LETRS professional learning is back!

Back by popular demand, the Iowa Department of Education is offering an additional round of professional learning for the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, better known as LETRS. Iowa PK-8 educators who are interested in transforming their literacy instruction through evidence-based practices are invited to register for the upcoming cohort that starts in January 2027.

"We are excited to offer LETRS once again to educators across the state who are committed to providing high-quality literacy instruction within their classrooms," said Wanda Steuri, literacy education consultant at the Department. "With evidence-based practices and high-quality instructional materials, we can ensure that all Iowa students have the opportunity to learn, achieve and find success in literacy."

LETRS, a professional learning opportunity that is offered to educators at no cost, provides an in-depth overview of the Science of Reading and how to implement best practices that strengthen literacy instruction. Participants in LETRS will gain foundational skills needed to master reading and writing instruction, such as phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and written language.

A limited number of licenses are available for Iowa educators and administrators from public and accredited nonpublic schools to join this opportunity. Registration will remain open while licenses are available or through December, whichever comes first. To register, select from the categories listed below.

• LETRS for Early Educators - This is intended for any early childhood Iowa public educator or administrator currently employed in district locations to provide and support Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP), Shared Visions Preschool Program or Early Childhood Special Education services.
• LETRS for Elementary Educators - This is intended for any Iowa K-8 educator who provides reading instruction to students in an accredited elementary school, including K-8 educators, special education teachers, Title I educators, middle school special education teachers and reading interventionists and instructional coaches.
• LETRS for Administrators - This is intended for any K-8 administrator serving in an accredited elementary school, including instructional coaches, district administrators, district curriculum leaders and building principals.
• School district cohorts - Groups of 35-43 participants can register as a team for the LETRS for Elementary Educators or LETRS for Early Educators.

More than 6,300 educators have completed or are currently participating in a Department-sponsored LETRS training cohort. LETRS professional development opportunities support evidence-based reading instruction, grade-level reading proficiency and practices that help close achievement gaps.

Additional information can be found on the Iowa LETRS website or the Department's literacy instruction webpage. Specific questions can be directed to the Iowa LETRS team at [email protected].