The AOE offers high-quality asynchronous and synchronous virtual, in-person, or hybrid professional learning opportunities for all PreK-12 educators and leaders.
Virtual Workshop Series
The AOE is offering a series of interactive virtual workshops designed to support educators and leaders who serve students in PK-12 and beyond in understanding and implementing evidence-based instructional practices to improve literacy outcomes. All workshops in this series will take place on the second Wednesday of the month, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Participants who attend live will have the opportunity to ask questions of the facilitators, participate in breakout rooms, and be in conversation with educators and leaders across the state.
Register now to attend the workshop series. All workshops will be recorded and shared with those who register. See below for information about the first three webinars in the series.
- Nov. 13, 2024: Overview of Explicit, Systematic, and Evidence-based Literacy Practices
- Dec. 11, 2024: Reading Comprehension: An Introduction to Common Roadblocks and Strategies
- Jan. 8, 2025: Assessments: What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why?
Screening and Notification
- Nov. 7, 2024, 3:30- 4:30 p.m.: Question and Answer session about screening and notification that will spotlight experiences from Vermont leaders on screening and parent and guardian notification.
Job-Embedded Coaching
The first phase of Read Vermont coaching offers free, intensive, personalized support for at least 100 PK-3 educators and 40 educational leaders/administrators in Vermont elementary schools, from January 2025 through February 2026. Learn more in the Overview of Read Vermont Job-Embedded Coaching Opportunity document.
To be considered for this winter’s coaching, districts and schools must complete an interest inventory by November 28, 2024, and hold a participation call with the AOE and the Stern Center by December 19, 2024. The AOE will work with interested districts and schools to determine if coaching is the right fit for them this winter. The AOE will select schools and/or SU/SDs for participation based on need, commitment, and geographic diversity. Schools eligible for Comprehensive and Targeted Support and Improvement will have priority. If demand is high, additional coaching phases may be launched in the spring and fall of 2025, with opportunities potentially available beyond February 2026.
- Nov. 18, 2024, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Overview and open office hours for educators and administrators to learn more about the coaching opportunity. A question-and-answer document will be posted afterwards.
- Dec. 3, 2024: Interested districts and schools must complete an interest inventory to be considered for January coaching.
Asynchronous Literacy Professional Learning Series
Vermont educators can register for and take all six modules of the literacy professional learning series, Building a Strong Foundation for Lifelong Literacy Success, today! There are six asynchronous modules for both grades K-3 and grades 4-12, based on the body of evidence that informs effective reading instruction.
| Modules for Grades K-3 | Modules for Grades 4-12 |
|---|---|
| Module 1: Understanding the Neuroscience of Literacy | Module 1: Understanding the Neuroscience of Literacy |
| Module 2: Exploring Language and Phonology | Module 2: Exploring Adolescent Literacy |
| Module 3: Understanding Phonics and Word Study Instruction | Module 3: Implementing Advanced Word Study |
| Module 4: Creating Fluent Readers | Module 4: Creating Fluent Readers |
| Module 5: Developing Vocabulary | Module 5: Developing Vocabulary |
| Module 6: Increasing Reading Comprehension | Module 6: Increasing Reading Comprehension |
Each module will take 6-8 hours to complete, and the full series is 45 hours. Educators can download a certificate of completion at the end of each module that can be used for re-licensure with Local Standards Boards.
Learn more about the series from the introductory webinar slide deck and recording. You can also view Frequently Asked Questions about the series from the webinar. Please reach out to aoe.literacy@vermont.gov with any questions.