Title: Adolescent Readers: Why Do I Have to Read This? 3 graduate credits: Saint Michael’s College Cost: $1755.00 including 3 Graduate Credits / $900.00 without the credits Dates:September 16 – December 9, 2024 Contact Hours: 45 Intended audience: Middle grade and high school educators Location: Online Instructor: Sarah Miller, M.Ed – smiller@pllvt.org
Course Description: In this course, teachers will read and actively engage with Cris Tovani’s Why Do I Have to Read This?: Literacy Strategies to Engage Our Most Reluctant Students. Tovani’s text investigates methods for reaching adolescent readers who wear masks of disengagement in class – and provides practical strategies for engaging these readers. Her text is especially relevant to middle grade and high school teachers who want to learn more about methods to support and hook readers simultaneously. Each week, participants will read from Tovani’s text and participate in discussions about adolescent readers. The text includes literacy and planning strategies for reading instruction and resources and materials that can be used in the classroom. It is important to note that participation in this class includes online discussion, like that of a book club. Participants can expect to post in a discussion forum and comment on others’ posts.
This virtual course will deepen participants’ understanding of teaching reading to adolescents. Additionally, we’re excited for two afternoon online workshops with the renowned educational educator/author, Cris Tovani!
This is an online class. It is most beneficial when participants actively engage in online participation. Participants will develop deeper understandings of writing instruction, facilitating classroom conversations, and professional learning through engaging in active discussions with each other. Discussions will be read and monitored by the instructor, and essential points will be highlighted to further develop conversations and take-aways.
Participants can expect to:
Read approximately 30 pages per week in Why Do I Have to Read This?: Literacy Strategies to Engage Our Most Reluctant Students
Attend two-afternoon virtual workshops/webinars with Cris Tovani, date(s) TBD in September/October
Actively participate in discussion forums
Collaborate and share resources on a digital platform like Padlet or Google Classroom
Complete a final project that includes practical classroom application and resources
Write a reflection focused on the impact (or potential impact) on teaching, learning, and student outcomes in reading
Learning Objectives:As a result of active participation in this course, students will:
Explore reading instruction for adolescent readers. Understand the importance of providing reading strategy instruction with current, relevant texts. Explore methods of reading instruction, including practices that better support all learners. Reflect and discuss in ways that disrupt our own thinking, challenging us to grow as educators. Consider the implementation of reading instruction in the classroom to map out a strategic plan for applications. Understand instructional strategies that allow teachers to provide the most responsive instruction for all students. Collaborate with colleagues to develop a community of learners to support this new learning. Reflect and discuss the teaching of reading/writing/assessment/CCSS. Engage in dialogue concerning current reading practices.
Sarah Miller has worked with teachers and students in Vermont schools since 2009. Prior to that, she began her career working with K-8 Dreamers at the “I Have a Dream” Foundation of Boulder County. Since then, Sarah has taught middle school English-Language Arts and Social Studies. She has also served as both a school and a district Literacy Instructional Coach in Chittenden County. In 2012, Sarah completed her M.Ed. at Saint Michael’s College in Reading. Across her years in education, Sarah has been focused on engaging readers and writers in meaningful ways, with access to literature and nonfiction that is relevant and accessible. She is particularly interested in supporting young people in developing robust reading and writing identities that build on their lives, interests, and passions. Sarah has worked to build vibrant literate communities in schools. Currently, Sarah is a literacy consultant with Partnerships for Literacy and Learning. She lives in Underhill, Vermont with her husband, son, daughter, two dogs, and a cat.
