Educators in the inaugural Oklahoma Literacy Initiative Literacy Leader Institute completed five days of training designed to strengthen reading instruction and build literacy leadership within participating schools.
The institute covered the science of reading, instructional coaching, oral language, decoding, phonemic awareness, assessment and data collection, dyslexia, and other practices that support effective literacy instruction. Participants also worked with external consultants and prepared for follow-up school visits.
“The OLI Literacy Leader Institute was a transformative experience that empowered educators to rethink practices, embrace new learning, and grow as literacy leaders,” said Mica Byrum, program director for the Oklahoma Literacy Initiative. “The expertise and positive energy of our facilitators fostered curiosity, confidence, and collaboration, leaving participants prepared to lead meaningful change in their schools and create a lasting ripple effect for literacy across Oklahoma.”
Je’Tiva Fields of Ardmore Public Schools said the training gave her greater confidence in her ability to support teachers.
“It’s been awesome,” Fields said. “I’ve loved this program because I feel empowered to give teachers what they need.”
Fields said the goal is to equip teachers to help students build confidence, learn, and become readers.
At the conclusion of the institute, Byrum asked participants to describe where they were after the training. Their answers included “eye opening,” “awakening,” “affirmation,” “positive,” and “agents of change.”
“I didn’t realize some of the practices I was holding on to are not beneficial to student growth,” one participant wrote. “It is freeing to know I can change.”
Another called the institute “eye opening and refreshing,” describing it as “a reading revival.” A third said the training affirmed that educators possess the knowledge needed to become effective teachers, mentors, and coaches.
One participant described the inaugural cohort as “agents of change” capable of starting a ripple effect that makes literacy “a way of life” and “a non-negotiable” across Oklahoma.
The cohort will continue working with consultants and participating schools as educators apply the training, support their colleagues, and build the school-level leadership needed to sustain stronger literacy instruction.
