Target Audience: K-2 classroom teachers, literacy coaches and administrators
Sign-up Page: www.acceleratedliteracylearning.com/online-professional-development.html
Fee - all 4 sessions included: $219 per person
Early Bird Special (sign up by Feb 17 using coupon code EARLYBIRD): $199 per person
Groups of three or more: $189 (Early Bird Special rate) or $209 per person (after Early Bird Special expires)

The Common Core Standards has significantly altered the landscape of teaching writing K-2 with the introduction of Opinion Writing. While early childhood teachers, parents and caregivers routinely experience children's spontaneous opinion making on topics as wide ranging as favorite toys to favorite ice cream flavors and so much more, the CCSS demand young children receive more formalized instruction in opinion writing. It is necessary preparation for middle/ high school students' ability to create logical and vigorous arguments which is one of the cornerstones of career and college readiness. This four-part Online Professional Development, facilitated by Emily Levine, a passionate early childhood educator (and mother of two very opinionated sons), will allow participants to begin envisioning what opinion writing may look like in their own early childhood classrooms. Topics will include: overall unit creation, developing links to existing Social Studies and Science curricula, mini-lesson design, choice of mentor texts, immersion in the genre of letter writing, as well as thoughts on real-life ways to share work with intended audience members. Participants will leave this Online Professional Development with the tools to empower young writers to develop their own perspective on meaningful topics in accordance with the CCSS.

Emily Levine was among the first consultants to join A.L.L. She works alongside New York City teachers, coaches, and administrators to implement literacy curriculum aligned with CCSS. Emily held a variety of positions in the New York City School System. She was the literacy coach and grant coordinator at P.S. 188 in lower Manhattan, an elementary school teacher at P.S. 124 in Brooklyn, and a 3rd grade teacher at City & Country, a Manhattan private school.