Everyone wants to feel fulfilled and happy with their work, to believe they make a difference. This is more than a good feeling or earning a high salary. This is efficacy and it is critical for teachers’ success. When an entire school faculty has efficacy, it is called Collective Teacher Efficacy (CTE), which is “the collective belief of teachers in their ability to positively affect students” (Hattie, J. Visible Learning Plus).

It's not too late to bring the expertise of this year's Literacy Symposium into your school or classroom! This year's speakers covered a wide range of relevant topics, including dyslexia laws, common core state standards, English language learners (ELL), teaching writing, LETRS literacy professional development, and so much more. Sign up now to have access to this content for the rest of the school year.

The need has never been greater for well-designed mathematics instruction that promotes confidence in teachers and guides students to success.

Last week, I was happy to be part of an Education Week webinar with Dr. Louisa Moats. With my assistant superintendent, Kim Bennett, we shared the story of how we achieved significant K–3 literacy results in the Rapides Parish School District.

LETRS has been reborn with new content, organization, and online elements. Dr. Louisa Moats shares where LETRS came from, what makes it a unique professional development experience, and why it endures as a widely used and respected approach to teaching teachers.

LETRS professional development determined my course as an educator, allowing me to be part of a successful professional learning community that is constantly improving the instruction for students in this rural Wyoming town.