Bianca Dino, Manager of Professional Learning, Learning Ally
There’s something powerful that can happen when educators gather in the same room with a shared purpose. I was reminded of this during my recent experience delivering Structured Literacy in Action in person with educators from Mount Laurel School District in New Jersey.
From the start, the energy in the room was clear. Educators showed up focused, open, and ready to learn. In a time when so much professional learning happens through self-paced modules or Zoom sessions, this in-person experience felt different—more intentional, more connected, and more impactful.
This workshop was part of a larger national effort made possible through Learning Ally’s partnership with the Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF), which is supporting districts across the country in Dollar General’s hometowns to strengthen literacy instruction through evidence-based professional learning.
Why In-Person Learning Matters More Than Ever
Too often, professional learning leaves us wondering how much actually translates into classroom practice. During our two days together, we were able to slow down, set intentions as a group and as individuals, and focus deeply on learning that would move directly into action.
We explored not only the what and why of structured literacy, but also spent meaningful time on the how. Educators engaged with strategies they could bring back to their classrooms right away—not someday, but immediately.
This practice-based approach is central to Structured Literacy in Action, a professional learning experience aligned with the Science of Reading and designed to support struggling readers in K–6 classrooms through proven, research-backed instructional strategies.
Learning by Doing, Together
One of the most powerful aspects of the workshop was the hands-on learning. Educators didn’t just talk about strategies; they practiced them using tactile materials, planned for their own groups of students, and shared their thinking with colleagues.
The room was filled with collaboration, idea-sharing, laughter, and genuine connection. Educators learned from one another, built community, and experienced professional learning in a way that felt supportive and energizing rather than overwhelming.
By the end of the experience, educators didn’t just understand the strategies in theory—they had already planned how to implement them in their instruction.
Leadership That Sends a Clear Message
A particularly meaningful part of this experience was the presence of Mount Laurel’s Assistant Superintendent, Mridula Bajaj, who attended both days of the workshop. She shared that her decision to be there was intentional. She wanted educators to know that the district stands behind this work. Her presence sent a clear message: This matters. We’re committed. And we’re taking this seriously.
Mridula also shared her excitement about the training itself, noting that she had never experienced structured literacy concepts presented in this way before. She highlighted the effectiveness of combining expert research, authentic classroom videos, hands-on application, and collaborative discussion. It is a model that feels both practical and impactful for deep understanding and real classroom transfer. “As a strong advocate for interdisciplinary learning, and something I have consistently encouraged and worked with teachers to develop, it was particularly affirming to see the interdisciplinary connections modeled and highlighted by the facilitators intentionally embedded in your presentation.”
Educators Leaving Ready to Act
Educator feedback reinforced exactly what we aim for at Learning Ally. One participant shared that they were given hands-on activities and tools they could use the very next day. Another shared that she felt she had gained a new understanding and couldn’t wait to bring the strategies into her classroom.
Our goal is never to simply deliver information. We want educators to truly understand how to apply evidence-based practices and to leave professional learning feeling energized, confident, and supported.
Participants in Structured Literacy in Action earn 15 CE hours and a certificate upon completion, further recognizing the depth and rigor of the learning experience.
How This Partnership Came Together
This opportunity was made possible through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, which awarded Learning Ally a literacy grant in 2025 and provided the Structured Literacy in Action program at no cost to 300 educators nationwide during the 2025–2026 school year.
Mount Laurel Public Schools is one of several participating districts across the country, alongside Hardee County School District (FL), Cardinal Hayes Day School (NY), Carteret Public Schools (NJ), Fairfield Public Schools (NJ), Fairfield City Schools (AL), and Midfield City Schools (AL).
The Mount Laurel curriculum supervisor shared that the district was seeking support in moving from a balanced literacy approach toward structured literacy, while still maintaining alignment with their existing curriculum. Structured Literacy in Action made that possible.
During the two-day in-person experience, educators engaged in learning across all key components of structured literacy—from foundational skills and word recognition to comprehension, vocabulary, writing, and fluency—grounded in practical application.
A Model Designed for Alignment and Impact
Structured Literacy in Action is a 15-hour professional learning program that blends in-person workshops with live, virtual Communities of Practice through flexible scheduling. These follow-up sessions deepen learning, provide accountability with clear call-to-action steps, and support guided planning to sustain momentum and strengthen implementation.
Because the program is designed to thrive alongside existing curriculum, and is rigorous yet more cost-effective and less time-intensive than many traditional models, districts are able to train more educators in a shorter period of time. This includes classroom teachers, interventionists, support staff, and paraeducators, creating coherence and shared understanding across the system.
The program also includes a family engagement workshop, helping districts strengthen home–school connections and extend literacy support beyond the classroom.
The Learning Continues
Since completing the in-person workshops, we are now in our third Community of Practice session with Mount Laurel educators. Most recently, we focused on strengthening comprehension instruction.
What’s been especially exciting is seeing educators already share artifacts of learning—lesson plans, student work, reflections, and early signs of student growth. The excitement continues to build, and the learning is clearly transferring into classrooms.
To further document and elevate this work, Learning Ally is partnering with Hanover Research to capture educator feedback, surveys, and testimonials that measure the impact of Structured Literacy in Action on instructional practice. We are also collaborating with film director TJ Misny, who is capturing authentic moments from sessions like this one to help share educator stories and highlight what meaningful professional learning can look like in action.
This is Structured Literacy in Action and it’s doing exactly what it was designed to do.
About the Author
Bianca Dino is dedicated to creating and implementing results-driven solutions that elevate the quality of literacy instruction across diverse programs to inspire transformative changes in teacher practices. Her primary focus is to empower educators and organizations to foster an inclusive, student-centered culture and establish robust infrastructures that guarantee positive change.