Kindergarten through eighth grade educators gathered at Reed Intermediate School from Monday, July 25, to Thursday, July 28, for professional development focused on differentiated reading instruction, according to Assistant Superintendent of Schools Jean Evans Davila.

The four-day event was launched with a presentation by Jennifer Serravallo . Ms Serravallo, a former elementary teacher and author of several books on literacy, was one of four facilitators, according to an announcement shared by Ms Davila with educators prior to the event. Rosie Maurantonio, a recipient of the Milken Award in Education and an adjunct professor in the Department of Literacy Teaching and Learning at SUNY Albany; Barbara Golub, the co-author of Infusing Grammar into the Writer's Workshop and nonfiction chapter books; and Kate Roberts, co-author of Falling in Love with Close Reading and DIY Literacy, were also facilitators for the event.

The idea behind this summer's largest professional development event, Ms Davila said, stemmed from a meeting with the district's kindergarten through fourth grade literacy specialists. Ms Davila said the idea was to design professional development to give educators a customized way to differentiate in the district's Readers/Writers Workshop program. As the final day of the professional development was underway, Ms Davila said the educators were learning new ways to offer each student what they need.

Ms Davila also said she learned about a book study for Sandy Hook Elementary School literacy teachers, led by literacy consultant Cynthia McArthur. The study focused on one of Ms Serravallo's books.

"This is about kids becoming people who love reading," said Ms Davila.

Ms Davila said the group of educators were also discussing how each school offers the Readers/Writers Workshop model, and what needs may exist at each school.

Further professional development is scheduled throughout the summer and the school year.

The assistant superintendent said she wanted educators to walk away from this summer's professional development inspired.

Fifty-one educators signed up to participate, and each of them will share what they learn with their fellow educators, Ms Davila said. On Thursday, the educators were divided by grade level into smaller groups with facilitators for presentations and discussion.

"They feel really enthused about what has been presented, which has been practical, research-based, and something they can definitely use," said Ms Davila on July 28.

Ms McArthur, one of the educators taking part in the professional development, said the book study group at her school began after Ms McArthur attended reading conferences and saw Ms Serravallo speak. Throughout the last school year at Sandy Hook School, Ms McArthur said the book study group researched reading strategies based on one of Ms Serravallo's books.

"It's great," said Ms McArthur about the summer professional development. "There is a little of everything for all the teachers."

All questions were being answered and the presentations were geared to Newtown, according to Ms McArthur.

Middle Gate Elementary School reading intervention teacher Andrea Brosnan and Head O' Meadow Elementary School early intervention teacher Elisabeth Douglass both agreed the professional development session was "great."

"It is a great opportunity Newtown is giving us as teachers," said Ms Brosnan, who added that it was helpful to have both reading teachers and classroom teachers combined for the groups.

Each participating teacher received one of Ms Serravallo's books to read, Ms Davila said, and Ms Douglass said the book she received was also helpful.

"I think that this has been the most fabulous training that I have ever been a part of," said Sandy Hook School third grade teacher Meredith Walsky, adding that she can enter the new school year with a better understanding of how to help her students.

Newtown Middle School reading teacher Patty Bowles said the presenter for her group, Ms Roberts, was engaging and dynamic. The tools Ms Roberts was teaching the educators in the group, Ms Bowles said, would be shared with colleagues. After teaching for 20 years, Ms Bowles said she had never seen better professional development.

"It's not a waste of my time and it makes me grow as an educator," said Ms Bowles.

Reed Intermediate School writing coach Sara Strait said the gift Ms Roberts gave her group has empowered them to help improve their students' reading and writing abilities.