The Reading Crisis

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'I Had No Tools': Why Every Teacher Prep Program Should Include the Science of Reading

• 05/04/23

LAW: Between 2015 and 2017, the Oregon state Senate passed a bill that required at least one teacher from each school building to receive training on dyslexia. And this was kind of the turning point when I became a literacy advocate for all children. After that training, I had the knowledge that I wished every teacher would receive in their teacher prep program. I left that training wondering why I hadn't learned this eight years ago in my program. The training from IMSE showed me that this type of instruction is good for all readers, no matter what level, regardless of whether they have dyslexia.

THE Journal: What are the biggest benefits for an educator attending IMSE training, and why should school administrators consider sponsoring this type of professional learning for their teachers?

LAW: Teachers walk out of their IMSE training saying, 'Why didn't they teach this to me in my teacher prep program?' Teachers leave this training with foundational knowledge that they need to understand how the brain learns to read. They are going to walk away with prepared assessments and materials to implement with their students on day one. It's important for teachers to know that they are not alone in this journey to find the proper reading instruction. A lot of us didn't come out of our prep programs knowing how to teach literacy. And the fact that they're on this journey is amazing. There are lots of us out there ready to support and willing to help. 

Learn more and connect with Kathleen Law via her Instagram (@EducatorKathleen) or her website, EducatorKathleen.com.