RLTA FAQS

Eligibility and Frequently Asked Questions

ROCHELLE LEE TEACHER AWARD APPLICATION PROCESS

  • The online application will be available in mid-December.
  • We are only accepting applications for Study Groups.
  • Download Study Group FAQs.
  • Answer 4-5 essay questions about your current literacy instructional practices and desire to participate in a Study Group.
  • Returning study groups from the RLTA 2023 cohort may apply to continue their work in the 2023-24 school year.
  • All applications are read and scored by the Selection Committee using the Application Rubric.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY

  • There is no limit to the number of years you can participate in RLTA .
  • Pre-kindergarten through 8th grade CPS teachers.
  • Reading specialist, special education teachers, and librarians.
  • Content area teachers who use literature in the classroom.
  • Four to eight teachers from the same school interested in pursuing a self-selected literacy focus.
  • There must a designated Study Group Leader for each group.
  • There may be more than one Study Group at a school.

FACTS ABOUT RLTA SUMMER INSTITUTE

Open to all elementary Chicagoland educators

WITS is excited to welcome elementary Chicagoland educators in participating in professional development alongside Rochelle Lee Teacher Awardees! Summer Institute is an opportunity for educators to reflect on their professional needs, collaborate with peers, and acquire meaningful strategies that they return to the classroom in the fall. Educators will receive continuing education credits for any workshop they attend. Summer Institute 2022 will offer a mix of online and in-person workshops.
Learn More

Location

In-person workshops will be hosted at locations throughout the city for ease and accessibility of participants and facilitators.

Workshop Attendance

  • Please arrive at least 5 minutes prior to the start of your workshop. For in-person workshops, facilities may open 30 minutes prior to the start of the workshop. Those who arrive 10 or more minutes late will not be admitted. No exceptions will be made. 
  • Workshop credit hours will be only given for participation in the entire duration of the workshop. Credit hours for multiple-session workshops will be given only for participation in all required sessions.
  • CPDUs are available for all workshops. Required Illinois State Board of Education forms will be provided after participants complete workshop evaluations for ISBE as well as for WITS.
  • Children are not allowed in workshops as participants are expected to engage fully. 
  • Awardees are not to use their cellphones during workshops, except for emergency situations. Most workshops do not include scheduled breaks. For in-person workshops, plan to bring snacks, a water bottle, a sweater, and note-taking materials to all workshops.

Online Registration

  • Participants must register online for workshops . An email will be sent to confirm your registration. Only registered participants will be admitted to workshops. No walk-ins will be accepted.
  • Please contact Daphne Robinson (708.943.7582) immediately if you are unable to attend a workshop or to make changes to your registration.
  • Registration closes for a specific workshop when maximum capacity is reached. Register early to ensure your spot. Awardees may register for additional workshop hours if space permits after our initial registration period. An email will be sent letting you know if this is possible.
  • Suggested grade bands are listed before each elective workshop description. Awardees may choose which grade bands and workshops are most relevant to the needs of their classroom, students, and school community. You may need to modify the workshop content to meet the needs of your specific classroom and students.

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