2023-24 Literacy Network: Science of Reading Language Essentials for Teachers

Description: Highly effective teachers need in-depth knowledge of the structure and function of language but most teachers don’t receive this instruction as part of their professional learning. Throughout the 2023-24 school year, CESA 2's Literacy Network will take a closer look at the Science of Reading by examining Language Essentials for Teachers. Our collaborative exploration will function as an Extended Professional Learning opportunity and includes an in-depth book study. Teachers will receive comprehensive, accurate, and accessible information around the underpinnings of language instruction through case studies, activities, and close analysis of real-world student work samples. Join us as we journey through Lousia Cook Moats’ Speech to Print: Language Essentials for Teachers and build on our collective understandings around how students should be taught to read. We will meet once a month over the course of the year in order to create the time and space for us to plan for, engage in, and reflect upon opportunities to carry our learning into practice. We are so excited to dig into this work with you!

This extended professional learning qualifies for Macro Credential via CESA 2. This study also includes "Speech to Print: Language Essentials for Teachers" and its workbook.

Cost: $250

Presenters: Nicole Aldworth and Brook Goralski-Cumbajin, Ph.D

About the Presenters:

Nicole Aldworth is an Early Elementary Curriculum Consultant at CESA 2. She has over 20 years of experience working with young children and their families as well as supporting educators to increase their capacity and instructional practices. Nicole spent most of her career teaching Early Childhood Special Education, 4K, and 5K. She holds degrees in the field of early childhood education and special education. Providing rich, engaging, and meaningful learning opportunities in a developmentally appropriate manner for all children is a passion of hers, along with coaching and support of those working with young children.

Brook Goralski-Cumbajin, Ph.D. is a Title III, Language Acquisition, and Culture Consultant at CESA 2. For more than 20 years she worked as an educator, instructional coach, program coordinator, and curriculum developer serving Wisconsin’s linguistically and culturally diverse students and families. Brook is a certified PreK-12 ESL and Spanish teacher, Principal, and Director of Curriculum and Instruction. She earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and Second Language Acquisition at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and approaches consultation and collaboration via a growth mindset. She strives to foster the development of positive, reflective, and sustainable communities of practice that are committed to working towards social justice by connecting theory to practice and is driven by her passion for serving first-generation, low-income, and immigrant students and families.

Cancellation Policy: Registered participants will receive a refund if they cancel prior to 3 working days before an event, minus any material costs that have already been incurred. Cancellations must either be made on MyQuickReg or by emailing cancel@cesa2.org. Because of our commitment to the presenter and the food vendor, participants who cancel less than 3 working days prior to the event or who do not attend the event, will be billed the full fee. CESA 2 reserves the right to cancel any event. Registered participants will be notified via phone and email if a cancellation occurs and will receive a full refund. 

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In-Person Events: Restrictions on our in-person events due to COVID-19 have been lifted. We will be responsive to what's happening within our communities, and guidelines from the CDC and local health agencies for future offerings and will update guidelines when necessary.