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Effective literacy instruction starts with educators.
Research shows that the top in-school factor influencing students’ learning is their teacher’s skill. When teachers have the preparation and support to deliver quality literacy instruction, they can help students find their path toward greater academic achievement and career opportunities.
That is why we focus on ensuring teachers are equipped to provide engaging, affirming, grade-level literacy instruction as the core of an excellent education. We support efforts to expand educator access to high-quality professional learning and instructional materials to enhance their effectiveness and foster student growth and success.
31%
Increase in student engagement in classrooms with top instructional practices compared with classrooms with weaker instruction. (Source)
2
Average months of additional learning gained for students with access to grade-appropriate assignments. (Source)
5+
Years difference in effectiveness between teachers who receive instructional coaching and those who do not. (Source)
WHAT WE DO
Too many educators lack access to ongoing, high-quality professional learning opportunities and instructional materials that help them teach students to read and write fluently.
We invest in professional learning providers that strengthen educator proficiency in delivering standards-aligned, culturally relevant literacy instruction so that every student reaches their full potential.
We also aim to ensure educators have access to research-based instructional materials and ongoing guidance to help them use these materials in their classrooms.
Our Approach
We work with organizations that help schools and school systems support teachers in providing effective literacy instruction that has a positive impact on student achievement.
Supporting professional learning for teachers
We invest in professional learning providers that offer research-based models for teacher development. These models often include real-time coaching, tailored guidance, and problem-solving support and professional learning communities where teachers learn from and collaborate with each other.
Investing in high-quality instructional materials
We support activities that scale the use of high-quality classroom materials that allow teachers to focus their time, energy and expertise on meeting students’ needs. We also invest in efforts to develop free, openly available instructional materials that are standards aligned, culturally inclusive, affirming and based on up-to-date research on how students learn to read and write.
Our Grantees
We invest in outstanding organizations and initiatives working directly with educators to support and sustain high-quality teaching. Meet some of our grantees.
View more grantees in our Education Grantmaking portfolio
Building Conditions for Excellent Teaching
Leading Educators provides strategic advising to school systems, designs best-in-class professional learning and offers targeted instructional coaching for sustainable impact.
Shifting the Paradigm of Professional Learning
Through partnerships with school systems, Teaching Lab facilitates curriculum-based professional learning for teachers to help dramatically improve student outcomes.
Strengthening Leadership to Support Teachers
By working alongside school and system leaders, Instruction Partners supports teachers in delivering quality instruction.