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Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS)

children gathered outside with arms around each other

Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS)

Why is LETRS Important?

Because every child deserves a strong foundation in reading. Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) is a comprehensive, evidence-based professional learning program that gives educators the deep knowledge they need to teach reading effectively. Grounded in the science of reading, LETRS helps teachers understand how students learn to read, why some struggle, and how to use proven strategies to support all learners. For districts, it strengthens instructional quality across classrooms. For families and community partners, it ensures that educators are equipped to meet students’ diverse literacy needs—setting them up for long-term academic success. 

Overview of LETRS

For more information on LETRS Training Grant Opportunities

See How LETRS is Making a Difference: Explore the stories below to learn how districts are transforming literacy instruction and improving student outcomes through LETRS.

  • young students gathered around showing their books during LETRS Training - Kent City Schools

    Kent City Community Schools - Understanding the 'Why' Behind Instruction

    "LETRS honors the professionalism of our teachers by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to improve literacy outcomes. When educators understand the ‘why’ behind instruction, student learning improves." 

    Julie Scott, Principal, Kent City Elementary Schools, Kent City Community Schools

  • Saginaw Public School District teaching LETRS

    Saginaw Public Schools District - LETRS Gives Teachers the 'How'

    “In my previous experience, I felt limited in my ability to help students with reading. LETRS has added more tools to my toolbox. Curriculum gives you the ‘what’ to teach. LETRS provides the ‘how.’”

    Herman Sims
    Upper Fifth-Grade Teacher
    Saginaw Public School District

  • LETRS Training with Promethean Board

    Waterford School District - When Shared Language Strengthens Teaching and Learning

    "We are seeing significant growth in our students and teachers feel more confident in their literacy instruction. This has built a better set of common language amongst our teachers, which has led to deeper discussions about teaching and learning."

    Shelley Werthman, Principal, Haviland Elementary, Waterford School District

  • Close up of Brownstown-Woodhaven students using magnetic boards

    Woodhaven-Brownstown School District - It's Not Just What We Teach, It's How We Talk About It

    “Teachers feel more confident and the conversations about teaching and learning are [positively] changing.”

    Kathy Gray, Literacy Coach, Woodhaven-Brownstown School District

    “Before our LETRS integration, we relied heavily on the basal reader, but as we implemented LETRS practices and other resources alongside it, the core literacy program became more effective.”

    Michelle Briegel, Wegienka Elementary Principal, Woodhaven-Brownstown School District

Alyssa Korzym, Waterford School District

LETRS Training in Action

Alyssa Korzym, a first grade teacher at Haviland Elementary School, Waterford School District, provides a reading and writing foundational skills lesson within the district's HMH (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) curriculum. Ms. Korzym demonstrates how she utilizes Lexia's Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training she received to teach students these fundamentals.

Spotlighting Effective Strategies - Waterford School District