Principal Literacy Academy

This is is a four day Academy. Participants will meet the following dates:

• Monday, August 8
  
• Tuesday, August 9
  
• Friday, October 28
  
• Friday, November 18
  

Reading Well by Third Grade requires the school principal to be a strong, knowledgeable instructional leader, who is able to develop both collaboration across a community, and a systematic, data-based review of what is and what can be achieved in school literacy. The goal is to establish a culture of literacy ensuring that all students achieve. 

The MESPA Principal Literacy Academy will guide principals in developing effective practices to observe and confer with teachers about their reading instruction to ensure a solid foundation of instruction for literacy plans. The Minnesota Principal Literacy Academy will take place over the course of four day-long sessions strategically scheduled across a four-month period, allowing participants to implement ideas and bring back examples of their work for discussion with peers.

Daily content breakdown:
Day 1: Define Effective Reading Instruction
Day 2: Identify Areas for Professional Growth
Day 3: Foster Effective Principal-Teacher Conversations
Day 4: Set Goals to Implement Literacy Plan

Goals of the Minnesota Principal Literacy Academy:

• Empower principals as literacy leaders, gaining a deeper understanding of quality literacy instruction.
• Identify and gain the ability to discuss key components of quality reading instruction, including observation tools and checklists.
• Identify elements of reflective conversations with teachers about their reading instruction, including conferencing templates.
• Identify proven strategies to support and mentor teachers in continuous progress, moving across a continuous trajectory toward excellence and student success.

Check out "Literacy Unleashed" - a new book by the presenters!
Literacy Unleashed: Fostering Excellent Reading Instruction through Classroom Visits is available for pre-order now!  You can preorder your copy here!

Presenters:

Authors of the book  Literacy Unleashed: Fostering Excellent Reading Instruction Through Classroom Visits Bonnie Houck and Sandi Novak are ready to work with you to improve your school's literacy plan!

Bonnie Houck, Ph.D., has over 25 years experience as a teacher, literacy coach, district leader, state reading specialist, university professor, and program director for a philanthropic foundation, bringing deep knowledge of the necessary elements of school reform and the field of literacy education.

Sandi Novak has over 30 years experience as a teacher, principal, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent in suburban and rural school districts. Currently, she is an independent education consultant.