Keys to Literacy
Over the Years
We believe the ability to read and write is the foundation for all learning and essential for a fulfilling and impactful life. We also believe effective, culturally responsive literacy instruction is a critical equity issue. Our mission is to provide high-quality, engaging, and practical professional development that is aligned to evidence-based literacy instruction. The goal is to help educators teach literacy skills in a way that increases literacy achievement for all students.
2007
Founded
- Since 2007, we’ve helped thousands of educators improve student reading and writing skills with literacy professional development that is evidence-based and delivered by expert teacher trainers. Each year, we work with educators in hundreds of schools in all U.S. states.
2009
First Online Professional Development Course
- The Key Comprehension Routine and The Key Vocabulary Routine are the first Keys to Literacy courses to include an online version as an alternative option to live training. All major courses now include asynchronous and facilitated online options.
2014
Writing Professional Development
- Keys to Literacy introduces our first professional development courses focused on evidence-based writing instruction starting with Keys to Content Writing, followed by Keys to Early Writing in 2015.
2015
Schools Cubed Founded
- Pati Montgomery launches Schools Cubed, a consulting firm that specializes in collaborating with school and district leadership to increase reading outcomes.
2019
Keys to Beginning Reading Launched
- Keys to Literacy publishes the first edition of our in-depth K-5 professional development course aligned to the science of reading. Since its launch in 2024, over 50,000 educators have participated in this course.
2021
First Statewide Professional Development
- Keys to Literacy is selected by Colorado as the sole vendor to develop the state’s live professional development course for evidence-based practices in teaching reading. This was the first of numerous large-scale state projects, including AK, AZ, IN, LA, MA, OH, and WI.
2022
First Train-the-Facilitator Offered
- The first group of facilitators from school districts and outside education organizations become Licensed Certified Facilitators. This model enables outside educators to provide in-person facilitation of Keys to Literacy online courses.
2024
Schools Cubed joins Keys to Literacy
- Keys to Literacy was proud to announce the exciting combination with Schools Cubed! This collaboration brings expanded professional development training opportunities for educators.
2024
First Annual Write Now Conference
- Keys to Literacy’s First Annual National Writing Conference “Write Now: Keys to Effective Writing Instruction” attracted thousands of attendees for a full day of engaging sessions.
2025
Launch of It’s Possible! A Leadership Plan for Implementing Quality Reading Instruction and Ensuring Literacy for All
- Our own Pati Montgomery launches her new book, which provides school leaders with the systems and structures needed to implement quality literacy instruction.
2025 (Coming Soon)
Adolescent Literacy Course to Launch
- Building on its long-time reputation as adolescent literacy experts, Keys to Literacy launches an in-depth course focused on reading and writing instruction for students in grades 5 to 12. The course addresses the specific needs of classroom content teachers and secondary intervention educators.
2007
Founded
Since 2007, we’ve helped thousands of educators improve student reading and writing skills with literacy professional development that is evidence-based and delivered by expert teacher trainers. Each year, we work with educators in hundreds of schools in all U.S. states.
2009
First Online Professional Development Course
The Key Comprehension Routine and The Key Vocabulary Routine are the first Keys to Literacy courses to include an online version as an alternative option to live training. All major courses now include asynchronous and facilitated online options.
2014
Writing Professional Development
Keys to Literacy introduces our first professional development courses focused on evidence-based writing instruction starting with Keys to Content Writing, followed by Keys to Early Writing in 2015.
2015
Schools Cubed Founded
Pati Montgomery launches Schools Cubed, a school consulting firm that specializes in collaborating with school and district leadership to increase reading outcomes
2019
Keys to Beginning Reading Launched
Keys to Literacy publishes the first edition of our in-depth K-5 professional development course aligned to the science of reading. Since its launch and 2024, over 17,000 educators have participated in this course.
2021
First Statewide Professional Development
Keys to Literacy is selected by Colorado as the sole vendor to develop the state’s live professional development course for evidence-based practices in teaching reading. This was the first of numerous large-scale state projects, including AK, AZ, IN, LA, MA, OH, and WI.
2022
First Train-the-Facilitator Offered
The first group of facilitators from school districts and outside education organizations become Licensed Certified Facilitators. This model enables outside educators to provide in-person facilitation of Keys to Literacy online courses.
2024
Schools Cubed joins Keys to Literacy
Introducing the exciting combination of Keys to Literacy and Schools Cubed! This collaboration brings expanded professional development training opportunities for educators.
2024
First Annual Write Now Conference
Keys to Literacy’s First Annual National Writing Conference “Write Now: Keys to Effective Writing Instruction” attracted thousands of attendees for a full day of engaging sessions.
2025
Launch of It’s Possible! A Leadership Plan for Implementing Quality Reading Instruction and Ensuring Literacy for All
Pati Montgomery launches her new book, which provides school leaders with the systems and structures needed to implement quality literacy instruction.
2025
Coming Soon! Adolescent Literacy Course Launched
Building on its long-time reputation as adolescent literacy experts, Keys to Literacy launches an in-depth course focused on reading and writing instruction for students in grades 5 to 12. The course addresses the specific needs of classroom content teachers and secondary intervention educators.
Contact our team to learn how we can partner together in your district!
We offer a range of services including PreK-12 evidence-aligned professional development and coaching for educators; comprehensive literacy audits and literacy leadership coaching; and partnerships with institutions of higher education. Together we canvhelp you create the knowledge, systems, and structures required to support critical literacy work.