This school year, educators across New Prague Area Schools (NPAS) participated in a powerful professional development experience through the READ Act — one that’s already making a meaningful impact in classrooms preK through grade 12. With more than 60 hours of training through CORE Learning’s Online Language and Literacy Academy (OL&LA), teachers have deepened their understanding of the science of reading and are applying that knowledge to support student learning in new and intentional ways.
At the heart of this work is a shared belief: every student deserves to become a confident, capable reader. “The READ Act professional development has been a critical step forward in advancing that goal,” said Kimberly Hoppert, a teacher at Eagle View who also helped lead the training. “It wasn’t just theory — it was practical, applicable, and immediately useful.”
The comprehensive coursework included online modules, community discussions, and live cohort sessions, all designed to equip educators with tools rooted in research — not tied to a single curriculum. “This shift from product-based training to knowledge-based professional learning empowered teachers to think critically about their instruction,” Hoppert added. “It’s already transforming classrooms.”
Jeremy Engebretson, principal at Raven Stream, emphasized how the training aligned with existing efforts at the K–3 level and helped bring consistency to instruction. “The learning validated and deepened practices our teachers were already using,” he said. “Now they have the research to back it up and they’re more intentional in how they use our curriculum and reach struggling readers.”
Leaders like Rachel Szybnski, a student support specialist and READ Act facilitator, noted that the training has helped build a shared foundation across grade levels and buildings. “It gives us a common vocabulary to use as we improve our literacy practice,” she said. “It’s helping us move toward greater consistency while still honoring teachers’ autonomy in how they deliver instruction.”
Though the learning was rigorous — complete with quizzes, reflections, and in-depth content on the brain science behind reading — staff leaned into the challenge. “The way they rallied around each other was amazing,” Engebretson shared. “You’d hear them supporting one another, even laughing through the tough parts. It really brought out the collaborative spirit in our buildings.”
As NPAS looks ahead to new curriculum pilots and continued implementation, this professional development has laid the groundwork for long-term instructional alignment and literacy success. “This was a lot to take on, but our teachers rose to the occasion,” said Szybnski. “I’m so proud of our district for setting staff up for success — and of our educators for embracing the learning with commitment and care.”
With a stronger understanding of how students learn to read, and a unified approach to teaching literacy, New Prague educators are helping ensure that every student has the tools they need to thrive — this year, and for years to come.