VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.loraincountyesc.org/Literacy.aspx
LITERACY SPECIALISTS: Erica Kaufmann and Jennifer Martinez
LITERACY SPECIALIST & SUPERVISOR: Olivia Weisman
LISTED ALPHABETICALLY BY EVENT TITLE
5-DAY SERIES: NOV 5 (Intro 4:00-4:30 Zoom)
JAN 6 | FEB 3 | MAR 4 | APR 14 | MAY 6 | JUN 3 (4:00 - 5:30 ZOOM)
(must attend all dates)
Target Audience: Middle and High School Educators, Intervention Specialist, Administrators, Reading Specialists, Educators looking to continue on to AIM Pathways to Structured Literacy and/or AIM Pathways to Structured Literacy Practicum
All middle and high school educators, English Language Arts and content areas alike, should register for this 55-hour learning opportunity that develops depth of knowledge around literacy development and proficiency across content areas. This course is a critical first step for secondary educators seeking to implement evidence-based literacy instruction in the classroom and accelerate literacy acquisition among struggling learners.
Course Details:
Asynchronous Orientation and Pre-Course Knowledge Inventory Assessment
16 Section Pathways to Proficient Reading Course
6 live Virtual Community of Practice Sessions (VCoPs)
Pacing Guide offering recommended schedule for coursework completion
12 Month Access to the AIM Pathways platform to access, review, and apply materials in the classroom when needed
55 hours available for contact hours
A certificate of completion is available to show as proof for ALTA and other state credit.
3 graduate credit hours available from Ashland University
Click for Detailed SYLLABUS (Updates for June 2025)
The weighted average of all section scores and post-knowledge inventory score must be at least 80% to pass this course. Read all details in the syllabus.
Not intended for participants who have already completed Pathways to Proficient Reading
Pacing Guide - click to see dates and times of the 6 live synchronous sessions
Contact Hrs: 55
Optional: 3 graduate credits from Ashland University, details coming soon
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Facilitator: Erica Kaufmann, M.A.T., C-SLDI
Event Fee: Event Fee: $250 for LC District Members* | $350 for Non-Members
*Member Districts: Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Clearview, Columbia, Elyria, Firelands, JVS, Keystone, LC Early College, Lorain, Midview, North Ridgeville, Oberlin, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake, Wellington
Registration Assistance: Debbie Shannon - shannon@esclc.org or 440.324.5777 x1112
5-DAY SERIES: JAN 7 (Intro 4:00-4:30 Zoom)
JAN 28 | FEB 25 | MAR 18 | MAY 19 (8:30-3:30 IN-PERSON)
(must attend all dates)
Target Audience:
Educators developing their knowledge of Structured Literacy
Those pursuing certification as a structured literacy dyslexia interventionist through the Center of Effective Reading Instruction (CERI).
*Prerequisite Requirement:
Successful Completion of Pathways to Proficient Reading OR successful completion of LETRS Units 1 - 8 (score of 80% or higher on unit quizzes).
If you completed LETRS 1-8, must submit your certificates of completion at the time of registration in order to be approved for registration. Send certificates to kaufmann@esclc.org
This course is perfect for educators who have completed the Pathways to Proficient Reading course or LETRS Units 1-8 and are interested in learning how to create diagnostic and prescriptive literacy instruction that makes effective use of assessment data in foundational reading and spelling skills. The content of the course is focused on learning components of a complete Structured Literacy lesson and includes online course work and community-of-practice sessions.
After successful completion of Pathways to Structured Literacy, participants have met the requirement to take AIM Pathways to Structured Practicum. Eligible practicum participants register directly through AIM for the practicum. Upon successful completion of the practicum, participants are eligible to sit for the KPEERI exam for certification from the Center for Effective Reading Instruction as a structured literacy dyslexia interventionist. See AIM Pathways to Structured Literacy Practicum website for practicum details.
Participants are required to purchase the following text: Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills - Link to Purchase.
Link for AIM Pathways to Structured Literacy Syllabus
Required: Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills book purchase - Amazon Link
Contact Hrs: 25 hours, 30 additional CEU's available for online coursework
Location: ESC of Lorain County
Facilitator: Jennifer Martinez M.Ed., C-SLDI
Event Fee: Event Fee: Early Bird Registration: First 38 people -
$250 per seat - LC District Members* | $500 - Non-Members , which includes the AIM Practitioner Guide.
After Early Bird Spots are filled: $1,150 - LC District Members* | $1,350 - Non-Members, AIM Practitioner Guide NOT included (materials included)
*Member Districts: Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Clearview, Columbia, Elyria, Firelands, JVS, Keystone, Lorain, Midview, North Ridgeville, Oberlin, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake, Wellington
Registration Assistance: Debbie Shannon - shannon@esclc.org or 440.324.5777 x1112
5-DAY SERIES: JAN 7 (Intro 4:00-4:30 Zoom)
JAN 26 | FEB 23 | MAR 16 | MAY 11 (4:00 - 5:30 pm Zoom)
(must attend all dates)
Target Audience:
Educators developing their knowledge of Structured Literacy
Those pursuing certification as a structured literacy dyslexia interventionist through the Center of Effective Reading Instruction (CERI).
*Prerequisite Requirement:
Successful Completion of Pathways to Proficient Reading OR successful completion of LETRS Units 1 - 8 (score of 80% or higher on unit quizzes).
If you completed LETRS 1-8, must submit your certificates of completion at the time of registration in order to be approved for registration. Send certificates to kaufmann@esclc.org
This course is perfect for educators who have completed the Pathways to Proficient Reading course or LETRS Units 1-8 and are interested in learning how to create diagnostic and prescriptive literacy instruction that makes effective use of assessment data in foundational reading and spelling skills. The content of the course is focused on learning components of a complete Structured Literacy lesson and includes online course work and community-of-practice sessions.
After successful completion of Pathways to Structured Literacy, participants have met the requirement to take AIM Pathways to Structured Practicum. Participants are eligible to sit for the KPEERI exam for certification from the Center for Effective Reading Instruction as a structured literacy dyslexia interventionist.
Participants are required to purchase the following text: Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills - Link to Purchase.
Link for AIM Pathways to Structured Literacy Syllabus
Required: Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills book purchase - Amazon Link
Contact Hrs: 25 hours, 30 additional CEU's available for online coursework
Location: ESC of Lorain County
Facilitator: Jennifer Martinez M.Ed., C-SLDI
Event Fee: Event Fee: Early Bird Registration: First 38 people -
$250 per seat - LC District Members* | $500 - Non-Members , which includes the AIM Practitioner Guide.
After Early Bird Spots are filled: $1,150 - LC District Members* | $1,350 - Non-Members, AIM Practitioner Guide NOT included (materials included)
*Member Districts: Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Clearview, Columbia, Elyria, Firelands, JVS, Keystone, Lorain, Midview, North Ridgeville, Oberlin, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake, Wellington
Registration Assistance: Debbie Shannon - shannon@esclc.org or 440.324.5777 x1112
Target Audience: Educators, Parents, Counselors, School Administrators, Social Workers, Wellness Coordinators, School Psychologists, and Community Partners
Join us for a four-session virtual book study exploring Jonathan Haidt’s powerful and timely book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. This cross-disciplinary series brings together the expertise of ESC literacy specialists, parent mentors, wellness, and technology specialists to foster meaningful dialogue and actionable insights for educators, families, and school leaders.
Through guided discussions and collaborative reflection, participants will:
Examine the cultural and technological shifts impacting youth mental health
Explore the effects of screen time, social media, and declining independent play
Consider practical, developmentally appropriate strategies to support children and adolescents
Reflect on the roles of literacy, family engagement, digital wellness, and social emotional, physical, and mental well-being in shaping healthier childhoods
Exploring the connection of technology on student learning and development
Each one-hour Zoom session will focus on specific chapters and themes from the book, with time for discussion, shared perspectives, and application to both home and school contexts.
Join this critical conversation as we seek to better understand and support today’s youth in an increasingly anxious age.
Keep your eyes out for our related all day PD called Scroll, Stress, Repeat: Addressing Anxiety in a High-Pressured Era Spring 2026.
ATTEND ALL DATES: DEC 8 | JAN 5 | JAN 26 | FEB 9
TIME: 4:00 - 5:00
LOCATION: Virtual via Zoom
FACILITATORS: Mindy Kaminski, MSSA, LISW-S, Erica Kaufmann, M.A.T., C-SLDI, Jennifer Martinez, M.Ed., Cathy Papp, MSW, LISW-S, Brooke Sherman, M.Ed., LPCC-S, and Olivia Weisman, M.Ed., CALT
EVENT FEE: $50 - LC District Members* | $100 - Non-Members
*Member Districts: Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Clearview, Columbia, Elyria, Firelands, JVS, Keystone, Lorain, Midview, North Ridgeville, Oberlin, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake, Wellington
REGISTRATION ASSISTANCE: DEBBIE SHANNON, SHANNON@ESCLC.ORG
OFFERED 2 DIFFERENT TIMES:
Target Audience: Central office Administration, Building Level Administrators, Educators, Audiologists, Speech Pathologists, School Psychologists
Join us for a practical and informative session created to help teachers better understand auditory processing disorders (APD) and dyslexia. This workshop will explain what these conditions look like in students, the challenges they can cause, and how they impact learning. Teachers will discover useful strategies to support students in the classroom, including hands-on techniques and simple adjustments to help with listening and reading. Learn how to create a classroom environment where every student can succeed and feel included.
Date: Dec 3, 2025
Time: AM SESSION: 8:30 - 11:30 -OR- PM SESSION: 12:30 - 3:30
Location: ESC of Lorain County
Facilitators: Literacy -Jennifer Martinez and Audiologists - Taylor Householder, Elizabeth Striegl, Shannon Syarto
Event Fee: $25 - LC District Members* | $75 - Non-Members
*Member Districts: Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Clearview, Columbia, Elyria, Firelands, JVS, Keystone, Lorain, Midview, North Ridgeville, Oberlin, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake, Wellington
Registration Assistance: Debbie Shannon - shannon@esclc.org or 440.324.5777 x1112
Target Audience: Intervention Specialists, Special Education Supervisors, Building Administrators, Literacy Coaches, Structured Literacy Specialists
Join us for an interactive workshop designed for educators focused on the critical skill of crafting clear, effective, and measurable literacy IEP (Individualized Education Program) goals that align with RIMPs (Reading Improvement and Monitoring Plans). This session will guide participants through each step of the goal-writing process, from identifying data based student-specific needs in literacy to aligning goals with standards and monitoring progress.
In this workshop, you will:
Learn best practices for assessing students' literacy skills and pinpointing areas for growth.
Explore how to write specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) literacy goals.
Understand how to align goals with state literacy standards.
Gain practical strategies for documenting progress and adjusting goals as needed.
Work with examples and case studies to practice writing meaningful goals that reflect each student's strengths and challenges.
This professional development session is ideal for special education teachers, literacy specialists, and support staff looking to improve their IEP goal-writing skills and ensure each student’s literacy growth is effectively targeted and supported.
Date: Sept 10, 2025
Time: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Location: ESC of Lorain County
Facilitators: Danielle Holztrager, Erica Kaufmann, and Olivia Weisman
Event Fee: $50 - LC District Members* | $100 - Non-Members
*Member Districts: Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Clearview, Columbia, Elyria, Firelands, JVS, Keystone, Lorain, Midview, North Ridgeville, Oberlin, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake, Wellington
Registration Assistance: Debbie Shannon - shannon@esclc.org or 440.324.5777 x1112
OFFERED 2 DIFFERENT DATES:
NOV 6, 2025 OR APR 23, 2026
Target Audience: Parents, Community Members, Educators, Prospective Educators
Join us for an eye-opening simulation experience that invites all community members—families, educators, caregivers, and anyone passionate about literacy—to step into the shoes of a person with dyslexia. Through interactive activities, participants will experience the real-life challenges faced by individuals who struggle with reading and language processing.
This event is designed to:
Increase awareness of the frustrations and obstacles encountered daily by those with dyslexia.
Foster empathy and deeper understanding within our community.
Inspire supportive, informed action in homes, schools, and beyond.
By participating in this simulation, you’ll connect to the why behind key state initiatives, including:
Ohio’s Plan to Raise Literacy Achievement
Ohio Dyslexia Laws (House Bill 436)
The Ohio Dyslexia Guidebook
Science of Reading Training (House Bill 33)
Whether you're a parent, neighbor, school volunteer, or advocate, this experience offers meaningful insight into the world of those who navigate reading struggles every day—and highlights the shared role we all play in creating inclusive, supportive environments for learners of all ages.
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Location: ESC of Lorain County
Facilitators: Erica Kaufmann, Jennifer Martinez, and Olivia Weisman
Event Fee: $10 per person (cash at the door or credit card online)
Registration Assistance: Debbie Shannon - shannon@esclc.org or 440.324.5777 x1112
2-DAY SERIES:
DEC 5, 2025 | APR 17, 2026
(MUST ATTEND BOTH DATES)
Target Audience: Preschool Literacy Educators and Administrators
Prerequisite: Participants have independently purchased LETRS? Early Childhood Online Course and Print Participant Book from Lexia at 800.547.6747.
A cohort of early childhood educators will embark on an in-depth professional learning that provides deep knowledge of literacy instruction for our youngest learners. Participants in this cohort will increase their knowledge of early literacy and language, gain strategies that are engaging and effective, and how assessment data can be used to plan and implement instruction for our youngest learners.
Participants will complete the online learning units/sessions before our December 1st session and between each Face to Face training (a Pacing Guide will be provided upon registration).
Time: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Location: ESC of Lorain County
Time: 8:30am - 3:30pm
Facilitator: Olivia Weisman, M.Ed, CALT
Event Fee: $200 (10 person minimum; cost will decrease if we have more than 10 participants)
Registration Assistance: Debbie Shannon - shannon@esclc.org or 440.324.5777 x1112
Prerequisite: Participants have independently purchased LETRS Online Course and Print Participant Book for Units 1-4 from Lexia (previously Voyager Sopris) at 800.547.6747.
A cohort of educators will embark on an in-depth professional development in the Science of Reading to support all learners. Participating in this cohort will increase their knowledge of tools used to assess and teach language and literacy skills to every student. This learning supports any curriculum as it is intended to bridge educators' deep understanding of literacy with strategies that are evidence-based to support learning.
UNIT 1 - 9/16/25 - REGISTRATION LINK
TOPIC: The Challenge of Learning to Read
UNIT 2 - 11/11/25 - REGISTRATION LINK
TOPIC: The Speech Sounds of English
UNIT 3 - 1/20/26 - REGISTRATION LINK
TOPIC: Teaching Beginning Phonics, Word Recognition, and Spelling
UNIT 4 - 3/17/26 - REGISTRATION LINK
TOPIC: Advanced Decoding, Spelling, and Word Recognition
Target Audience: Literacy Educators and Administrators (primarily K-3)
Location: ESC of Lorain County
Time: 8:30am - 3:30pm
Facilitator: Olivia Weisman, M.Ed, CALT
Event Fee: PER UNIT - $100 (10 person minimum; cost will decrease if we have more than 10 participants)
Registration Assistance: Debbie Shannon - shannon@esclc.org or 440.324.5777 x1112
Prerequisite: Participants have completed Units 1-4 of LETRS
Participants have independently purchased LETRS Online Course and Print Participant Book for Units 5-8 from Lexia (previously Voyager Sopris) at 800.547.6747.
A cohort of educators will embark on an in-depth professional development in the Science of Reading to support all learners. Participating in this cohort will increase their knowledge of tools used to assess and teach language and literacy skills to every student. This learning supports any curriculum as it is intended to bridge educators' deep understanding of literacy with strategies that are evidence-based to support learning.
UNIT 5 - 9/17/25 - REGISTRATION LINK
TOPIC: The Mighty Word: Oral Language and Vocabulary
UNIT 6 - 11/12/25 - REGISTRATION LINK
TOPIC: Digging for Meaning: Understanding Reading Comprehension
UNIT 7 - 1/21/26 - REGISTRATION LINK
TOPIC: Text-Driven Comprehension Instruction
UNIT 8 - 3/18/26 - REGISTRATION LINK
TOPIC: The Reading-Writing Connection
Target Audience: Literacy Educators and Administrators (primarily K-3)
Location: ESC of Lorain County
Time: 8:30am - 3:30pm
Facilitator: Erica Kaufmann, MAT, C-SLDI
Event Fee: PER UNIT - $100 (10 person minimum; cost will decrease if we have more than 10 participants)
Registration Assistance: Debbie Shannon - shannon@esclc.org or 440.324.5777 x1112
DATES:
2025: MAY 16 | SEPT 12 | NOV 21
(please register for each date you plan to attend by clicking the date link)
Target Audience: Literacy Coaches and Instructional Coaches
This is an opportunity for literacy coaches to share ideas with one another around the planning and implementation of the coaching process for your school/district, to share evidence-based strategies, and to gain ideas or support from one another. These times will also be used to update you on guidance from Ohio’s Plan to Raise Literacy Achievement, Ohio’s Dyslexia Guidebook, and any other relevant updates in law related to or in support of literacy.
Literacy Coaches Lounge will meet every other month in person.
Time: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Location: ESC of Lorain County
Facilitators: Erica Kaufmann, Jennifer Martinez, and Olivia Weisman
Event Fee: (per date) $50 - LC District Members* | $100 - Non-Members
*Member Districts: Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Clearview, Columbia, Elyria, Firelands, Keystone, Lorain, Midview, North Ridgeville, Oberlin, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake, Wellington
Registration Assistance: Debbie Shannon - shannon@esclc.org or 440.324.5777 x1112
DATE SERIES:
SEPT 8 | SEPT 22 | OCT 6 | OCT 20 | NOV 3
(must attend all dates)
Target Audience: K-12 Teachers and Administrators
Join The Literacy Mixtape: A Podcast Study on the Science of Reading
Listen. Reflect. Remix your practice.
Dive into the Five Big Ideas of Literacy through powerful podcast episodes from Sold a Story, Melissa & Lori Love Literacy, and Science of Reading: The Podcast. This 5-session virtual study is designed for educators who want to deepen their understanding of reading instruction grounded in research.
Every other week, you’ll:
Listen to a curated podcast episode (your “track”)
Join a live 1-hour Zoom “listening party” to unpack what you heard
Participate in Google Classroom discussions and remix your classroom plans with practical, research-based strategies
Whether you’re new to the Science of Reading or ready to level up your literacy practice, this mixtape will challenge, inspire, and energize your teaching.
5 sessions | Zoom + Google Classroom | Professional learning that hits all the right notes!
Time: 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Facilitators: Erica Kaufmann, Jennifer Martinez, and Olivia Weisman
Event Fee: $50 - LC District Members* | $100 - Non-Members
*Member Districts: Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Clearview, Columbia, Elyria, Firelands, Keystone, Lorain, Midview, North Ridgeville, Oberlin, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake, Wellington
Grad Credit: $195 - 1 hour Ashland credit (info will be shared on 9/8)
Registration Assistance: Debbie Shannon - shannon@esclc.org or 440.324.5777 x1112
NETWORK DATES:
2025: MAY 22 | AUG 29 | SEPT 26 | OCT 31 | DEC 12
2026: JAN 23 | FEB 20 | MAR 27 | MAY 8
(Registration and payment are required for each date you plan to attend by clicking the date link)
Target Audience: Educators who hold a Structured Literacy certification and/or serve as the facilitator of the district's multidisciplinary team analyzing data in relation to Ohio Dyslexia Guidebook.
Erica Kaufmann, C-SLDI, Jennifer Martinez, C-SLDI, and Olivia Weisman, CALT, will facilitate this network opportunity for individuals certified in structured literacy and/or district multidisciplinary team members. The network will allow participants from neighboring districts to gain ideas from one another to support the MTSS process as well as implementation of HB 436 and Ohio’s Dyslexia Guidebook. Participants will also hear relevant updates on law related to or in support of literacy.
Topics of each network include discussions around the following include but are not limited to:
Universal Screening Data Analysis Plans
Documentation of Interventions
Checking in on Interventions and EMIS
Planning for Mid-Year Benchmarks and Kdg. Screening
Screening of Transfer Students
Statewide Literacy Initiative Updates
Time: 8:30 - 11:30 am
Location: ESC of Lorain County
Facilitators: Erica Kaufmann, Jennifer Martinez, and Olivia Weisman
Event Fee: Per date attended - $25 - LC District Members* | $50 - Non-Members
*Member Districts: Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Clearview, Columbia, Elyria, Firelands, JVS, Keystone, Lorain, Midview, North Ridgeville, Oberlin, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake, Wellington
Registration Assistance: Debbie Shannon - shannon@esclc.org or 440.324.5777 x1112