This innovative in-service program is designed to help teachers of English, Reading, and Language Arts (K-12) meet their individual goals by bringing teacher education on-site to the school and classroom. It helps pinpoint the strengths of each participant and helps determine areas for further development. UNH faculty and other experts work with your school to develop a training program that provides both practical skills as well as theoretical knowledge that will enhance teaching effectiveness.
Our Philosophy about Teacher Development
Learning Through Teaching is grounded on several key beliefs about teacher development.
- Each classroom is different.
- There are no magic solutions for all classrooms, all situations. Our best guidance comes from careful observation of our students and ourselves, and from professional conversation with colleagues.
- Sharing information is vital.
- Teaching is too often a lonely profession. The greatest resources available are other teachers trying similar approaches in their classrooms. Visits to other classrooms are essential for exploring new directions.
- Individual priorities need tailored solutions. Each teacher has his or her own set of priorities for professional growth, be it improving parent communication, integrating writing into the science curriculum, or guiding students to discuss literature in new ways. An effective in-service program should be individualized to help deal with various priorities.
- Real growth takes time. Any lasting change in teaching takes place over time. An effective program must provide continuous contact and support for those making significant changes in their teaching.
Schools Participating in Recent Years
Since this program’s inception, schools within the following communities in New Hampshire have taken advantage of Learning Through Teaching: Bartlett, Concord, Cornish, Deerfield, Dover, Hampstead, Littleton, Lisbon, Milford, Plaistow, Rochester, Salem, Windham, and more.
Applying Our Philosophy—What Teachers Will Learn
Our research-based program is designed to provide teachers with practical
assistance and support in a number of areas. These might include:
• Conducting reading and writing workshops;
• Helping students use portfolios for assessment and goal-setting;
• Developing effective management systems;
• Developing a reading program that features trade books chosen by students;
• Using literature circles;
• Teaching reading and writing skills within a process approach;
• Using various methods of recordkeeping and informal assessment;
• Analyzing and responding to students’ reading and writing;
• Understanding comprehension strategies;
• Using reading and writing in various subject areas;
• Teaching students to respond thoughtfully to literature;
• Using technology and digital storytelling in the writing/reading classrooms.
A Format that Includes Observation, Feedback,
Individualized Learning, and Shared Expertise
Each program will be coordinated by a faculty consultant from the New
Hampshire Literacy Institutes who will work with teachers to develop
individual programs. These may include a combination of:
• Visits and feedback from the faculty consultant;
• Demonstrations by the faculty consultant;
• Visits to other schools and classrooms;
• Selected readings;
• Reflective writing on teaching;
• Personal writing on self-chosen topics; and
• Group meetings with others in the program.
A Critical Feature of the Program is the Individualized Mentoring
Each teacher brings to the classroom a unique set of skills and characteristics
that enhances the learning of his or her students. This program is designed to help pinpoint the strengths of each participant and to help them determine
areas for further development.
Offered On-site—Developed According to Your School’s Needs
A Learning Through Teaching program will be developed according to your
needs and can be offered at your school or site. Whether you want the program to be for teachers at a particular grade level, in a specific subject area, or across the curriculum, we will develop a variety of learning opportunities for your teachers. An intensive one- to two-week summer option can be offered on-site or it can be a program that is offered during the academic year.
Program Length and Cost
Learning Through Teaching is designed to be offered for a variable number
of hours during the academic year, in response to the needs of your school.
A school or school district may contract directly with UNH Professional
Development & Training to bring the program into its school(s). Each program is based on an enrollment of 10 participants but more may be added at additional cost. Cost varies depending on the number of participants, length of project, and hours. Learning Through Teaching programs start from as little as $3000 or $6000 depending on the number of credits.
The Faculty
Program Coordinator
Thomas Newkirk is director of the New Hampshire Literacy Institutes. His most recent publication is Misreading Masculinity: Boys, Literacy, and Popular Culture.
Field Coordinators
Louise Wrobleski, site director for UNH Summer Literacy Institutes.
Tomasen M. Carey, instructor in the UNH Summer Literacy Institutes.
Researchers and Literacy Specialists
Kris Lynes - elementary teacher with over 30 years of experience.
Cynthia Merrill - former classroom teacher, who is researching and writing her dissertation about professional development for teachers.
Ellie Papazoglou - former reading specialist K-12.
Shirley Smith - recently retired language arts coordinator K-8 views collaboration of teachers in the learning process as empowering professional development.
Gary Tirone - experienced as a K-8 and 6-12 principal is currently chief learning officer at the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School.
Published Authors
Penny Kittle, Write Beside Them
Lisa Miller, Power Journalism: Computer-Assisted Reporting, and articles and poems in Quill, Conscience, and elsewhere
Pam Mueller, Lifers: A Study of At-Risk Adolescent Readers (Heinemann, 2001)
Jack Wilde, A Door Opens: Teaching Writing in 5th Grade (Heinemann, 1993)
Graduate Credits
Participants can earn 1 to 8 graduate credits per year.
The First Step...A Meeting to Explore Your School’s Interests
Prior to your school embarking on a Learning Through Teaching program, a representative from our faculty will meet with individuals from your school to talk about your interests in teacher development and how the Learning Through Teaching program might be of benefit. There is no cost involved in this initial meeting, since it is a time for your school to explore with us whether or not this program is suited to your needs.
About The New Hampshire Literacy Institutes
For more than 25 years, the New Hampshire Literacy Institutes have earned national recognition for their work with teachers. Courses typically include: Creative Nonfiction, Digital Storytelling, Blending Genre, Altering Style, and Boys’ Literacy. For information on summer programs write to NH Literacy Institutes, English Department, 95 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824, or visit the web at www.unh.edu/english/index.cfm and click on Special Programs.
About the Master of Science for Teachers Degree
The English Department offers a graduate program designed for practicing teachers who are interested in innovative approaches to literacy education. Students in the program have the opportunity to learn from teachers who have helped shape classroom instruction in the United States. We invite you to be part of this continuing tradition. For an application contact the Graduate English Office, 95 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824, or visit the web at www.unh.edu/english/index.cfm and click on Graduate Students.
About UNH Professional Development & Training
UNH Professional Development and Training serves the professional development needs of adults through a variety of noncredit seminars, courses, short-term certificate programs, conferences, and customized training. Offerings include one-day workshops throughout the year geared to teachers, school administrators, counselors, and related professionals. Workshops are also offered in many other areas, including management and supervision, human resources, health and human services, and more. Workshops are held in Portsmouth, Manchester, and Durham. For more information, or to obtain a catalog or brochure, please call (603) 862-4234, or visit the web at www.learn.unh.edu (click Professional Development), email professional.development@unh.edu, or write to UNH Professional Development and Training, 6 Garrison Ave., Durham, NH 03824.
Click here to download a brochure describing this program.
For information, contact Kay MacMillan at (603) 862-1739 or email her at kay.macmillan@unh.edu
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