Welcome to Language and Literacy U! After decades of conducting professional learning in person and creating online courses to deepen teachers’ understanding of literacy development and instruction, the time has finally come to create Language and Literacy U. This is the place where educators participate in a variety of courses about culture, language, and literacy. Short courses can be completed quickly and longer courses of study will engage the learner over a period of time.
Throughout a course, participants will work at their own pace through modules that include learning sessions on a variety of topics. Each module includes an expert-led video, activities, resources, and learning to application log. Certificates of completion will be awarded to each participant that completes the course, and the opportunity to access continuing education credit will be available for some courses.
Language & Literacy U Overview
Watch the short video below to learn about Language & Literacy U.
Here's What People Think About Language & Literacy U . . .
"As an Education Service Center that provides professional development to many school districts, Language and Literacy U has allowed us to provide an on-demand option that is exceptional. The quality of the programming is excellent and is in alignment with the needs of our districts. Language and Literacy U has allowed us to open up a great service that helps teachers help kids!"
-Monica Murnan, Greenbush Service Center, Director of Community Support Services
"Our district promotes teachers setting their own professional learning goals. Language & Literacy U is a valuable resource that provides various online modules teachers can complete for professional learning points and earn college credit on their schedule. In addition, the modules connect to our instructional coaching cycles and support the implementation of research-based instructional strategies. A win for everyone!"
-Kelley Clark, Dodge City USD #443, Professional Development Coordinator
Instructors
Laurie Winter
Laurie Winter has worked in the field of education for almost 30 years. Since receiving her master’s degree in education and reading specialist license she has developed literacy as her primary area of expertise. Currently, Laurie is a member of the Kansas State Literacy Team, a VECTOR virtual coach, and an educational consultant working with school districts in Kansas to improve literacy instruction. In addition, she coordinates the Reading Specialist Program and teaches courses for MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas.
Geri Lovelace
Geri Lovelace has been an educator and advocate for students and teachers for the past 27 years. Geri holds a Master’s degree in Education from MidAmerica University and an ESL endorsement from Kansas State University. She has over 20 years of leadership experience in supporting teachers through cultural proficiency coaching and professional development.
Suzanne Myers
Suzanne Myers has worked in education for 15 years as a high school English Language Arts (ELA) teacher, a K-12 Curriculum Director, ELA Standards and Assessment Consultant for the Kansas State Department of Education, and educational researcher at the University of Kansas. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and English Education, and Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Curriculum and Instruction with a literacy emphasis.
Tonya Belgum
Tonya Belgum has worked in the field of education and has been an advocate for learners with unique learning needs for more than 25 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Special Education & Elementary Education, and a master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction- Dyslexia, and Executive Function. In addition, Tonya is the mother of a unique learner diagnosed with Dyslexia and knows first-hand the day-to-day struggles and advantages that can come with a learning disability.
Tonya is the owner of Belgum Learning LLC - a private tutoring business that specializes in assessing & delivering remote and in-person systematic, explicit, multisensory instruction to struggling readers, as well as collaborating with their learning network(s) to support them in reaching learning to their fullest potential.
