Close to 10 years ago, Teach NYS initiated an idea that has grown into a tremendously successful program. Recognizing the need for reading specialists to have more tools to help struggling readers, Teach researched different methodologies and determined that the Wilson Reading System would be a great fit for yeshiva and day school educators. In conjunction with coalition partners, we met with Wilson leadership and created a program where teachers would train in Wilson’s one-on-one intervention over a summer and apply the Wilson techniques through a year-long practicum with a student in a school location. Using Federal Title II-A funds through the New York City DOE, the program is free of charge for participants.
Heading into the 22-23 school year cohort, 130 teachers have successfully become certified as Wilson Level I teachers over the years. Coming from close to 40 yeshivas and day schools, this cadre of teachers has seen tremendous progress in the students they work with.
A Magen David teacher: “This program changed the way I teach, and it changed the life of the student I worked with. She entered my room as a struggling reader, unsure of even letter sounds, and left a confident reader. What an amazing program!”
A Shaare Torah teacher: “I learned things about the English language that I never knew, and I have been teaching for 20 years! It is such a thoroughly prepared program. Everything is there, and it really works with the students.”
A Har Torah Teacher: “The program was extremely beneficial. I’m a resource room teacher, and it brought my teaching level to a whole new place.”
With increased federal attention on dyslexia and reading, we look forward to continuing to provide opportunities for teachers to learn new ways to help our children succeed in the classroom and beyond.