Our Services
Empower Teachers, Engage Students, and Elevate Your School's Writing Program
Comprehensive Consultation
Detailed Program Evaluation:
Administrators face numerous decisions regarding instruction, and evaluating the writing portion of the ELA curriculum can be particularly challenging. Teaching to Transform offers a thorough evaluation of your current writing program, including reviewing curriculum documents, surveying teachers and students, and observing classrooms during writing time.
Unique Benefits:
Tailored Insights: Receive a customized report detailing the strengths and needs of your program.
Actionable Next Steps: Get clear, practical recommendations for improvement.
Transformation:
By understanding the specific needs of your writing program, you can implement targeted changes that enhance both teaching and learning outcomes.
Writing Program
Enhancement
Detailed Program Plan:
Melissa will work with school leaders and teachers to create an all-inclusive writing program for your school or district. This will include establishing a vision, providing guidance with the written curriculum documents, utilizing current or new resources and planning for professional learning.
Unique Benefits:
Researched-based Program: You will be equipped with a high-quality program that produces results.
Customized Action Plan: Get next steps to meet your current status and needs.
Transformation:
The writers in your school will have access to effective and engaging writing instruction. Teachers will feel well-equipped and confident to meet the needs of their writers and provide meaningful instruction.
Results and Impact;
Our services result in improved writing proficiency, higher teacher confidence, and greater parent satisfaction, leading to a more effective school environment.
95%
Higher Student Engagement
20%
Increase in Correct Grammar and Spelling Conventions in one Kindergarten Unit
20%
Increased Writing Volume in one First Grade Unit
Professional Development Trainings
Foundations of Writing Instruction:
This full-day workshop for K-8 ELA teachers provides essential information on what students need as writers and how teachers can guide their instruction. It includes training on authentic, independent writing and the steps for its effective implementation and management as well as an introduction to methods of explicit instruction.
Teaching Writing is Like Coaching the High Jump
This highly engaging and informative workshop is designed to help teachers see the need for getting-to-know their students as writers in the same way a trainer gets to know her athletes in order to target their needs more effectively. The introductory level session is a one-hour workshop with a more detailed workshop formatted in both half day and full day trainings.
Instructional Techniques Workshops:
Shared Writing and Interactive Writing:
Geared towards K-3 teachers, this workshop covers high-impact techniques with demonstrations, collaborative practice, and implementation strategies.
Mini-lessons, Modeled Writing, and Mentor Texts:
Designed for teachers with a basic understanding of Writer’s Workshop, this session offers an in-depth look at mini-lesson structures and practical application.
Conferring:
This workshop covers the purpose and structure of various writing conferences, with role-playing and guidance from Melissa. Tools for implementing and documenting conferences are shared.
Teachers leave these workshops with a fresh outlook on writing instruction. They are more inspired to implement our practical skills and strategies to enhance their teaching.
(The Student) used to dislike writing and did not engage much at all. Today, he complained when we didn’t have writing time! And…he writes a page a day!”
~Brooke S., 1st grade teacher
Personalized Coaching and Support
Lab Sites: Teachers observe instructional practices and independent writing sessions, followed by guided debriefs and individual next steps for implementation.
One-on-One Coaching: Tailored coaching sessions based on each teacher’s needs, including lesson planning, modeling, observation, and co-teaching.
Group/Grade-level Planning: Collaborative planning sessions facilitated by Melissa to analyze student work and plan writing units.
Leadership Support: Training for school leaders on the workshop model and tools for assessing and supporting teachers’ implementation.
Unique Benefits:
Customized Plans: Each district’s plan is tailored to its specific needs, timeline, and budget.
Holistic Approach: Beyond techniques, our training focuses on understanding the why behind writing instruction, fostering a shift in mindset and practice.
Transformation: With personalized coaching, teachers gain confidence, improve their instructional techniques, and see increased student engagement and success.
Signature Key Note
Teaching Writing is Like Coaching the High Jump!
Each high jumper has their own height to reach, just as each writer has theirs. This keynote presentation shares an insightful perspective on the individuality of writing and provides purpose and strategies for getting to know students as writers, just as a high jump coach must get to know his athletes. Attendees will walk away with a new mindset for teaching writing that will transform writers.
