Attendees will be among the first to know about current research findings, critical news, and leading practices in K-8 literacy education that go beyond theory to actual practice. Engage in LitCon to tap exclusive resources, build special bonds to move childhood literacy and Reading Recovery forward.

National Council of Teachers of English - Annual conference honors the voice, passion, agency and empowerment of ELA teachers to ensure students acquire a life mastery of the skills and practices they teach.

Plain Talk About Dyslexia - Learn from leading experts who will share insights, strategies, and innovations in the field of dyslexia.

Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning - Heralded as the nation’s leading reading institute, learn the current research findings on literacy instruction, literacy difficulties and literacy intervention.

Standards Institute with UnboundEd - Offers an immersive five-day professional development experience to build, improve and sustain equitable instructional excellence. 

Journalism

Journalism Education Association Advisers Institute - Brings journalism teachers from across the country together for four days of adviser-specific training and networking.

Speech and Debate

National Speech and Debate Association - Access an online Intro to NSDA Coaching course and stay informed regarding other professional learning opportunities for prospective coaches.

Theatre

Educational Theatre Association - Theatre Education Conference - Supports and inspires theatre educators to grow their skills and advance the field.

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