What is a Homegrown Institute?
A Homegrown Institute is an immersive, multi-day professional learning experience designed to support educators in the teaching of reading, writing, or phonics. Each institute is tailored to the specific needs of your school or district, fostering collaboration and practical learning that enhances literacy instruction. While many Homegrown Institutes take place in the summer, they can also be scheduled during the school year.
Where do Homegrown Institutes take place?
Homegrown Institutes are hosted by a school or district, or in some cases a group of districts. Homegrown Institutes can take place in-person or virtually.
How long does a Homegrown Institute last?
Most Homegrown Institutes run for four days (Monday-Thursday), with an optional fifth day for special topics or literacy leadership support. This extra day can provide targeted professional development that deepens impact and sustainability. Alternatively, we can customize the length of Institutes based on district needs.
What topics can be covered in a Homegrown Institute?
Each Homegrown Institute is designed to address the priorities of your educators and students. Frequently requested topics include:
The Essentials of Teaching Writing or Reading (K-2, 3-5, 6-8)
Small Groups and Toolkits to Accelerate Growth in Reading (or Writing)
Small Groups and Conferences that Make a Dramatic Difference
Rebalancing Balanced Literacy: Integrating the Science of Reading into Your K-2 Reading Workshop
Using (and Writing) Decodable Texts to Support Early Readers
Foundational Reading in the Upper Grades: Supporting Phonics, Comprehension, and Fluency
Book Clubs: Supporting Analytical Reading and Writing about Reading
Using Goals, Learning Targets, and Success Criteria to Invigorate Instruction
Can we customize our Homegrown Institute to focus on specific needs?
Absolutely! One of the hallmarks of a Homegrown Institute is its flexibility. We work with school leaders to craft a professional development experience that meets the needs of your educators and the goals of your district. Whether you want to emphasize foundational literacy, small-group instruction, or the integration of research-based best practices, we tailor the experience accordingly.
What happens during a Homegrown Institute?
Homegrown Institutes are highly interactive, with a mix of workshops, hands-on practice, collaborative study, and direct coaching. Participants engage in:
Live demonstrations of instructional practices
Small group work with real-time feedback
Planning and reflection sessions to prepare for classroom implementation
Collaborative discussions to build a shared vision for literacy instruction
Who should attend a Homegrown Institute?
Educators of all experience levels will benefit, including classroom teachers, literacy coaches, instructional leaders, and administrators. Institutes are designed to foster a community of learners who engage in shared study and practical application of literacy best practices.
How do we schedule a Homegrown Institute?
Scheduling is on a first-come, first-served basis. Schools and districts typically provide several date options, and we do our best to accommodate your preferences based on staff availability. If you're interested in bringing a Homegrown Institute to your school, we encourage you to reach out early to reserve your preferred dates.
To learn more or to schedule a Homegrown Institute for your school or district, contact us at contact@readingwriting.net. You may also schedule a call with us to answer any questions here.
To view our full array of professional development offerings, read our brochure. For summer-specific offerings, browse here.
