If you attended our recent webinar with Dr. Deborah Reed, you saw concrete evidence on how statewide teacher training in research-based practices has a positive impact on students. HILL For Literacy is no stranger to leading statewide initiatives. We got our start with Reading First back in the early 2000s. In 2012 we joined the pilot of the Connecticut K-3 Literacy Initiative which would later become the CT Literacy Model or CTLM and has been ongoing ever since. We partner with several entities including the University of Connecticut and the Connecticut State Department of Education for statewide implementation of this comprehensive, evidence-based framework for improving reading instruction and outcomes in kindergarten through third grade.
Our Latest Project
Our latest statewide project is the Literacy Launch Institutes in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Rennie Center, and RMC. Literacy Launch Institutes is a multi-year initiative designed to spread powerful, evidence-based early literacy practices that celebrate Massachusetts students’ cultural and linguistic strengths. The Institutes provide 4 days of free in-person professional learning with 5 differentiated tracks for educators teaching students from PK-3. Educators who complete an Institute have the opportunity to earn a stipend, PDPs, and optional Graduate credit.
Recently, we opened registration for Massachusetts educators to register for the 4 Institutes we’re holding in Summer 2026 around the state.
Tracks
- Preschool
- Novice
- Advanced
- School/District Leaders
- Educator Preparation Program Faculty & Staff
Marlborough Institute
June 23-26, 2026
Courtyard Boston Marlborough
Peabody Institute
June 23-26, 2026
Boston Marriott Peabody
Medford Institute
July 27-30, 2026
Tufts University
Joyce Cummings Center
Quincy Institute
August 3-6, 2026
Marriott Boston Quincy
Beyond the 4-Day Institutes
In addition to offering 5 dedicated learning tracks to meet a variety of educator needs, Literacy Launch Institutes include more offerings beyond the four initial days of training.
Follow-up Coaching for School Teams
After completing a Literacy Launch Institute, eligible school teams may apply for a series of free onsite coaching with a customized plan to extend the learning from the Institutes, which includes a combination of facilitated implementation meetings, direct teacher coaching, and a facilitated School Literacy Leadership Team (SLLT) meeting. The aim of this experience is to plan and prepare for sustaining the work after the coaching engagement. The eligibility threshold is for school teams to bring 50% of their early literacy educators to any Institute.
Free Orton-Gillingham Training
Free training in the Orton-Gillingham method, evidence-based strategies to support students with reading difficulties, is also available for Massachusetts educators currently working in grades K-3. In partnership with the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) Literacy Launch Institutes offered two virtual live cohorts in the Winter/Spring 2026. We’ll also be offering three cohorts in Summer 2026 with applications set to open in late April. This opportunity is specifically for Licensed Reading Specialists, Special Education teachers, and educators responsible for delivering specialized literacy or special education instruction to students in grades K–3.
Fellows Program
The Fellowship program provides a unique pathway to get more deeply involved with the Literacy Launch Institutes’s mission. Fellows serve a year term as leaders, ambassadors, and advocates preparing educators, district leaders, and educator preparation program faculty to support and implement evidence-based, culturally and linguistically sustaining early literacy practices. Fellows provide formative feedback, support Institute facilitation alongside lead facilitators, co-facilitate Community of Practice sessions, and help raise awareness of the Literacy Launch Institute in their communities.
Community of Practice
Literacy Launch Institutes Community of Practice sessions keep the learning alive after the Institutes are over. The Community of Practice is a virtual space designed exclusively for educators who have attended a Literacy Launch Institute and want to stay connected, energized, and inspired. They are free and optional to attend. It is a space to grow, reflect, and collaborate with fellow educators across the state. Each bi-monthly session offers a dynamic mix of educator stories and presentations, breakout discussions by track, and opportunities to share ideas with colleagues from across the state.
Self-Paced Course
In order to maximize the reach of the Literacy Launch Institutes, the HILL is in the process of developing a self-paced course for each track in the Institutes. This will provide an alternative for those who are not able to attend the in-person Institutes or who need a refresher. We anticipate the course will be available for the 2027-2028 school year.
Impact to Date
We’re only one year into the initiative, but the Literacy Launch Institutes are already having an incredible impact.
Teachers Trained or Registered to be Trained
Districts Reached
Schools Reached
Ed Prep Programs
Learn More About Literacy Launch Institutes!
Visit the Literacy Launch Institutes website for full details and check out the video to hear from real participants about their experience!
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