Professional Learning

Why does this matter?

If teachers have the knowledge and skills to teach reading, they can have a greater positive impact on children’s literacy. Unfortunately, thousands of teachers are in classrooms right now without sufficient knowledge of the science of reading. States can help close the gap in teachers’ knowledge and skills by requiring and funding high-quality professional learning.

Why does Tennessee stand out?

Tennessee requires professional learning for all elementary teachers in scientifically-based reading instruction and integrates the use of high-quality instructional materials . The state also allocates funding for training in scientifically-based reading instruction for in-service teachers.

Tennessee, as part of its effort to retrain teachers in the science of reading, contracted with TNTP to provide 60 hours of professional development on reading to elementary teachers across the state; teachers were paid a $1,000 stipend for completing the training, and teachers in grades K-2 also received curriculum materials.  The pairing of high-quality instructional materials along with ongoing professional learning has been impactful for both teachers and students.