Keys to Literacy’s Unlocking Literacy series brings together leading voices in education to explore how schools, districts, and higher education can rise to the challenges of the Science of Reading movement. Each free episode highlights practical strategies, real-world examples, and leadership insights to help drive meaningful change.
Join the conversation at #unlockinglit
Episode 2: Redesigning Teacher Preparation for the Science of Reading
A Blueprint for Change in Higher Education
The national push for the Science of Reading has created a pivotal moment for teacher preparation programs—and higher education is rising to the challenge.
Join Keys to Literacy and Indiana University for a compelling and timely webinar focused on how colleges and universities can lead the way in preparing educators with evidence-based literacy practices.
Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM ET
Location: Online | Free to Attend
Join the conversation at #unlockinglit
Join Keys to Literacy & Indiana University for a transformational conversation
This session will explore Indiana University’s bold approach to redesigning its teacher preparation program to align with the Science of Reading. You’ll also learn how Keys to Literacy is supporting similar efforts at institutions across the country.
Who Should Attend: Education deans, faculty, and program leaders who are shaping the next generation of teachers.
What You’ll Gain from This Webinar:
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A behind-the-scenes look at Indiana University’s restructuring of its literacy prep program
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Practical steps for integrating Science of Reading principles into higher ed curriculum
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Insights into partnership models that drive sustainable change
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Guidance for shaping coursework, clinical practice, and faculty development around evidence-based literacy
If you’re preparing tomorrow’s educators, this is a must-attend session.
Speakers
Featured Panelists
Dr. Kelly Ballard
Senior Relationship Manager and Coordinator of Higher Education Relationships
Dr. Kelly Ballard is the Senior Relationship Manager and Coordinator of Higher Education Relationships at Keys to Literacy. With over 20 years of experience in urban K–12 public schools, she has served as a classroom teacher, curriculum writer, Supervisor of Instruction, and Director of Literacy. Dr. Ballard also led the development of a Master of Science in Special Education with a literacy concentration at Bryn Athyn College. Her expertise lies in supporting educators to implement evidence-based literacy practices and fostering partnerships to drive systemic change in teacher preparation.
Dr. Tara Kingsley
Associate Dean of Education
Dr. Tara Kingsley is the Associate Dean of Education and a Professor of Education at Indiana University Kokomo. With over two decades of experience in education, she specializes in teacher preparation, curriculum development, and integrating technology to enhance literacy instruction. Her research interests include online education, higher-order thinking skills, and new literacies. Dr. Kingsley has been recognized for her effective, inclusive, and engaged teaching, earning the LEAP Indiana Annual Teaching Award in 2021. She is committed to preparing future educators to meet the diverse needs of all learners.
About the Unlocking Literacy Series
Each Unlocking Literacy episode tackles a different angle of the Science of Reading movement. From K-12 classrooms to higher education, we showcase the strategies, partnerships, and leadership needed to ensure every student receives effective, evidence-based literacy instruction.
Catch Up on Episode 1
Literacy Solutions that Move the Needle!
In this premiere episode, “Literacy Solutions that Move the Needle,” we’ll delve into:
- Identifying high-quality, evidence-based professional learning
- Understanding the critical role of leadership and coaching
- Building sustainable, data-driven literacy success at every level—especially in Tier 1 instruction
Whether you’re a coach, school or district leader, or part of a state education team, you’ll gain actionable insights and a clearer vision for constructing a lasting literacy model.
If you missed it, you can still access the free recording and gain valuable takeaways to inform your own literacy work.
FEATURED PANELISTS
Join literacy experts Joan Sedita and Pati Montgomery for the inaugural session of Keys to Literacy’s new webinar series: Unlocking Literacy.
Joan Sedita
Keys to Literacy Founder
