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
SELF-PACED COURSE - GOOGLE CLASSROOM
REGISTER AND COMPLETE AT YOUR CONVENIENCE BY DEC 18, 2026.
Target Audience: All Educators or 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.
Participants will:
Listen to a curated podcast episode (your “track”)
Complete Knowledge and Reflection Checks based on the podcast episodes that will deepen connections between research and practice by exploring key ideas from the podcasts and thinking about what they look like in real classrooms.
Each Track also contains Bonus Tracks that are designed to deepen understanding and expand participant knowledge
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.
This course requires Google Classroom in order to participate.
Facilitators: Jennifer Martinez and Olivia Weisman
Contact Hrs: 15
Event Fee: $95 per person
Grad Credit: $195 - 1 hour Ashland credit (info will be shared when registered)
Registration Assistance: Debbie Shannon - shannon@esclc.org or 440.324.5777 x1112
ALL ZOOM SERIES
AUG 24 | SEPT 21 | OCT 12 | NOV 16 | DEC 7 | JAN 11 (4:00 - 5:30 - 1.5 hrs per day)
(must attend all dates)
Target Audience: Those pursuing certification as a structured literacy dyslexia interventionist through the Center of Effective Reading Instruction (CERI), Intervention Specialists, General Education Teachers, Title Teachers, Reading Specialists, Reading Tutors
This course is designed for educators who are committed to learning about the connection between reading research, theoretical models such as the Simple View of Reading and Scarborough’s Reading Rope, as well as best practices for language and literacy instruction in the classroom. Participants will learn effective instructional practices that will benefit all students, including those with or at risk for language-based learning disabilities.
This course is a prerequisite course for the AIM Pathways to Structured Literacy course.
Course Details:
Asynchronous Orientation and Pre-Course Knowledge Inventory Assessment
17 Section Pathways to Proficient Reading Course (AIM Pathways to Proficient Reading 2025 Syllabus)
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 CEU’s
3 graduate credit hours available from Ashland University
IDA-Accreditation and KPEERI Exam
Pathways to Proficient Reading is IDA-Accredited with coursework aligned to the Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading. Course completion prepares participants to take the Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI) through the Center of Effective Reading Instruction and receive Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher certification when they pass the exam.
Event Fee: Early Bird Registration: First 12 people $200 per seat
After Early Bird Spots are filled: $750 - LC District Members* | $850 - Non-Members
*Member Districts: Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Clearview, Columbia, Elyria, Firelands, JVS, Keystone, Lorain, Midview, North Ridgeville, Oberlin, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake, Wellington
Number of Participants: Minimum of five participants. Registration closes Aug 15
Facilitator: ESCLC Literacy Specialist
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Registration Assistance: Debbie Shannon, shannon@esclc.org or 440.324.5777 x1112
DATES: 8/31/26 | 9/28/26 | 10/26/26 | 11/30/26 | 12/14/26 | 1/4/27
(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)
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
Facilitator: ESCLC Literacy Specialist
Grad Credit Available: 3 (cost coming soon)
Event Fee: $350 - LC District Members* | $450 - 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
Number of Participants: Minimum of five participants and maximum of 16 participants.
Registration closes August 22.
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Registration Assistance: Debbie Shannon, shannon@esclc.org or 440.324.5777 x1112
DATES: FEB 8 | MAR 15 | APR 12 | MAY 10
(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:
One of these courses must be completed prior to the start date of the Structured Literacy course:
Option #1: Pathways to Proficient Reading (PPR) (with 80% final course grade)
Option #2: An IDA-accredited course or rigorous Science of Reading professional development from 2021 or after.
Please reach out to Client Support to learn about qualifying courses and professional development - clientsupport@aimpa.org. Please send your IDA approved course completion certificate to martinez@esclc.org upon registration.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
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 virtual 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.
Grad Credit Available: 3 (cost coming soon)
Event Fee: Early Bird Registration: First 28 people:
$350 per seat - LC District Members* | $600 - Non-Members , which includes the AIM Practitioner Guide
After Early Bird Spots are filled:
$1,250 - LC District Members* | $1,450 - Non-Members, AIM Practitioner Guide NOT included
*Member Districts: Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Clearview, Columbia, Elyria, Firelands, JVS, Keystone, LC Early College, Lorain, Midview, North Ridgeville, Oberlin, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake, Wellington
Number of Participants: Minimum of five participants and maximum of 16 participants.
REQUIRED FOR ALL COHORTS: Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills book purchase -
OPTIONAL ASHLAND GRAD CREDIT: 3 hrs - $585 - Info provided at kickoff session
FACILITATOR/ADJUNCT PROFESSOR: Jennifer Martinez, M.Ed., C-SLDI
Registration Assistance: Debbie Shannon, shannon@esclc.org or 440.324.5777 x1112
A 5-Session Virtual Book Study Series:
DATE SERIES: NOV 23 | DEC 14 | JAN 11 | FEB 1 | FEB 22
(must attend all dates)
Target Audience: Educators, Parents, Counselors, School Administrators, Social Workers, Wellness Coordinators, School Psychologists, and Community Partners
Join us for a 5-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 and wellness teams along with guest appearances from other experts from the ESC 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.
Participants are responsible for purchasing the book.
Date: Nov. 23, 2026
Location: Online via Google Classroom
Facilitators: 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
Ashland Grad Credit Optional: 1 hour - $195 (details given on Nov 23)
Registration Assistance: Debbie Shannon, shannon@esclc.org or 440.324.5777 x1112
Target Audience: ntervention 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: Oct. 21, 2026
Facilitators: Danielle Holztrager and Olivia Weisman
Location: Educational Service Center - 1885 Lake Ave., Elyria
Contact Hrs: 6
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
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 - 9/17/26 - REGISTRATION LINK
TOPIC: The Challenge of Learning to Read
UNIT 2 - 11/5/26 - REGISTRATION LINK
TOPIC: The Speech Sounds of English
UNIT 3 - 1/21/27 - REGISTRATION LINK
TOPIC: Teaching Beginning Phonics, Word Recognition, and Spelling
UNIT 4 - 3/4/27 - 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 - $140 (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 - 9/15/26 - REGISTRATION LINK
TOPIC: The Mighty Word: Oral Language and Vocabulary
UNIT 6 - 11/10/26 - REGISTRATION LINK
TOPIC: Digging for Meaning: Understanding Reading Comprehension
UNIT 7 - 1/26/27 - REGISTRATION LINK
TOPIC: Text-Driven Comprehension Instruction
UNIT 8 - 3/16/27 - 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: Olivia Weisman, M.Ed, CALT
Event Fee: PER UNIT - $140 (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:
(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: 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
NETWORK DATES:
2026: AUG 28 | SEPT 25 | NOV 13 | DEC 18
2027: JAN 22 | FEB 26 | APR 9 | MAY 14
(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: 8:00 - 11:00 am
Location: ESC of Lorain County
Facilitator: Olivia Weisman, M.Ed., CALT
Event Fee: Per date attended - $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