UAS Literacy Camp Connects Teachers in Reading Specialist Program with Local Students

Certified Alaskan teachers in the University of Alaska Southeast’s Master of Education Reading Specialist program participated in an intensive three-week literacy camp with elementary and middle school students.

Juneau, Alaska

Date of Press Release: June 30, 2017

Certified Alaskan teachers in the University of Alaska Southeast’s Master of Education Reading Specialist program participated in an intensive three-week literacy camp with elementary and middle school students.

The teachers, hailing from St. Michael’s, Nome, and Southeast Alaska, developed and explored various ways to get to know, engage, and connect with students who require support in English language development.

“The literacy practicum…has supported me to be more purposeful in my lesson planning and text selections,” said Laura Anania. “I have gained a deeper understanding of reading strategies and how to guide my students in becoming confident, lifelong readers.”

Each day, the teachers analyzed their curriculum and teaching data in the morning sessions and refined and presented responsive instruction for their students in the afternoon.

Jessica Marks finished the course with new strategies for her classroom. “My cohort and I were able to create lessons that directly targeted individual students’ needs while drawing on their strengths. I have grown in confidence as a professional who can provide and use authentic assessments to drive my instruction,” she said.

The yearly camp immerses both teachers and students in a collaborative learning experience, which allows them to explore various avenues for engagement in reading exercises.

Marks continued, “Thanks to my experience…many of the concepts that were previously introduced in our on-line courses were made actionable in real time. The assessments we designed, the kid-watching and conferring, and the data they provide about students strengths and areas of need are incredibly powerful. I now feel confident returning to my school and implementing these influential practices.”

The UAS Master of Education-Reading Specialist program prepares graduates to become reading specialists for children in kindergarten through the twelfth grade. Program candidates apply reading theory and research, learn new methodologies, and develop collaborative leadership skills.

For more information about the reading specialist program and other Education degree programs, visit Education Programs.