How to Teach Reading in Grades 6–12 (Fast!)—
Even If No One Taught You How
3-DAY LIVE ZOOM WORKSHOP
June 16-18, 2025
9:00AM to Noon ET
This 3-day intensive gives you a crash course in the Science of Reading—tailored specifically for secondary classrooms. No theory overload. No shame. Just practical, research-based strategies you can use immediately — even if you’ve never taught reading in your life.
We’ll cover:
Day 1: What reading is and how the adolescent brain processes it
Day 2: How to teach phonics and fluency (yes, even in high school!)
Day 3: The connection between vocabulary, writing, and comprehension
Plus: How to increase reading comprehension in any content area
Whether you're a science teacher, a seasoned literacy coach, or a principal looking to lead stronger reading instruction—this course is for you.
A certificate of completion will be emailed to each participant at the conclusion of the workshop.
$199
Contact us for discounts for groups of 5+.
Want to use a purchase order? Reach out for registration instructions.
Sessions will be held on Zoom. Enrolled educators need an active email address, internet connection, and a device with video and sound capabilities. Most operating systems and browsers are supported; for the best experience, the latest version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Chromium Edge is recommended.
Rave reviews from the June 2025 Zoom workshop!
Anna W., teacher in Illinois
“I learned so much during this PD. I am excited to start planning for next school year and incorporating these strategies into my everyday lessons – which I feel is totally doable!”
Kristy K., teacher in Indiana
“Even after 23 years of teaching 8th grade ELA, the discussions and strategies were very helpful ….The three hours each day flew by, and my head is spinning (in a good way)! ”
Shelle R., teacher in Wyoming
“The information that was shared was actually applicable to the junior high and high school level! Dr. French is very personable and is a great presenter of information. ”
Taught by Dr. Jenny French |
Taught by Dr. Jenny French |
Dr. Jenny French brings her experience as a teacher, literacy coach, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent to schools all over the country.
As a sought-after school improvement consultant, Dr. Jenny French is delighted to share her wealth of experience.
Jen’s career has encompassed all facets of education: elementary classroom teacher, middle school language arts teacher, secondary literacy coach, university associate professor, curriculum director, assistant superintendent of schools, and board member of the International Dyslexia Association.
Workshop Agenda
3 Days, 3 Hours Each
Day 1: The Adolescent Brain + The Science of Reading
Big Idea: Teens read differently—and we need to teach accordingly.
Goals: Understand the basics of reading science, and how adolescent brains process written language.
Agenda:
9:00–9:20 → Welcome + Introductions
9:20–9:50 → What Is Reading, Really? (Simple breakdown of decoding + meaning-making)
9:50–10:30 → The Adolescent Brain + Cognitive Load
10:30–10:45 → Break
10:45–11:30 → How the Science of Reading Applies to Secondary Classrooms
11:30–12:00 → Identifying Reading Challenges in Older Students
Day 2: Scarborough’s Rope, Word Recognition + Comprehension
Big Idea: Foundational skills still matter—phonics, fluency, and comprehension are all connected.
Goals: Understand and teach both strands of the rope at the secondary level.
Agenda:
9:00–9:15 → Warm-up: “Which part of the rope is fraying?”
9:15–10:00 → Word Recognition: Phonological Awareness, Decoding—What’s Appropriate for Older Students?
10:00–10:15 → Break
10:15–11:00 → Fluency Building and Age-respectful Texts
11:00–11:45 → Language Comprehension: Background Knowledge
11:45–12:00 → Q&A + Reflection Activity
Day 3: Vocabulary + Writing = Deeper Comprehension
Big Idea: To read deeply, students need to write and speak deeply, too.
Goals: Learn how to embed vocabulary instruction and writing tasks to build comprehension.
Agenda:
9:00–9:15 → Warm-up: What Makes a Word "Worth Teaching"?
9:15–10:00 → Explicit Vocabulary Instruction That Sticks (Morphology, Tiers, Context)
10:00–10:15 → Break
10:15–10:45 → Writing to Read: Using Quickwrites, Graphic Responses, and Written Discussions
10:45–11:30 → Content-Area Connections: Embedding Literacy into All Subjects
11:30–12:00 → Final Tools, Exit Ticket, and Certification Info