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.
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 & Coordinator of Higher Education Relationships
Kelly is Senior Relationship Manager & Coordinator of Higher Education Relationships for Keys to Literacy. She has over 20 years of experience in urban K-12 public schools serving as classroom teacher, curriculum writer, Supervisor of Instruction, and Director of Literacy. Additionally, she served as Head of Graduate Programs in Special Education at Bryn Athyn College where she created a Master of Science in Special Education, Literacy concentration program. She has participated in research collaborations investigating the impact of COVID-19 on teachers and students, as well as shifting trends in teachers’ pursuit of professional development specific to the Science of Reading.
Dr. Tara Kingsley
Associate Dean of the Division of Education
Dr. Tara Kingsley serves as Associate Dean of the Division of Education at Indiana University Kokomo, where she leads initiatives that strengthen teacher preparation and advance innovative approaches to instruction. A champion of evidence-based reading practices, she recently co-led the launch the Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) program for IU Online. Dr. Kingsley is an award-winning educator and researcher recognized for her contributions to technology-enhanced learning, literacy development, and teacher innovation.
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.





