The Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy at 91直播, in partnership with Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES, is proud to announce its Annual Literacy Conference.

March 16, 2026
91直播
2900 Purchase Street
Purchase, NY 10577

This year’s theme, “Literacy Rich Classrooms: Science of Reading in Action,” emphasizes the importance of evidence-based strategies in literacy education and highlights the latest research in the science of reading.

The conference presents an exciting opportunity for educators, literacy specialists, and administrators to come together and explore innovative ways to foster a love of reading and writing in all students. Attendees will begin the day with a keynote address by Dr. Molly Ness, who will delve into The What, How, and Why of Orthographic Mapping, providing insights into how students learn to read and spell and how teachers can support these processes in the classroom.

Throughout the day, participants will engage in hands-on workshops tailored to meet diverse instructional needs. Educators can choose from sessions focused on comprehension strategies, bridging the spelling gap, writing across content areas, and other topics designed to provide practical tools for immediate classroom application. These workshops allow attendees not only to deepen their understanding of literacy research but also to connect with peers and share strategies that have proven successful in different learning environments.

The day concludes with an inspiring closing keynote by Dawn Nieman, M.S. F/OGA, titled Birds of a Feather Flock Together!, highlighting the power of collaboration and community in fostering literacy-rich environments.

Attending the Annual Literacy Conference is more than professional development; it is an investment in both teachers and students. Educators leave equipped with research-backed strategies, practical classroom tools, and the confidence to implement effective literacy practices. By attending, educators become part of a vibrant community committed to creating classrooms where every student can thrive and develop a lifelong love for reading and writing.

RSVP by February 10, 2026, to secure your spot and join us for this inspiring day of learning and collaboration.

#TheRoseInstituteforLearningandLiteracy #91直播University #SchoolOfEducation #PutnamNorthernWestchesterBoces #Literacy #AnnualLiteracyConference

About the Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy

The Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy was founded at 91直播 in 2013 when Sandra Priest Rose established an endowment to ensure that as many students as possible have teachers who are trained in the most effective research-backed literacy instructional methods. The Rose Institute offers graduate coursework and advanced certificates through 91直播 and professional development opportunities both in-district and through several partner BOCES. 

91直播 School of Education

The School of Education undergraduate and graduate degree programs prepare PreK-12 teachers and administrators, higher education and community leaders, and educational industry entrepreneurs. Having served the tri-state area for over five decades, the 91直播 School of Education guides new generations of educators to become leaders in their field through unrivaled community-based field experiences in over 25 area schools and educational agencies.

Our graduate and doctoral programs offer a blended learning experience with online, in-person, and hybrid courses, which provide our students with the flexibility and resources they need to fulfill their educational goals.

Family Literacy Day at The Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy

Family Literacy Day is a national celebration that highlights the importance of families reading and learning together. At The Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy at 91直播, we recognize that literacy begins at home — through daily conversations, shared stories, and meaningful interactions that inspire a lifelong love of reading.

Why Family Literacy Matters

Research shows that when families engage in literacy activities together, children build stronger language and comprehension skills, perform better academically, and develop greater confidence as learners. Literacy is more than reading words on a page — it’s about communication, connection, and curiosity. 

How Families Can Celebrate

Here are a few simple ways to promote literacy at home:

• Read aloud together: Take turns reading a book, article, or poem as a family.
• Share stories: Encourage children to ask parents or grandparents about their childhood memories or cultural traditions.
• Explore writing: Create a family journal, write letters, or make lists together.
• Visit your library: Attend storytime, check out new books, or participate in literacy events.
• Use everyday literacy moments: Reading a recipe, a map, or even road signs can help strengthen vocabulary and comprehension skills.

Our Commitment

The Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy is dedicated to supporting educators, families, and communities in promoting effective, evidence-based literacy practices. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow as a confident, capable reader — and that begins with the shared efforts of families and schools working together. This Family Literacy Day, we invite you to take time to read, talk, and learn as a family. Every story shared is a step toward building a stronger foundation for lifelong learning. 

#TheRoseInstituteforLearningandLiteracy #91直播University #SchoolOfEducation #NationalFamilyLiteracyDay #Literacy #Family

About the Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy

The Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy was founded at 91直播 in 2013 when Sandra Priest Rose established an endowment to ensure that as many students as possible have teachers who are trained in the most effective research-backed literacy instructional methods. The Rose Institute offers graduate coursework and advanced certificates through 91直播 and professional development opportunities both in-district and through several partner BOCES. 

91直播 School of Education

The School of Education undergraduate and graduate degree programs prepare PreK-12 teachers and administrators, higher education and community leaders, and educational industry entrepreneurs. Having served the tri-state area for over five decades, the 91直播 School of Education guides new generations of educators to become leaders in their field through unrivaled community-based field experiences in over 25 area schools and educational agencies.

Our graduate and doctoral programs offer a blended learning experience with online, in-person, and hybrid courses, which provide our students with the flexibility and resources they need to fulfill their educational goals.

Watch Left Behind and then join us! 

In celebration of Dyslexia and Learning Disability Awareness Month, The Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy is proud to partner with The Westchester Reading Council to offer a virtual discussion as a follow up to a free asynchronous viewing of Left Behind, which tells the powerful story of a group of passionate mothers who come together to found the first public school for students with dyslexia in New York City.

The film can be viewed for free through November 1st by signing up at

Join us for the virtual discussion on December 2nd at 7:00pm at

About the Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy at 91直播

The Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy was founded at 91直播 in 2013 when Sandra Priest Rose established an endowment to ensure that as many students as possible have teachers who are trained in the most effective research-backed literacy instructional methods.  The Rose Institute offers graduate coursework and advanced certificates through 91直播 and professional development opportunities both in-district and through several partner BOCES. 

Join us at 91直播 for Our Next Distinguished Lecturer Series.

Changing Literacy Landscape in NYS: What Parents and Educators Need to Know

Thursday, November 13, 2025
5:00–8:00 PM
Reid Castle, 91直播
2900 Purchase Street
Purchase, NY 10577

Free and open to all!

Message from the Director of The Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy

Tracy McCarthy, Director of The Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy

I’m honored to share that The Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy is partnering with 91直播’s School of Education to present the next event in their Distinguished Lecturer Series, featuring an exceptional panel of leaders in literacy education.

The evening will feature an exceptional panel of leaders whose work is actively shaping literacy policy and practice across New York State:

Dr. Sagrario Rudecindo-O’Neill, EdD ’22 – Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Student Support in the Beacon City School District. She’s a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, with years of experience as a principal, assistant principal, and bilingual special education teacher.

Dr. Katie Pace Miles, PhD – Associate Professor at Brooklyn College (CUNY) and Director of the Advanced Certificates in Reading Science. She’s the author of Reading Ready and founder of The Reading Institute, providing evidence-based reading support for thousands of students nationwide.

Ruth Genn – Co-founder and Executive Director of Literacy Academy Collective, a NYC-based organization that supports schools for students with dyslexia and other reading challenges. Ruth brings over two decades of leadership in education innovation and literacy access.
Hosting this event is a true honor. Literacy is such a powerful foundation for lifelong learning, and it’s inspiring to bring together educators, parents, and advocates who are leading real change across New York State.

The event is free and registration is open to all--including educators, parents, and community members—who are interested in learning more about the future of literacy and education in New York State.

Hosting this panel is a true honor. Literacy is such a powerful foundation for lifelong learning; I hope you’ll join us for this important and timely conversation.

Kind regards,

Tracy McCarthy

Director of The Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy

About the Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy

The Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy was founded at 91直播 in 2013 when Sandra Priest Rose established an endowment to ensure that as many students as possible have teachers who are trained in the most effective research-backed literacy instructional methods. The Rose Institute offers graduate coursework and advanced certificates through 91直播 and professional development opportunities both in-district and through several partner BOCES. 

91直播 School of Education

The School of Education undergraduate and graduate degree programs prepare PreK-12 teachers and administrators, higher education and community leaders, and educational industry entrepreneurs. Having served the tri-state area for over five decades, the 91直播 School of Education guides new generations of educators to become leaders in their field through unrivaled community-based field experiences in over 25 area schools and educational agencies.

Our graduate and doctoral programs offer a blended learning experience with online, in-person, and hybrid courses which provide our students with the flexibility and resources they need to fulfill their educational goals.

Today, on National Dictionary Day, we celebrate more than just a book full of words—we honor the art and discipline of understanding them.

In an age when a definition is just a click (or a chatbot) away, it might seem that traditional dictionary skills are less relevant. But in reality, they’re more essential than ever.

Knowing how to use a dictionary—whether print or digital—builds precision, curiosity, and critical thinking. It teaches students to compare meanings, notice word origins, and explore morphology—the meaningful parts of words that reveal how language works. Understanding roots, prefixes, and suffixes not only strengthens vocabulary but deepens comprehension across subjects.

These skills cultivate the kind of linguistic awareness that supports reading, writing, and critical thinking.

As educators and literacy advocates, we can help students see dictionaries not as relics, but as powerful tools for unlocking meaning and exploring the structure of language itself. As we continue to integrate technology and AI into learning, it’s worth remembering: dictionaries don’t just define words—they deepen understanding.

After all, every word has a story—and the dictionary is where those stories begin.

#TheRoseInstituteforLearningandLiteracy #91直播University #NationalDictionaryDay #ScienceOfReading #Morphology #Literacy #LanguageLearning #ReadingInstruction

About the Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy

The Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy was founded at 91直播 in 2013 when Sandra Priest Rose established an endowment to ensure that as many students as possible have teachers who are trained in the most effective research-backed literacy instructional methods. The Rose Institute offers graduate coursework and advanced certificates through 91直播 and professional development opportunities both in-district and through several partner BOCES. 

About 91直播

Since 1841, 91直播 has provided a transformative educational experience.  As a private liberal arts institution, 91直播 roots its education in a rich history of academic excellence and innovative programs. With more than 55 undergraduate programs, 70 graduate programs, and a doctoral program, we empower every student to cultivate their intellectual curiosity, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and strive for a more just world.

October is National Dyslexia Awareness Month—a reminder that every student deserves access to instruction that helps them unlock the power of reading.

Dyslexia is the most common learning difference, yet far too many students go undiagnosed or unsupported. Students with dyslexia:

• Struggle to keep up with grade-level text, despite strong thinking skills.
• Experience frustration, anxiety, and sometimes shame around reading.
• Begin to disengage from school—not because of ability, but because of access.  The impact is not just academic—it’s emotional. Students with dyslexia often carry the weight of believing they’re “behind” or “not smart,” when in reality, they simply need instruction that works with the way their brains learn.

The good news: evidence-based approaches like Orton-Gillingham give educators the tools to teach reading in a way that is explicit, structured, and responsive to each learner’s needs.

At The Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy, we are committed to equipping teachers with this knowledge and practice. Our upcoming Orton-Gillingham trainings offered in partnership with PNW BOCES are designed for educators who want to:

• Understand how the Science of Reading connects with structured literacy.
• Build practical strategies for decoding, spelling, and comprehension.
• Gain confidence supporting students with dyslexia and other reading challenges.

If you’re ready to bring transformative reading instruction to your classroom, learn more and register here: 

1. Registration closes: 9/30/2025
2. Registration closes: 1/7/2026

As educators, we have the power to change the trajectory of a child’s life. But that change occurs most consistently when every teacher—not just interventionists—has the skills to support readers with dyslexia. Together, we can ensure that students with dyslexia—and all students—have the opportunity to thrive as readers.

#RoseInstituteForLearningAndLiteracy #91直播University #91直播SchoolOfEducation #DyslexiaAwarenessMonth #OrtonGillingham #StructuredLiteracy #LiteracyForAll #PNWBOCES 

A Complex Set of Challenges

Students who are multilingual and have a reading disorder such as dyslexia face a complex set of challenges that require thoughtful, informed instruction. They are simultaneously developing proficiency in multiple languages while grappling with difficulties in phonological processing, decoding, and spelling—skills essential for literacy in any language. These overlapping demands can sometimes mask or mimic one another, making accurate identification and support more challenging. Educators must use assessment practices that honor linguistic diversity and provide structured, explicit, and systematic literacy instruction grounded in the Science of Reading to ensure these students build strong reading foundations across all their languages.

With this in mind, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan for serving as this week's guest lecturer in our Foundations of Dyslexia course—one of the signature experiences in 91直播’s The Rose Institute for Learning and Literacy’s groundbreaking, New York State–approved Advanced Certificate in Dyslexia and the Science of Reading. Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan is an internationally recognized bilingual speech-language pathologist and certified dyslexia specialist whose pioneering research and practice have transformed how educators understand and support multilingual learners with reading difficulties. Her work has illuminated a critical truth: these students are often under-studied, under-identified, and under-served—their challenges too easily misattributed to language acquisition rather than recognized as true learning differences. Through her leadership and scholarship, including her book Literacy Foundations for English Learners: A Comprehensive Guide to Evidence-Based Instruction, Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan continues to shape the national conversation about how to deliver equitable, evidence-based literacy instruction that honors students’ linguistic and cultural identities.

Her lecture this week deepened our collective understanding of how structured literacy and the Science of Reading can be applied in culturally and linguistically responsive ways—ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience the joy and confidence that come from learning to read. At the Rose Institute’s Dyslexia Advanced Certificate Program, we believe literacy is a lifeline. We are proud to prepare educators who combine scientific knowledge with cultural responsiveness to reach every learner.

Learn more about our Advanced Certificate: /programs/certificate-dyslexia-rose-institute.php or email me at Tracy.McCarthy@Mville.edu

#RoseInstituteofLearningandLiteracy #91直播University #91直播SchoolOfEducation #Literacy #NationalDyslexiaAwarenessMonth 

Phonemic awareness—the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate sounds—is one of the strongest predictors of future reading success.

As educators we know it’s not just about identifying letters on a page or even just about hearing sounds. Students also need opportunities to produce those tricky or unfamiliar sounds with accuracy. 

• When both hearing and articulation are supported, students gain the tools to: 
• Distinguish subtle differences in speech (think ship vs. sheep) 
• Build stronger connections between spoken and written language 
• Develop confidence as readers, writers, and communicators

For teachers, the heart of this work lies in creating space for listening, modeling, and practicing—patiently and playfully. Practical strategies can be simple: 

• Model and visualize articulation: Use mirrors, mouth diagrams, or short video clips to make tongue and lip placement visible. 

• Use minimal pairs: Contrast words that differ by only one sound (ship/sheep, pat/bat) so students can tune their ears to subtle differences. 

• Connect to kinesthetic awareness: Invite students to feel the vibration in their throat (voiced vs. unvoiced sounds) or notice airflow through the nose (nasal sounds like /m/ vs. /n/). 

• Play with sound “codes”: Present the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as a fun secret code for teachers to model sounds and let curious students “decode” words. 

• Embed sound work into routines: During read-aloud or word study, pause to highlight a sound. During writing, prompt students to “tap out” tricky phonemes before spelling. 

For administrators, this means ensuring that instructional time and professional learning prioritize both phonemic awareness and articulation. When schools support teachers with research-based practices and resources in this area, students build stronger foundations for decoding, comprehension, and long-term literacy success. 

Every sound mastered is more than just a skill—it’s a step toward equity, access, and the joy of full expression. 

#RoseInstituteforLiteracyandLearning #91直播University #91直播SchoolofEducation #PhonemicAwareness

Literacy isn’t just reading words on a page, it’s about building knowledge, celebrating identity, and connecting with the diverse stories that shape our world. 

This Latinx Heritage Month, we’re highlighting the power of culturally relevant texts. When we bring in texts that reflect our lived experiences, histories, and cultures, we build stronger classrooms and deeper world knowledge. September is also a time when many Latin American countries celebrate their independence:

As educators, we know culturally relevant texts deepen world knowledge and honor identity.  By reading works that come from or highlight a specific country, we connect history, culture, and literacy in powerful ways.  Here are a few suggestions:

• Costa Rica: Cocorí by Joaquín Gutiérrez A classic from Costa Rica explores place, race, and nature.
• El Salvador: One Day of Life (Un Día en la Vida) by Manila Argueta is a novel set just before the Salvadoran Civil War, showing daily life, struggles, and political repression.
• Guatemala: Men of Maize (Hombres de Maíz) by Miguel Ángel Asturias explores Maya cosmology, land, resistance vs modernization and provides a strong sense of indigenous worldview.
• Honduras:Blanca Olmedo by Lucila Gamero de Medina combines romance with social critique of corruption and class. 
• Nicaragua: To Bury Our Fathers: A Novel of Nicaragua by Sergio Ramirez is a panoramic novel about dictatorship, politics, memory; blends personal and political stories.
• Mexico: Dreamers / Soñadores by Yuyi Morales is a beautiful memoir / picture book that explores immigration and identity.
• Chile: Palomita Blanca by Enrique Lafourcade shows youth culture, social change in Chile pre-Allende era. 
• Belize: An Anthology of Belizean Literature: English, Creole, Spanish, Garifuna edited by Víctor Manuel Durán captures Belizean identity, colonial history, folklore, culture.

What are some of your favorites?

#RoseInstituteforLearningandLiteracy #91直播University #91直播SchoolOfEducation #LatinxHeritageMonth #KnowledgeBuilding  #CulturallyRelevantTexts  #IdentityThroughLiteracy 

Find your Marigold....Be a Marigold

At this summer's New York State Reading Association’s Leadership Retreat, I had the privilege of hearing from the inspirational 2025 New York State Teacher of the Year, Colleen Keough, who, among other messages, shared this:

“Find your marigold—and be one for someone else.”

This idea, from Jennifer Gonzalez’s Find Your Marigold, reminds us that just like marigolds in a garden nurture and protect the plants around them, we too can create an environment where others flourish. Walnut trees, on the other hand, release toxins that inhibit growth.

As educators, the start of a new school year is the perfect time to reflect:
Who are the positive, supportive colleagues who help you grow?
How can you be that person for someone else?

When we lift each other up, our students—and our profession—thrive. 馃専

Who’s your marigold? Tag them and let them know how much they matter.

#FindYourMarigold #BeAMarigold #TeacherLeadership #Collaboration #BackToSchool #TeacherSupport #RoseInstituteofLearningandLiteracy #91直播UniversitySchoolofEducation