Partnering with Advancing Literacy
We design professional development that transforms literacy instruction. Working alongside your team, we create sustainable, research-based solutions tailored to your students, teachers, and community goals. We partner with schools, districts, and organizations across the country and around the world to provide professional learning and literacy support that is designed to fit the needs of each community.
Why Partner with TC Advancing Literacy? Your Curriculum. Your Goals. Our Expertise
As part of Teachers College, Columbia University, we bring decades of experience and literacy research directly into classrooms. Our staff developers are experienced educators who combine cutting-edge educational research with deep classroom experience. Rather than being tied to a proprietary program or specific curriculum, we adapt to your curriculum, context, and student and teacher needs.
Regardless of the curriculum you are implementing, we are able to meet you where you are. Our expertise is in effective literacy instruction, including the teaching moves, assessment practices, and differentiation strategies that work across any high-quality curriculum.
Onsite Professional Development
From demonstration teaching in classrooms to leading study groups for teachers on a wide variety of topics, TC Advancing Literacy staff developers work closely with school-based teams to provide professional learning that is tailored to the particular needs of students, teachers, school leaders, and families and caregivers in our partner schools and districts. Our team works across a wide range of curricula, with the ability to adapt to and support our partners’ selected resources.
Core Programming
Demonstration Teaching and Coaching inside Classrooms
Study Groups to Analyze Student Data and Develop Research Based Teaching
Strategic Implementation of Your Selected Core and MTSS Curriculum
Leadership Support for District and Building Leaders as well as Literacy Coaches
Early Career Teacher Support
Support Options
Literacy Curriculum Audit, Pilot, and Selection Process
Customized Curriculum Writing in Collaboration with Literacy Leaders
Collaborative School Visits and Instructional Rounds
Systemic Design for Collaborative Data Collection and Response
Family and Caregiver Support
Curated Text Collections
Courses and Institutes
Each year, TC Advancing Literacy offers a wide range of courses and events covering the latest research in educational sciences, instructional methodologies, and emerging technologies that influence teaching and learning. Our courses and institutes are designed to inspire, challenge, and empower educators—whether they are new to the field or seasoned leaders.
Local Summer Study
Teachers College Advancing Literacy is pleased to design site-based summer institutes with our partner schools and districts. All of our institutes are research-based and focus on pedagogies as well as content. Local Summer Institutes may be virtual or in-person, and they may span 2-5 days depending on the topic. Institutes may span any group size and may address more than one topic, depending on the availability of instructors and your needs. To schedule a Local Summer Institute, please review our brochure for Summer 2025 or select Apply for Services.
Flexible Learning Options via Asynchronous Courses with Microcredentials
TC Advancing Literacy also offers flexible, self-paced learning through online asynchronous courses. Course topics include:
Foundational Reading Skills Online Modules
Research-Based Literacy Instruction: The Science of Word Reading and Reading Fluency (microcredential)
Research-Based Literacy Instruction: The Science of Vocabulary Instruction (microcredential, available winter 2026)
Research-Based Literacy Instruction: Writing About Research (microcredential, available winter 2026)
Real Impact in Real Classrooms
Our research-based approaches have been tested and refined in hundreds of partner schools, ensuring every strategy we teach has proven effectiveness.
""I loved that all the information was directly supported by research and the strategies were applicable and realistic," E.S. (New York)"
"The institute created a welcoming and resource-rich atmosphere that allowed us to learn meaningfully and at our own pace.", A.T. (India)"
"The instructors were fantastic...The current research and current best practices and approaches are helpful for us in the field and helps us be better teachers," J.O. (New York)"
"I loved every second of this training! I appreciated every modeled small group lesson and am already implementing them... I loved being able to practice with students what we just observed and learned...," K. S., (California)"
"It is evident how knowledgeable they are in this field and it was very helpful when they provided real life examples and experiences...", D.C., New York"
"The facilitators created a collaborative environment where participants could share challenges and solutions. Hands-on activities and real-world scenarios reinforced key techniques, making the content easy to apply in everyday practice," K.B., New York"
Let’s Design Your Literacy Partnership
Are you ready to join the districts and schools that partner with us to strengthen their literacy outcomes, support teacher growth, and build sustainable literacy practices? Let’s start with a conversation about your goals, challenges, and community needs, and craft a professional development plan that works for you.
For School and District Leaders: Schedule a free consultation email us at advancingliteracy@tc.columbia.edu
For Individual Educators: Browse our courses and institutes to enroll in live or self-paced professional learning opportunities on a range of topics. Questions? Contact our team at advancingliteracy@tc.columbia.edu or 212-678-3104