ZANESVILLE, Ohio – We are proud to announce that Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) has been awarded a generous grant from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation in the amount of $5,586. This funding will play a crucial role in supporting teacher participation in LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) Units 5-8 for educators at East Muskingum and River View Local Schools. This opportunity marks an exciting step forward in enhancing literacy instruction and empowering teachers with the tools they need to make a difference in the lives of their students.
The grant will provide teachers with the opportunity to complete LETRS Units 5-8 online, offering them comprehensive training on literacy strategies grounded in the science of reading. LETRS is a highly respected, evidence-based program designed to equip educators with a deep understanding of how students learn to read and spell, along with effective methods to support diverse learners. This professional development will equip teachers with a range of valuable skills that can be directly applied in their classrooms, improving student literacy outcomes.
In addition to the online coursework, participating teachers will benefit from four professional development sessions led by the MVESC Literacy Specialist, Keith McCarroll. These sessions will serve as an essential support system, where teachers will have the opportunity to reflect on their learning, ask questions, and delve deeper into the material. The Literacy Specialist will also provide individual coaching to participants as they begin to implement their learning through Bridge to Practice, a key component of this program.
Bridge to Practice is a unique and highly effective approach to professional development that allows teachers to immediately apply what they’ve learned in real-world classroom settings. This hands-on method is critical because it enables teachers to see the direct impact of their learning on student performance, reinforcing the effectiveness of the strategies they are acquiring. By implementing these strategies right away, teachers can fine-tune their skills, receive ongoing feedback, and adjust their approach to meet the needs of their students.
Lindsay Rayner, MVESC’s Director of Curriculum and Learning, expressed her enthusiasm for this opportunity, stating, “Muskingum Valley ESC is looking forward to implementing this grant with our partner districts to further teachers’ knowledge of the Science of Reading.” This program is a significant step in strengthening the foundation of literacy education in our local schools, ensuring that educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively teach reading and spelling to all students.