The Office of the Governor of the State of Michigan

10/07/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/07/2026 15:21

Governor Whitmer Celebrates Over 8,000 Michigan Educators Completing Intensive Science of Reading Training

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 7, 2026

Governor Whitmer Celebrates Over 8,000 Michigan Educators Completing Intensive Science of Reading Training

More than 4,300 more educators are enrolled, strengthening literacy instruction, and helping every child read

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that 8,019 Michigan educators have now completed Language Essentials for Teaching Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training, a program that helps educators strengthen their literacy instruction and implement proven methods, like phonics and comprehension, to empower kids in the classroom. This milestone comes after Michigan saw record enrollment in LETRS training and makes significant progress on Governor Whitmer's Every Child Reads plan.

"Every child deserves the chance to become a strong reader and writer, and I applaud the educators who are leading this work," said Governor Whitmer. "Together, we're focused on early starts, proven methods, and extra help. These priorities build on Michigan's progress, including making the Science of Reading our statewide standard, screening all students for dyslexia, and expanding literacy coaching across the state. I'm grateful to the educators who have already embraced this approach and remain committed to making sure that every teacher has the tools they need to help every student reach their full potential."

Michigan's new Public Act 26 of 2026 requires all certified K-5 educators from local districts, intermediate school districts, and charter schools who teach or support reading instruction to complete intensive Science of Reading training, such as LETRS, by the 2031-32 school year. To support this work, the state's Fiscal Year 2027 budget includes over $500 million-the largest one-time literacy investment in Michigan's history-to strengthen early learning, train teachers, adopt evidence-based curricula, and provide additional student support.

"The more than 8,000 Michigan educators who have completed LETRS training are putting Students First by learning how to use research- and evidence-based strategies from the Science of Reading in their classroom instruction," said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. "But we're not going to rest on those laurels. We need all K-5 teachers who teach reading to complete Science of Reading professional learning. Gov. Whitmer and the Legislature have provided bipartisan support-including funding for professional learning-of the Science of Reading. Their collaboration, along with the efforts of our dedicated teachers, is what we need to improve literacy in our state."

"It's exciting to reach this milestone of 8,000 Michigan educators who have completed LETRS training," said State Board of Education President Dr. Pamela Pugh. "Preparing our teachers to instruct students using evidenced-based Science of Reading principles moves us toward Goal 2 in Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, to improve early literacy achievement. The board is committed to continued efforts to improve student proficiency in reading and writing."

In August, Whitmer applauded 17 districts that set bold goals to train all elementary educators in the Science of Reading. Since then, 11 more districts have joined them including:

  • Chippewa Hills School District
  • Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker Schools
  • Evart Public Schools
  • Forest Park School District
  • Grand Blanc Community Schools
  • Greater Heights Academy
  • Kentwood Public Schools
  • Montcalm Area ISD
  • Pine River Area Schools
  • Rudyard Area Schools
  • Saginaw ISD
  • Wolverine Community Schools.

Another 4,371 Michigan teachers were participating in LETRS training as of Oct. 1. Interested educators can learn more about LETRS training here.

Every Child Reads

Michigan's vision to help Every Child Read is a three-part plan that builds on years of record, bipartisan education investments in students and schools.

  1. Early Starts: Ensures every child has a strong start by partnering with families to help every child meet their milestones. Continues delivering PreK for All to set every kid with a solid academic foundation, ensuring they arrive at kindergarten better prepared to learn.
  2. Proven Methods: Gets evidence-based literacy teaching practices into all Michigan classrooms. Funds additional professional learning for teachers, including $75 million for LETRS training, so all educators use the most effective strategies to improve student outcomes, and expands the use of effective curriculum.
  3. Extra Help: Provides tutoring and small group support in class, over the summer, and in before-and after-school programs to every student who needs it.

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The Office of the Governor of the State of Michigan published this content on October 07, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 07, 2026 at 21:21 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]