Are you looking for free professional development that meets the required foundational reading skills addressed in the Alaska Reads Act?

Keys to Literacy is an approved provider by the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development to provide a free professional development course that meets these requirements. Participants will be responsible for their endorsement fees for any courses completed after 7/1/2024. Please contact DEED for questions related to the endorsement fee. Click here to learn more about Alaska Reads.

About the Professional Development Course

Alaska K-6 educators can participate in a hybrid-online course titled Keys to Beginning Reading that totals 46 hours. Participants spend approximately 36 hours completing modules in an asynchronous online course and attend five, two-hour, virtual-live meetings facilitated by Keys to Literacy trainers (totaling 10 hours).  

About the online coursework:

• Participants will complete a 36 hour online course in combination with the five, two-hour, virtual-live meetings
• Participants will complete the course in 6- to 8-hour sections prior to each meeting
• The online course content is self-paced and includes readings, videos, quizzes, and reflection activities. 

In order to receive credit for completing the course and meet the required foundational reading skills addressed in the Alaska Reads Act, participants must: 

• Complete the full online course (36 hours) 
• Attend all five, 2-hour virtual-live meetings via Zoom(totaling 10 hours)
• Complete a pre-assessment at the start of the  online course
• Complete and pass a post-assessment given at the end of the final session. 

There is optional graduate credit offered through the University of Alaska (3 credits for $119). Information will be made available to people registered in the course.

Click here for an information document about this Alaska Reads course.

Who can take the course?

The following educators are eligible to register for this course:

• Any grades K-6 educator (including special education and ESL/ELL teachers responsible for reading instruction or intervention) 
• Administrators working with grades K-6 students and educators can attend this course or an alternative course offered by AK DEED specific to administrators

Cohorts Schedule for School Year 25-26 is detailed below:

Cohort 1 – Summer Intensive 2025 Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30-10:30 AM AK time

• July 17, July 22, July 24, July 29, July 31

Cohort 2 – Fall  Mondays, 4-6 PM AK time

• September 22, October 6, October 20, November 3, November 17

Cohort 3 – Winter Mondays, 4-6 PM AK time

• November 3, November 17, December 3, December 15, January 5

Cohort 4 – Spring 2026 Saturdays, 8:30-10:30 AM AK time 

• February 7, February 21, March 7, March 28, April 11

Cohort 5 – Summer Intensive 2026 Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30-10:30 AM AK time

• July 7, July 9, July 14, July 16, July 21

Please Click Here to register for any of the cohorts listed above. 

Registration will be on a first come, first served basis. When you complete the application process, you will be asked to select a first, second and third choice for a cohort. Once enrolled in a cohort, you may not switch into a different cohort. Educators must register as individuals; however, connect with your school district administrator to find out if your district has planned on taking the course.

Registrations will be processed on a first come, first serve basis. Please do not email or call about the status of your registration. We will contact you from online@keystoliteracy.com. Please check your email daily, including your SPAM folder. Please keep an eye on this page for more information.

Questions? Email Keys to Literacy at info@keystoliteracy.com or call us: 978-948-8511.

Overview of Additional Professional Development Offered by Keys to Literacy

In this brief video, Joan Sedita, founder of Keys to Literacy, provides an overview of the Keys to Literacy Professional Development offerings. In addition, Joan shares the background on the current partnership with the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development to deliver the free Keys to Beginning Reading course that meets the requirements of the Alaska Reads Act. For more information about partnering with Keys to Literacy for additional PD in your district please contact us at: info@keystoliteracy.com.