Professional Development

Empower Your Teaching—Learn More Today

Equip your classroom with cutting-edge, research-based strategies in literacy instruction. The Institute of Reading Development provides professional development programs tailored to meet the unique needs of your staff and students.

Learn More and give your teachers
the tools to inspire and succeed.

“I came into teacher training not sure what to expect and by the time I left, I felt like an exponentially better teacher than I had ever been in my three years of classroom experience before. I would say that that’s the thing that surprised me the most. I’m in a position where you can give me a student of any age level….and I can help them become a better reader.” – C. Griffin, Program Instructor, and State Certified Teacher

The Institute of Reading Development is a collaborative learning resource that enhances and strengthens the impact of teaching moments in today’s dynamic and changing classroom environment. Our professional programs boost staff experiences and student outcomes by employing innovative strategies that can be immediately implemented into instructional settings.

The Professional Development Program, offered by the Institute of Reading Development is designed to equip your teachers and staff with the latest research-based strategies in student engagement, phonemic awareness, sight word development, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and skill set development. Research confirms that investing in ongoing and evidence-based professional development will empower instructors at every level to provide the highest quality of reading instruction for their students.

We work with districts to improve and expand educators’ literacy toolkits in the areas of phonics, fluency, comprehension, engagement levels, and building student confidence. We understand that each school district and site is unique. Teachers and staff have varied levels of expertise in literacy instruction. We utilize collaborative and supportive sessions with our Director of Instruction to provide unmatched literacy expertise and training that will transform classrooms into synergistic learning environments that bring out the best in teachers, staff and students alike.

1. Improved Student Achievement

Studies consistently show a positive correlation between teacher professional development and student achievement. For example, a meta-analysis of over 100 studies found that professional development had a moderate to significant positive effect on student learning.

2. Enhanced Teacher Knowledge and Skills

Professional development helps teachers stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in their field. This can lead to more effective teaching, improved classroom management, and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

3. Increased Teacher Morale and Retention

Teachers who feel supported and valued are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and less likely to leave the profession. Professional development can help teachers feel more confident and competent, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and reduced burnout.

4. Improved School Climate and Culture

When teachers are engaged in professional development, it can create a more positive and collaborative school climate. This can lead to better relationships between teachers and students, improved communication, and a more positive learning environment.

5. Increased Capacity for Innovation and Change

Professional development can help teachers develop the skills and knowledge they need to be adaptable and innovative. This is essential in today’s rapidly changing world, where new technologies and educational approaches are constantly emerging.

6. Reduced Achievement Gaps

Effective professional development can help to close achievement gaps between different groups of students. This is because it can help teachers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to meet the needs of all learners.

IRD Provides Everything You Need

  • Pre and Post Surveys – Creating a content baseline for staff and allowing customization of PO content to better meet the needs of educators and staff.
  • Proven PD Content: Thousands of teachers have received the Institute’s literacy training, improving outcomes for over 3 million students.
  • Innovative Literacy Approach – Providing effective and actionable strategies to maximize student learning outcomes.
  • Multiple Interactive Training Sessions – Enhancing the teaching staff’s skills in critical literacy-building best practices.
  • Continued Support: ongoing mentoring ensures strategies are administered with fidelity.
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