Writing about Reading Institute

Dates: July 27-28, 2026 Times: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST  Location: Teachers College 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: (2-9) classroom teachers (literacy) curriculum and instructional specialists, coaches, principals, and school administrators.

This institute invites educators in grades 2-9 to explore writing as a powerful engine for deepening reading comprehension. Participants will analyze research and practices that transform writing from a simple routine response into a tool for enhanced comprehension, critical thinking and discourse. Throughout this institute, participants will examine a series of lessons, practice real-time feedback, and navigate the balance between implementing instructional scaffolds and developing students’ authentic voices. We will share ways to leverage oral and written language to support students’ thoughts, opinions, and arguments with clarity and purpose. Regardless of your literacy curriculum, students need opportunities to develop and refine their comprehension. Participants will study student work samples to design targeted small group instruction and create mini toolkits that will help to develop stronger notetaking, idea making, and essay work. Participants will discover ways to create joyful, purposeful writing experiences while also fostering student collaboration and independence. 

Learning Objectives

• Understand and Implement Writing about Reading: Learn about research backed strategies for teaching students how and when to write about their reading. Learn and practice various strategies and protocols for notetaking, short and extended responses, and essays. 

• Examine Student Writing: Study student work samples, using formative assessments,  to identify learning needs for both reading and writing and plan responsive feedback through targeted instruction.

• Implement Methods and a Toolkit for Supporting Next Steps: Design tools such as exemplars, charts, and key texts that can be used to annotate, support discussions, and opportunities for peer feedback

• Create a Supportive and Inclusive Writing Environment: Adopt culturally responsive and sustaining practices to create structures that build collaboration and feedback.

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.