In addition to great pay and benefits, Cobb teachers also enjoy a high level of professional support and training to help them keep improving in their fields. One such opportunity is the LETRS Program, which helps teachers better understand the science of reading for early childhood and elementary learners. LETRS is an acronym for Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling and teaches the skills needed to master the fundamentals of reading and writing instruction.

Thanks to a grant, more than 100 Title I teachers recently completed the program and were the first in the Cobb School District to do so. Many more teachers are now participating in the second cohort of the two-year curriculum and represent every elementary school in the District.

"We are investing in our teachers so that they are well-equipped in the science of reading," said Early Learning Supervisor Denise Osborne. "LETRS certification positions them to be in compliance with incoming legislation and be able to respond for their students."

At a drop-in celebration service for the graduates, teachers, and administrators alike expressed appreciation for the program and what they learned about the science of reading and the processes of how to teach topics such as phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension effectively. 

In addition to professional development, the LETRS course also forged friendships between the 100+ educators and administrators. Ms. Osborne had a photo booth set up with lots of props, a gift bag for every graduate, and, of course, a personalized certificate of completion.

When Dr. Ashley Kennedy (Director of Instruction & Innovative Practice) used a motorcycle reference to help explain how the course would help the first cohort of educators, Fair Oaks Principal Cathie Seibert declared that she would ride her motorcycle to the graduation. Two years later, Principal Seibert did just that, and Dr. Kennedy got the chance to show off her wild side (in a very restrained, professional sort of way)!

"The LETRS program has really set these teachers up for ongoing success," said Dr. Kennedy. "Our main goal is giving children skills—like reading success and proficiency—that last the rest of their lives. These teachers are now prepared and confident for the work that lies ahead."

Chief Academic Officer Dr. Catherine Mallanda also attended the celebration and thanked all of the educators for the time and effort they put into achieving the LETRS certification. "I know it was a lot of work," she said, "but you did that so that some student someday will not even remember they had difficulty reading. We are so appreciative of each of you."