PLC - Spring 26 - Further Program Alignment

This professional learning community (PLC) is one important part of MA DESE’s initiative focused on strengthening early literacy through evidence-based and culturally and linguistically sustaining practices. It is composed of educators who have participated in previous PLCs and is facilitated by The Reading Circuit and EdLighten Solutions. It provides a supportive, collegial learning opportunity for faculty as they align their teacher preparation programs with DESE’s Early Literacy Approval Criteria. Please see our early literacy resource page for an organized repository of resources from previous PLCs.

Explore upcoming Early Literacy in Educator Preparation learning opportunities and learn more about the 2026 Early Literacy Conference.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!

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PLC Sessions

PLC sessions will be held throughout the Spring of 2026.  Please visit this page for updates.

Session Objectives: 

    • Welcome and Introductions
    • Sharing of Progress: Successes and Remaining Challenges
    • Top Tips for Preparing for an Early Literacy Program Review
    • Additional Learning Resources
    • Planning Next Steps

Facilitator: Jennifer Bryson, BU Wheelock College

Agenda
Session Presentation
DESE Presentation
Tips for Survey Recruitment
Evidence of Impact Advisory

Session Objectives:

  • Importance of an asset-based approach to teaching early literacy to multilingual and bidialectical students
  • Some examples of integrated ways of teaching the development of language and literacy to students who speak multiple languages and/or dialects of English across a program of study
  • Some ways of assessing teacher candidates’ understanding of and demonstration of  teaching the development of language and literacy to students who speak multiple languages and/or dialects of English

Facilitator: Dr. Jasmine Rogers, American University

Agenda
Session Presentation
Jasmine Roger’s Presentation
Jasmine Roger’s Notes and Reflection Tool

Session Objectives:

  • Analyze how a specific instructional skill develops across teacher preparation.
  • Evaluate models of gradual release in teacher preparation programs through panel discussion.
  • Apply insights from the discussion to program planning by collaborating in breakout rooms to identify next steps for strengthening alignment and preparing for the next session.

Facilitator: Dustin Halterman, Fitchburg State University
Panel: Shannon Audley (Smith), Kristen Lech (Bay Path), Laura Porter (Elms)

Agenda
Dustin Halterman’s Presentation

Session Objectives

    • Refining and delineating opportunities for teacher candidates to acquire, observe, practice and demonstrate skills, including the Early Literacy Observation Tool

    • Measuring the acquisition of skills

Facilitators: Shannon Audley (Smith), Kristen Lech (Bay Path), Laura Porter (Elms)

Please register for the conference: www.earlyliteracyconference.com

MA DESE Resources

Mass Literacy – Statewide effort to empower educators with the evidence-based practices for literacy that all students need.

Early Literacy in Educator Preparation – Resources for Ed Prep Program Faculty including Early Literacy Program Criteria so that all teacher candidates have access to information about literacy and language acquisition that is based in current evidence. 

Early Literacy Observation Form – A form to support educator preparation supervisors to observe and provide high-quality feedback to teacher candidates.

Supporting Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Practices
• Center for Instructional Support Guidance and Resources
• Center for Instructional Support Video Library
• Pathways to Equity in Early Literacy from Mass Literacy
• The Foundations of Early Literacy as a Tool for Equity – Webinar
• Culturally Responsive Practices in Early Literacy – Webinar
• Early Literacy Instruction for Multilingual Learners – Webinar
• DESE’s Educational Vision

Professional Learning Community Members

  • Shannon Audley, Associate Professor of Education and Child Study, Smith College
  • Colette Bidus, Adjunct Professor – Program Supervisor, Springfield College
  • Jennifer Bryson, Senior Lecturer (clinical faculty), Program Director for Elementary Education, and the Special Director for Educator Preparation Early Literacy Initiatives at BU Wheelock College of Education & Human Development
  • Gail Cahill,  Chair- Education/Professional Programs; Associate Professor, Lesley University,
  • Diane Carroll, Field Placement Coordinator, Education Department, Anna Maria College
  • John Cipora, Associate Professor of Education, Springfield College
  • Lynn Dole, Coordinator of Teacher Education, Smith College
  • Leandra Elion, Tufts University Lecturer, The Reading Circuit President, Focus: Dyslexia and Equitable Opportunities
  • Sarah Frenette, Director of Undergraduate Teacher Licensure Programs, Mount Holyoke College
  • Ronda Goodale, Program Chair, Early Education and Care, Cambridge College
  • Melisa Grandison, Director of Residency Teach Western Mass
  • Phyllis Hakeem, Program Director Literacy and Instruction, Bay Path University
  • Andrea Hickson-Martin, Chair, Education Programs, Elms College
  • Ruth Hornsby, Associate Director – Post Bacc Licensure Programs, Mount Holyoke College
  • Rachel Kramer Theodorou, Brandeis University, Senior Lecturer in Education
  • Kristen Lech, Director of Graduate Programs in Special Education and ESL, Bay Path University
  • Amy Leshinsky, Director of Graduate Programs in Education, Curry College
  • Rebekah Louis, Director/Asst. Professor, Graduate Teacher Education at Stonehill College
  • Amy Maynard, Professor of Education, Lasell University
  • Mark D. McCarthy, Department Chair of Education and Associate Professor of Literacy Education, Springfield College
  • Amy Mercado, Assistant Professor, Bridgewater State University
  • Sarah Mosher, Adjunct Professor and Program Supervisor, UMASS Lowell
  • Priscilla Nelson, Richard F Gross Endowed Professor at Gordon College
  • Maryanne Palmer, Adjunct Professor; CAP Program Supervisor, Emmanuel College
  • Laura Porter, Practicum Director/Assistant Professor, Elms College
  • Donna Richards, Professor, Springfield College
  • Jean Silva, Program Supervisor, Curry College
  • Catherine Swift, Director, Teacher Licensure Programs, Mount Holyoke College
  • Colleen Tapley, BA.Ed. Program Coordinator and Faculty, UMASS Lowell
  • Susan Teece, Adjunct Faculty, Springfield College
  • Doris Van Gorder, Interim Dean, Cambridge College
  • Nanho Vander Hart, Director of Special Education & Transition Specialist Programs, Assumption University