Professional Learning
Expertise and Wonder
Even with all we now know about how kids learn to read, too many children aren’t getting instruction that works for them and too many teachers aren’t getting the right tools, knowledge, and skills.
Words in the Wild professional learning integrates data with deep relationships and scientific evidence with real-world application. Engaging facilitators build your team’s capacity by leveraging wonder to connect with research (yep, science of reading!) — just like we do with students.
Revolutionize reading with us by co-constructing strong, sustainable literacy ecosystems.
Join us for professional development workshops, instructional coaching, leadership consulting, and technical assistance.
Every child deserves the power, joy, and freedom of learning to read and write
Lesson Demo: nature observation sparks language observation
Core Topics
“[Alexis & team] excel in designing effective systems and learning opportunities rooted in high-leverage instructional practices and sound coaching methods.”
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Get everyone on the same page (ha!) about the role of linguistic structures in both foundational skills and language comprehension, and making them fun and accessible regardless of curriculum (grades vary; mainly K-3 + intervention/learning support). Examples:
Intro to Morphology: Word Families and More
Stories & Structures: Base-Centric Instruction
How etymology, morphology, orthography, phonology work together to make meaning (SWI)
Do Letters ‘Make’ Sounds? Grapheme Phoneme Correspondence Routines
Phoneme (Sound) Walls
Introducing Word Science Across the Grades through Name Studies and Nature Journals
The Basics: Science of Reading Overview
Foundational Skills
Language Comprehension
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Build reading and writing skills across subjects so young historians, scientists, and mathematicians develop the skills necessary to express and expand their content knowledge (grades 3-8).
Morphology for Middle Grades
A Virtuous Circle: Content and Vocabulary Knowledge Building
Comprehension Strategies*:
Main Idea Routine “Get the Gist”
Anticipation-Reaction Guides
Self-Generated Questions
*Companion resources (middle school focus) are available at no cost through CALI Reads.
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Prevent and address challenging behavior and support positive engagement through schoolwide expectations, classroom routines, and child-centered relationships (grades K-8).
Creating a Positive and Engaged Learning Community Organization/School Wide
Making Time for Learning: Your classroom ‘management’ toolkit
Exhaustion to Empowerment: Understanding and Addressing Challenging Behavior With Dignity
Continuing Education Units (CEUs/ConEd/Credit Hours) available
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Support and sustain teachers across career stages and content areas. We offer consultations, workshops, or coaching curriculum design and instructional delivery. (Grades K-8; 9-12 case-by-case)
Clarity, Cohesion, and Quality: Comprehensive Curriculum Consultation
Curriculum Review/Audit
Curriculum Mapping and Vertical/Horizontal Alignment
Lesson/Unit Design
Barriers & Bridges: Improving Access and Engagement for All Learners
Literacy Leadership
Capacity building and technical assistance
Teaching Foundations
Lesson design, standards-alignment; classroom management
Can’t Wait?
Try ODLEs:
On-Demand Learning Experiences for Curious Educators
+ live support
Classroom & School Community
→ Positive and Engaged Learning Community
+ live, remote community of practice bimonthly
Building Blocks of Literacy
→ Building Blocks of Literacy: Phonemes, Graphemes, Morphemes, and more!
+ live implementation session in-person or remote
Behind the Scenes: Dr. Alexis Filippini recording an ODLE. “Where are you investing your energy? Setting kids up for success or reacting to challenging behavior?”
Feedback on PL/PD
“The morning was a delight -- I loved the mix of group work, small group conversation, physical movement, and visual aids.
This all fits so well with how we need to teach our students, so was another great example to staff about what works best with all types of learners.
It was great to see all of our staff deeply engaged in your presentation from beginning to end.
— Head of School (K-8)
“To be honest... There was a part of me that was a little reluctant at first because I knew it meant more meetings but the sessions with [my coach] Erin have been one of my more memorable PD experiences in teaching that I can genuinely use..”
— Elementary Teacher
“Working with a coach helped me to see the gifts I already bring to the table … at the same time, she was great about having me self-reflect about possible areas of growth in positive, professional manner.”
— Middle School Administrator
