Dear Prospective Partnering K-5 Teacher, 

Thank you for your interest! HILL for Literacy is seeking the support of approximately 10 teachers across the United States to engage in a series of two very brief surveys and two 1-hour interviews so we can learn about the successes and challenges K-5 teachers experience teaching literacy.

About HILL for Literacy

HILL for Literacy (the HILL) is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to advancing literacy outcomes for PreK-12 students by equipping educators with the knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality, responsive literacy instruction that meets the unique needs of every child. The HILL MTSS framework has been implemented in many schools in the Northeast and has been evaluated as part of several large state initiatives showing improved literacy outcomes. The HILL offers a combination of in-person, virtual synchronous and asynchronous supports to provide schools with a comprehensive, affordable, sustainable approach to improving literacy in schools.  

Why are we doing this and how will any information or opinions that I share be used?

• At HILL for Literacy, we are committed to ongoing reflection and analysis of some successes and challenges teachers face as they teach literacy, and we are requesting your support in understanding what works and what challenges exist.
• HILL staff will use your feedback and information to improve any products or support services we bring to teachers in schools.
• Any information we collect from you, or your opinions will be used in aggregate and deidentified.

What is required to volunteer?

1. Take a 3-minute survey to determine whether you meet the qualifications for this investigation. Once submitted, you will be contacted within 2 weeks to let you know if you have been selected to participate.

2. Your time – Overall Time Commitment is approximately 3 hours through August 2025. Teachers that qualify for participation will be contacted and will be asked to participate in a(n):

• one-hour interview. Questions will relate to challenges you face when teaching literacy, how you address these challenges, and what training and support you wish you had. (April-July 2025)
• 5–10-minute survey. In this survey you will be asked to share your experiences and preferences in using technology.
• one-hour interview. You will be presented with a variety of ideas, possible products, or envisioned support to address challenges in teaching literacy. In this session we will solicit your feedback on what you think would be most helpful in teaching students. (June-August 2025)

3. Sign HILL for Literacy’s Confidentiality and Non-Solicitation Agreement – throughout this engagement, the HILL may share information about future products or the direction of our organization. Any information of this nature may not be shared.

Are you offering compensation?

Qualifying teachers may select one of two incentive packages.

	Incentive Option 1	Incentive Option 2
First Interview	HILL Primary or Intermediate Small Group eLearning Series ($500.00 value)	$25.00 Amazon Gift Card
Survey	HILL Core Program/High Quality Instructional Materials Implementation eLearning Series ($300.00 value)	$25.00 Amazon Gift Card
Final Interview	Science of Reading – Primary or Intermediate eLearning Series ($600.00 value)	$25.00 Amazon Gift Card

 

Thank you for your consideration. We hope to work with you soon!

Cindy McGurl, PhD, Director of HILL Online & the HILL for Literacy Team

Questions? Cynthia McGurl – cindy@hillforliteracy.org