The LETRS program is a professional training program for educators and teachers. When you complete it, you’ll have the essential skills to teach reading and spelling better.
The LETRS program training is a structured literacy training program. Educators and other professionals who complete it enjoy its benefits, including:
- Increased understanding of how students learn to read and write
- Improved reading and reading outcomes among students
- Increased ability to support diverse learners
- Enhanced teaching competence and confidence
But it isn’t only educators who enjoy the benefits of LETRS program training. Literacy coaches, interventionists, and administrators are also welcome to join.
Indeed, if you’re involved in literacy instruction, consider being in a LETRS program. Read on and find out more about it.
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What Is the LETRS Program?
The Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading & Spelling (LETRS) program is:
- A professional program for teachers and other education professionals
- An evidence-based program based on scientific research on language development, reading, and writing
- A structured literacy approach that’s based on the science of literacy
- A comprehensive approach covering every aspect of literacy instruction
LETRS program training isn’t a one-time activity either. Instead, it’s a continuous learning path that evolves based on new research and practices.
Dr. Louisa Moats and Carol Tolman created the LETRS program training in the early 2000s. The program has since evolved with the latest studies in literacy instruction.
What is LETRS certification? This is a professional certification that demonstrates competence in the science of literacy. You’ll earn the certification when you complete the LETRS program training.
The training covers these core components of the science of literacy.
- Reading
- Phonemic awareness
- Phonics
- Fluency
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
The LETRS program training aligns with evidence-based literacy instruction, too. The best LETRS practices are built on structured literacy and its principles. The latter is, in turn, an accepted practice in evidence-based literacy instruction.
Why Is LETRS Important for Educators?
Again, LETRS professional development is a continuous learning path. As such, you’ll complete several training programs as your career progresses.
You’ll stay updated with the latest in best practices and research studies. As you go along, you’ll improve your teaching strategies.
In turn, you can achieve these major benefits of the LETRS program.
Improve reading outcomes among your students.
You’ll have evidence-based tools and strategies to teach diverse students. LETRS training also covers every stage of reading development. Think from phonemic awareness and phonics to fluency and comprehension.
Understand reading difficulties and apply effective interventions.
You’ll be able to recognize the early signs of reading difficulties. Then, you can deliver tailored interventions, such as phonic instruction.
On another note, LETRS training has many differences from traditional literacy training. LETRS training is built on structured literacy and the science of reading. Traditional literacy training emphasizes general teaching methods.
There’s a growing demand for science-based reading instruction, too. The literacy challenges the U.S. education system faces are its primary driver.
Reading scores among K-12 students have decreased further (2024 NAEP). More students aren’t reading at their grade levels or at high risk of falling behind. Plus, one in five people have dyslexia, a learning disability.
What Does LETRS Training Cover?
LETRS program training offers a comprehensive approach featured in two modules.
LETRS for Early Childhood Educators (Pre-K focus)
If you work with young children, start with the LETRS for Early Childhood Educators. This is best for teachers in the preschool, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten levels.
The training covers foundation concepts and skills for reading development. These include alliteration, rhymes, and syllables. You’ll also learn about phonological awareness and early language development.
LETRS for K–12 Educators (Comprehensive literacy instruction)
If you’re a teacher in the K-12 levels, go for the LETRS for K–12 Educators program. This is a more comprehensive program that covers all levels, from kindergarten to high school.
The training covers all aspects of language development, from phonemic awareness to fluency. You’ll also learn about support for students struggling with reading and writing. Data-based assessments and interventions are also covered.
The key topics covered in LETRS training include:
- LETRS science of reading
- Phonological and phonemic awareness
- Orthographic mapping and word recognition
- Vocabulary development and language comprehension
- Role of fluency and automaticity in reading
- Structured literacy approach for struggling readers
Indeed, completing a LETRS training program demands commitment and competence.
Where Can I Get LETRS Training?
When choosing from these LETRS training programs, consider your interests, goals, and budget.
Authorized LETRS Training Providers
Choose only from authorized LETRS training providers. This way, you’ll get the best LETRS training and meet certification requirements.
- Consider Lexia Learning first. It’s the official LETRS provider that offers in-person and online programs. Certification and professional development opportunities are available.
- Check out state-sponsored LETRS training programs, too. Ohio, Florida, and Texas offer them.
- Ask about district-led professional development opportunities, too. Contact your school’s literacy coordinator or other similar officials.
Online LETRS Courses vs. In-person Training
LETRS online training offers these benefits:
- Self-paced learning format
- Convenient and easy access with an Internet-connected computer
- Access to the same comprehensive modules as in-person programs
- Online support, such as webinars and forums, is available
LETRS in-person workshops have these benefits:
- Direct interactions with your peers and instructors
- Collaborative learning, including networking opportunities
- Structured environment that promotes active learning
- Hands-on practice, including group exercises
- More accountability
Cost of LETRS Certification and Available Funding Options
The cost varies between $500 and $1,200 per training program. Factors that affect cost include provider, type of training, and learning format.
Check with your state or school district for grants and scholarships. Title I funding may also be available.
How to Become LETRS Certified
Completion of LETRS teacher training programs can lead to professional certifications. Examples include LETRS Certification for Teachers, Administrators, and LETRS Specialist Certification.
Steps to Earn LETRS Certification
Here are the basic steps on how to get LETRS certified.
- Enroll in a LETRS professional development program
- Complete the LETRS training modules
- Pass the required assessments
- Apply learned strategies in the classroom
You must complete other LETRS training programs to maintain your professional certification.
How LETRS Certification Can Enhance Career Opportunities
Your LETRS certification will boost your expertise and, thus, credibility in literacy instruction. In turn, you’re more competitive for leadership positions. You’ll also have opportunities to make an impact on your school district’s literacy programs.
Pros and Cons of LETRS Training
LETRS literacy training isn’t all roses either. You must have a realistic view of its pros and cons for an informed choice.
Pros:
- Evidence-based, research-based literacy instruction
- Helps teachers support struggling readers
- Aligns with state and district literacy initiatives
Cons:
- Time-intensive since it takes several months to complete
- Can be expensive if not employer-funded
- Requires commitment to implement strategies in real classrooms
If you do a cost-benefit analysis, you’ll agree that LETRS training is worth it. You’ll have more expertise in teaching reading and writing skills. Then, your career advancement opportunities will increase because of your expertise. You’ll also make a more significant impact on learning outcomes.
Suffice it to say that the pecuniary and non-pecuniary benefits outweigh the cons.
Alternatives to LETRS Training
You may want to look beyond LETRS reading intervention strategies, too. On its own, the LETRS program has a positive reputation. But you can supplement it with these excellent alternatives.
- The Orton-Gillingham approach features structured and systematic methods for teaching reading. This is particularly useful for struggling readers (e.g., dyslexic students). Choose from Associate, Certified, and Fellow certification levels.
- The Science of Reading Academy equips educators with evidence-based reading instruction skills. Online programs are available.
Consider other structured literacy training programs, too. Examples include the Wilson Reading System and the Barton Reading & Spelling System.
Here’s a simple comparison table between these three literacy training programs.
| Focus | Target Audience | Certification Opportunities | |
| LETRS | A comprehensive approach to the science of literacy | K-12 educators, literacy coaches, administrators | Yes, with formal certification |
| Orton-Gillingham | Systematic and multisensory approach for students with learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia) | Teachers of students with reading challenges/learning disabilities | Yes, with formal certification |
| The Science of Reading Academy | Evidence-based reading instruction | K-12 educators, literacy coaches, administrators | Yes, but no formal certification |
Conclusion
In conclusion, LETRS training for educators provides benefits including:
- Improved understanding of the science of literary
- Increased effectiveness and efficiency in meeting reading and spelling needs among diverse students
- Continuing professional development opportunities
- Increased career growth opportunities and higher salaries
So, take the next step in getting your LETRS certification now. You can find LETRS training programs at Lexia Learning. Ask your school district or state authorities, too.
LETRS training is here to stay, too, so it’s best to grab the opportunity now. The demand for more LETRS-certified teachers continues to increase, too.
If you become a LETRS-certified teacher, you can meet the demand and enjoy its benefits. Best of all, you can be part of the solution to address literacy issues in our schools.
