Instructor Hub
Professional Development
Welcome to the Lit C.R.E.W. Professional Development Series, a dynamic six-month training opportunity designed specifically for literacy educators like you! Offered by ExpandED Schools, this series is centered around empowering you to foster a deeper understanding of the Science of Reading while integrating the Lit C.R.E.W. module into your teaching practice. Whether you are looking to enhance your teaching strategies, explore new methodologies, or simply stay inspired, this training series has something for everyone.
Explore the professional development opportunities below and discover how you can deepen your impact in the classroom!
December 10th, 2025
Pages in Motion: The Lit C.R.E.W. Live Showcase
Plot is the backbone of every story—the sequence of events that build tension and resolution. Understanding plot helps students see how stories are structured and why certain events matter.
This session will focus on:
- Vocabulary – key terms like exposition, climax, and resolution.
- Building Background Knowledge – connecting familiar stories and media to plot structure.
- Skill Building – guiding students in mapping and crafting plots that keep readers engaged.
January 14th, 2026
World-Building: Creating Settings that Speak with Lit C.R.E.W.
Setting is more than just time and place—it’s the environment that shapes characters and influences mood. Students who understand setting see how context impacts story and meaning.
This session will cover:
- Vocabulary – descriptive language that paints vivid worlds.
- Building Background Knowledge – exploring cultural, historical, and geographical contexts.
- Skill Building – strategies for helping students analyze and create settings that enhance their narratives.
March 11th, 2026
From Page to Project: Turning Reading into Real-World Impact with Lit C.R.E.W.
This session takes literacy beyond the page! Live Projects are student-driven, real-world explorations inspired by reading and research. They allow students to connect literature to authentic experiences and outcomes.
This session will highlight:
- Vocabulary – academic and project-based terms students need to present their work.
- Building Background Knowledge – linking texts to real-world issues and community contexts.
- Skill Building – designing and supporting projects that move from reading to research to action.
April 8th, 2026
The Heart of the Story: Exploring Conflict with Lit C.R.E.W.
Conflict is what drives a story forward. Whether internal (a character’s struggle within) or external (a clash with others or the world), conflict creates tension and resolution. Students who grasp conflict learn to see stakes in stories, and create their own with purpose.
This session will explore:
- Vocabulary – terms that describe types of conflict.
- Building Background Knowledge – examining classic and contemporary examples of conflict in literature and media.
- Skill Building – activities to help students identify, analyze, and develop meaningful conflicts in reading and writing.