Evidence-Based Methods of Teaching Writing Institute

Dates: July 14-15, 2026 Times: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM EST  Location: virtual Price: $525

• Early Bird Discount: $450

• Regular Rate: $525, after May 15, 2026

• Group/Team Discount: $425 per person for groups of 5 or more. (If you qualify for a discount the price will appear at check out.)

Who should attend: (K-9) classroom teachers (literacy) curriculum and instructional specialists, coaches, principals, and school administrators.

At this institute, educators will learn practical, research-aligned strategies to empower student writers, even if they are new to teaching writing themselves. Drawing on the Science of Learning, we will explore a process-based approach that balances explicit instruction with guided practice and actionable feedback. Participants will design classroom routines that foster student independence and collaborative inquiry. By analyzing exemplar texts across three primary genres of narrative, informational, and opinion/argument writing, teachers will learn to use mentor texts as catalysts for student agency. Educators will leave with a robust toolkit for creating a supportive writing community that builds confident, skilled, self-directed, and purpose-driven writers.

Learning Objectives:

• ​​Understand and Implement Writing Process Instruction: Implement evidence-based structures for explicit instruction, guided practice, and actionable feedback to support student writing development.

• Develop Strategies for Teaching Key Text Types: Analyze instructional approaches for informational, narrative, and opinion/argument writing, including the use of student exemplars. 

• Leverage Mentor Texts to Support Writing Growth: Curate and hone the strategic use of high-quality mentor texts to model craft and accelerate student independence. 

• Cultivate a Supportive and Collaborative Writing Environment: Apply research-based strategies and routines that foster student agency, collaborative inquiry, and engagement in writing.

Certificate Information:  Upon completion: Participants who complete this conference will receive a Certificate of Participation. Licensed educators in NY state are also eligible for a Continuing Teacher Leader Education (CTLE) certificate for a total of up to 12 CTLE hours. 

Institute Scholarships:  We are pleased to offer scholarships for teachers and school leaders to attend Teachers College Advancing Literacy institute events. We invite interested teachers and literacy leaders to apply to learn with the Advancing Literacy team and fellow educators this summer. 

These scholarships are in memory of Kathleen Tolan, a devoted teacher and educational leader. Kathleen was a member of our community for years and mentored many of us as teachers and staff developers. These scholarships are opportunities for educators to continue this learning legacy. 

Please use this form to apply, to be considered for a scholarship. Applications should be submitted one month in advance of the institute. 

Logistics Overview: 

• Acceptance for the institute is contingent upon receipt of payment within 14 days of applying (for all tickets purchased). 

• For early bird pricing, payment should be received and accepted by May 15, 2026. 

• Click here to access a Quote for your purchase, if needed.

• Once payment is received, please log in to your Dashboard (on our website) and assign the seat(s). If you need to make any modifications to seat assignments, please notify us at advancingliteracy@tc.columbia.edu. 

• We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and a participant who has been accepted to the institute may be unable to attend. If you must withdraw, please let us know as early as possible. Once payment is made, it confirms your commitment to attend. If you must withdraw after paying, a $75 withdrawal fee will apply. Additionally, if you withdraw within one month of the start of the institute, we will be unable to issue a refund.