Institute of Reading Development

COMMENTS FROM TEACHERS

As a full-time high school English teacher, my only goal right now is to better myself so that I may best serve my students. I am constantly trying to improve and become a better, more effective, and caring instructor. My experience with the Institute was the strongest teaching support I have ever received, and it has helped me, and my current students, immensely.
- Christine, teacher, Detroit, MI

The training and support provides me with mentoring for my teaching skills that I don't get anywhere else, and the opportunity to work with such a wide variety of students of backgrounds and reading skills keeps me on my toes and helps to keep teaching fresh and exciting.
-Alyson, teacher, Washington, DC

Sharing my love of reading seems to me to be one of the most worthwhile things I could do with my time. Being able to make a major impact in someone's life is an incredible feeling, and the times I saw it happen are some of my most cherished memories.
- Julie, teacher, Miami, FL

I was impressed by the high level of support that teachers receive.
- Leanna, teacher, Orlando, FL

I appreciate the organization, the professionalism, and the high standards that the Institute sets for teachers and students. I also am enthusiastic about the focused mission of the Institute—helping students learn to experience the joy of getting absorbed in really good books.
- Victor, teacher, Atlanta, GA

Teaching is a passion for me, and the lessons I learned have proved invaluable for me. I also loved the people I worked with--they were extremely supportive and helpful.
- Natalie, teacher, Chicago, IL

I have received top-notch pedagogical training which I will continue to use throughout my teaching career, worked with fellow teachers who were always willing to help me hone my abilities in the classroom, and watched myself make a difference in the lives of children and adults. There's also the great curriculum. I love the books and the lively discussions they all compel.
- Joshua, teacher, Pittsburgh, PA

It is incredibly rewarding to see the development of students' reading skills and to hear them tell of how much their opinions about reading have changed. It is also rewarding to see the faces of the younger children light up as you go through a book with them and to see the great strides they make in reading ability.
- Briena, teacher, San Francisco, CA

I enjoyed the practical experiences of lesson-planning and classroom instruction, where I had the support of a well-developed curriculum but also had the freedom to bring my own style into the classroom.
- Erica, teacher, Cleveland, OH

I found this experience to be both challenging and rewarding. I learned as much, if not more, than I taught.
- Janel, teacher, Philadelphia

It was amazing! I learned so much about myself as a person and as a teacher.
- Stafanie, teacher, Cleveland, OH

I was truly rewarded each time I witnessed a student begin to see reading as a delight instead of a chore, each time I saw students taking real pride in their work, and each time I watched my students become completely absorbed in their books.
- Khristina, teacher, Providence, RI

Not only did I help my students learn invaluable skills to assist them in their reading development, I also learned many things about myself as a teacher and a reader.
- Kelly, teacher, Washington, DC

The programs provided some of the most satisfying and rewarding teaching I've ever experienced.
- Rachel, teacher, Los Angeles, CA

Watching books come alive for children was often surprising, touching, funny, and ultimately immensely rewarding.
- Rachel, teacher, Rochester, NY

I was able to apply what I had learned to strengthen my own teaching in my university classroom setting.
- Heather, teacher, Kansas City, MO

This was a fantastic experience. I learned so much and taught so many wonderful kids/adults and can apply what I have learned during the summer to my other teaching.
- Jessica, teacher, Dayton, OH

My Summer was a wonderful teaching experience through which I learned a ton about my own teaching abilities.
- Cecilia, teacher, Kent, OH

During the regular school year I teach composition, creative writing, literature, and reading development courses at the college level. Most of my students have made up their minds about how they feel about books. Occasionally, I can change their minds. It is awesome and inspiring to work with budding readers over the summers and help them develop their love of books right from the beginning.
- Brandi, teacher, San Diego, CA