School: Augustus H. Burley Elementary School Text: A Teacher’s Guide to Reading Conferences by Jennifer Serravallo. Group Members: Shannon Barbour, Jodi Shapiro, Study Group Leader; Emily Skowronek, Todd Strother, Amy Wiktor Goal: To improve reading conferencing and … Read More
Improving Reading Instruction
School: Audubon School Text: Understanding Texts & Readers: Responsive Comprehension Instruction with Leveled Texts by Jennifer Serravallo Group Members: Faviola Fernandez, Amanda Matteson, Colleen Stack, Kerry Tavarczky, Study Group Leader Goal: To improve small group and … Read More
Teachers Create Community Online At Summer Institute
On a packed Zoom meeting in early August, 20 educators talked about the importance of incorporating social emotional learning (SEL) in their literacy instruction. Guiding the conversation was Laurie Brooks, … Read More
Implementing Social Emotional Learning
School: Chappell Elementary Text: Everyday SEL in Middle School by Carla Tantillo Philbert Group Members: Catherine Garber, Lauren Gillis, Michelle Glick, Anna Kim, Anne Merrick, Victoria Smith, Margot Taylor, Study Group Leader … Read More
Improving Writing Practices
School: Chappell Elementary Text: The Writing Strategies Book: Your Everything Guide to Developing Skilled Writers by Jennifer Serravallo Group Members: Molly Byelick, Catherine Garber, Lauren Gillis, Sarah Hagen, Laurentine McKee, Study Group Leader; Gladys Podgorny, … Read More
Why SEL Practices Are Essential For Educators
According to the organization CASEL, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is the “the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show … Read More
Teachers Advance Literacy Through Collaboration
WITS engages teachers through the Rochelle Lee Teacher Award because we know we cannot advance student literacy without supporting the educators who lead them in the classroom each and every … Read More
Remaining Readers, Building Community
When is the last time you’ve had a chance to sit down and read a book for pleasure? For some, this may be a nightly ritual before bed or a … Read More
Building Lasting Connections With Students: Interview With Ro Saldana
Roseann Saldana has volunteered as a WITS Workplace Mentoring (WPM) literacy mentor for the past seven years. Every Thursday afternoon during the school year, Ro leaves her desk to go … Read More
Engaging Readers Through E-Books
WITS’ mission is to help students develop a love of reading by providing engaging, relevant books to students across Chicago. With schools and libraries closed, there are many ways to … Read More
