New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) has officially opened statewide enrollment for its Science of Reading program, following overwhelmingly positive feedback from educators who participated in the pilot phase.
The free training, titled Science of Reading: A Practical Approach for Educators, was developed by teachers and literacy specialists through NYSUT’s Education & Learning Trust and funded through the 2024–25 state budget as part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s Back to Basics literacy initiative.
The 30-hour course includes five interactive live sessions and five structured reflection modules, all designed to give educators a deeper understanding of the science behind how children learn to read — and how to apply those strategies with any curriculum in any classroom.
“The science of reading is complex work. Our course gives educators the tools, modeling and confidence to put research into practice,” said NYSUT Executive Vice President Jaime Ciffone. “Teachers are telling us they’re having ‘a-ha’ moments, seeing immediate benefits for students, and finally feeling supported in a way that honors their expertise.”
Pilot programs in districts like Niagara Falls and Schenectady drew strong praise. In Niagara Falls, over 100 teachers voluntarily enrolled, with many literacy coaches returning for a second round. Educators described the program as “monumental and energizing,” with the rigor of a college-level course.
Unlike many other state efforts, NYSUT’s approach is unique in that it was developed entirely by educators, with no outside vendor involvement. The training focuses on explicit, systematic instruction aligned with decades of cognitive science and linguistics research.
The program is already showing impact not just in instruction, but in teacher confidence and classroom autonomy. Participants report better clarity around literacy instruction, fewer misconceptions, and an expanded toolbox for reaching every student.
Sessions will be offered throughout the year to meet high demand. Educators can view upcoming cohorts and register through the NYSUT Education & Learning Trust site.
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