3 graduate credits: Saint Michael’s College
Intended audience: Teachers of Grades 7-10
Location: Online
Dates: June 23-Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Contact Hours: 45
Cost: $1765.00 including 3 Graduate Credits / $900.00 without Graduate Credits
Instructor: Sarah Miller, M.Ed, PLL Literacy Consultant
Course Description:
In this course, educators will read and analyze current, relevant texts for young adult readers. It will address a range of genres, including historical fiction, realistic fiction, and nonfiction books that young adults read. Participants can expect to read books in verse, graphic novels, and prose. It is important to note that the young adult texts in this course contain material that could include, but is not limited to, discussions of race, sexuality, gender, and addiction. In this course, there is an emphasis on practical applications of discussion and familiarity with current literature that could be considered ‘popular.’
This fully online course will allow participants to understand that we can provide our young readers with a range of texts and an opportunity to engage with those texts in a variety of ways.
Learning Objectives:
As a result of active participation in this course, students will:
- Explore reading instruction and texts for young adult students.
- Understand the importance of current and relevant young adult literature.
- Explore current young adult literature, including practices that better support all learners.
- Reflect and discuss in ways that disrupt our own thinking, challenging us to grow as teachers and readers.
- Consider the implications of accessing young adult texts in the classroom to map out a strategic plan for instructional applications.
- Research the multiple grouping, discussion, and 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 shifts.
- Engage in dialogue concerning current reading/writing policies and practices.
A sampling of some of the books you may be exploring:
Looking for Smoke
I Am Not Jessica Chen
Roaming
Messy Roots
As Long as The Lemon Trees Grow
Winger
Pride
With the Fire on High
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
Punching Bag
The Marrow Thieves
Sisters in the Wind
Bio: Sarah Miller, M.Ed., Literacy Consultant
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. Throughout her years in education, Sarah has focused on engaging readers and writers in meaningful ways, providing access to relevant, accessible literature and nonfiction. 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.
