UVA Reading Professional Development

Available Non-Credit Professional Learning for School Divisions

School divisions may contract with UVA Reading to offer customized non-credit professional development. The non-credit professional development opportunities include: EDNC 4501, Workshops, Literacy Program Evaluations, and Coaching. Contact Jesse Philips at [email protected] to create a custom professional development offering for your school division.

• EDNC 4501: Literacy Academy (Formerly Academy for Teachers of Struggling Readers)

  This 30-hour literacy academy is designed for K-12 educators who work with readers who have a difficult time learning how to read. It provides basic information about how students learn to read and write and focuses on best practices for teaching struggling readers how to read, spell, and write. Materials from the University of Virginia’s graduate reading education program are used during the academy.

  Participants complete four days with an instructor and complete assigned readings/exercises to fulfill the 30-hour requirement. At the conclusion of the academy, participants receive a certificate of attendance that count towards recertification.

  • "The academy surpassed my expectations and is probably the best PD I've attended in my 17 year career to date." -Heather, Elementary Classroom Teacher, Norfolk City Public Schools

  • "This was hands down the best professional development activity I have attended in 32 years of teaching." -Susan, Middle School English Teacher, Virginia Beach Public Schools

   

• Workshops

  We also provide half-day workshops that concentrate on the topics listed below. Participants receive current research and best practices on a literacy related topic. Teachers leave each workshop with hands-on activities/materials they can use in their classrooms the very next day! 

  1. Phonological Awareness
  2. Phonics, Decoding/Encoding, and Word Reading
  3. Fluency
  4. Comprehension
  5. Small-Group, Supplemental Reading Instruction
  6. Data Based Decision Making to Drive Reading Instruction 
• Literacy Program Evaluations 

  Periodic review of a school’s reading/writing instruction can help a school or district evaluate progress on local/state goals and determine specific areas of strength and weakness, [email protected] can assess your current literacy program and help you to create goals for programmatic changes and future professional development. The scope and format of each audit will be tailored to your specific needs and budget as determined during an initial consultation.

  Literacy Program Evaluations include a staff survey, stakeholder interviews, classroom observations, and/or analysis of student assessment data, lesson plans, and curriculum materials/guides. Trained observers with a reading education background provide individualized feedback. A faculty member will compile a written report synthesizing the information and identifying patterns/trends. Each report offers specific recommendations that prioritize instructional needs while capitalizing on your district’s strengths.

• Coaching

  University of Virginia (UVA) offers on-site coaching designed to meet the unique and specific needs of your school. Meet with a team from UVA to craft a coaching experience that will provide your staff with the tools they need to implement best practices in literacy instruction. Models might include observations and feedback, professional development training, and/or side-by-side coaching.  Schools receive ongoing feedback and recommendations for strengthening their existing literacy instruction.  

  "A strength of the coaching experience was the immediate feedback, one-on-one help with student grouping, and attention to what could realistically happen in the classroom." -Sara, Elementary Classroom Teacher, Caroline County Public Schools

  "The coach was very knowledgeable about all the subject matter. She gave positive feedback while at the same time explaining what the teachers could be doing to strengthen instruction." -Jennifer, Elementary Reading Specialist, Richmond County Public Schools

   

Available Credit-Earning Professional Development

• Non-Degree Student for Open Enrollment Classes

  As a non-degree student, you may take up to 6 credits (typically 2 courses) prior to admission to the School of Education and Development; those credits can be transferred upon admission to a degree program. Also, educators qualify for tuition discount. 

  Additional Information and Enrollment Forms
• MEd – Reading Education Cohorts for School Divisions

  School leaders interested in providing their staff the opportunity to complete our recently revised MEd in Reading Education program in a cohort model, contact Jesse Philips at [email protected] to discuss available options.