Events

Upcoming Virtual Initiatives

Take your reading instruction to the next level with this comprehensive 9-week series! Grounded in the latest research and best practices, this course provides a step-by-step approach to implementing evidence-based reading instruction in every classroom.

• Over the course of nine weeks, you’ll:

• Support academic and developmental growth with proven strategies

• Apply the latest research to real classroom challenges

• Guide every student on their journey to lifelong reading and learning

Session One | October 7, 2025 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

During the kick-off session to this virtual cohort, participants will learn what the Science of Reading is and the importance of scientifically based reading research. We will explore the Simple View of Reading and the Reading Rope and how they are used to understand reading development, instructional needs, and reading concerns.

Session Two | October 14, 2025 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Becoming a More Effective Teacher of Reading and Writing

Session two will allow participants to explore research-based strategies for effective reading instruction, including oral language development, alphabet recognition, and print awareness. Learn how students acquire reading skills, the role of orthographic mapping, and the principles of explicit, systematic teaching to support literacy success.

Session Three | October 21, 2025 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Phonological and phonemic awareness

As we come back together for session three, we will gain a clear understanding of phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, and phonics. Explore their role in reading development, the connection between reading and spelling, and effective instructional strategies to support early literacy.

Session Four | October 28, 2025 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Phonics

During session four, we will jump into the building blocks of decoding and word recognition, including phonemes, graphemes, morphemes, and high-frequency words. Learn effective phonics instruction, the role of decodable texts, and the connection between reading and writing.

Session Five | November 4, 2025 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Fluency and Comprehension

Discover the key components of reading comprehension, including word and sentence understanding, background knowledge, and text structure. Explore the relationship between fluency and comprehension, the role of inference, and effective instructional strategies to build strong, skilled readers.

Session Six | November 11, 2025 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Vocabulary

Explore the critical link between vocabulary and comprehension. Learn research-based strategies for vocabulary development, including Tier 2 words, independent word learning, and fostering word consciousness to support student success.

Session Seven | November 18, 2025 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Writing

This session will cover the Simple View of Writing and the Writing Rope. Learn classroom practices and research-based principles for teaching composition, writing process, spelling skills, and syntax. We will also explore the relationship between reading and writing.

Session Eight | December 2, 2025 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Designing instruction to support students’ literacy learning 

Learn how to apply research-based strategies in the classroom through effective grouping, differentiated instruction, and support for English Language Learners. Explore lesson planning, video analysis, and practical methods to enhance instructional delivery.

Session Nine | December 9, 2025 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Assessment, Instruction, and Intervention

Finally, we will explore Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), including prevention tiers, collaborative problem-solving, and targeted interventions. Learn how assessments inform instructional decisions and gain insights into supporting students with dyslexia.

This 9-week series is designed to gradually deepen your expertise, with each session building on the previous one. To make the most of this learning experience, participants are encouraged to attend all nine sessions.

Examine the new ethical frontier of AI in education to ensure advanced tools are used responsibly for the well-being of students and educators. Discover practical strategies to protect student data, cultivate equity, and foster digital citizenship. Leave with a clear framework for addressing issues like bias and privacy, along with concrete steps to ensure that AI enriches, rather than compromises, the learning experience. 

The Michigan Equitable Service Collaborative (MESC) is now planning professional development opportunities for 2025–2026, and your feedback will shape what’s offered. Whether you’re a teacher or administrator, your insights make a difference. Please complete the Professional Learning Survey by September 15—it takes just a few minutes, but its impact lasts all year.

This is YOUR professional learning, help us make it meaningful to YOU!