Michelle Norwood, M.Ed.
Regional Literacy Coordinator
Local LETRS Facilitator
[email protected]
English Language Arts & Literacy Coordinator – ESD 101
The English Language Arts (ELA) & Literacy Coordinator at ESD 101 collaborates with the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD), and school districts across Washington State to provide equitable access to high-quality, effective literacy learning experiences for all students. Through a racial equity lens, we offer services that support educators in improving instruction, fostering teacher leadership, and driving system-wide literacy improvement.
Our Services & Supports
Literacy Leadership Network
ESD 101 facilitates this collaborative network series to bring together educators for cross-district learning focused on evidence-based research and best practices in English Language Arts instruction and assessment. Participants receive state and federal updates, explore professional resources, and develop strategies to enhance teacher leadership in their districts. Through a systems-level lens, we utilize Improvement Science tools to support cycles of inquiry and continuous improvement, strengthening cross-district collaboration and instructional leadership.
English Language Arts Fellows
The Washington State ELA Fellows program develops teacher leaders who engage in collaborative learning throughout the school year. This program enhances leadership skills, deepens content knowledge, and strengthens the understanding of adult learning and change facilitation. The ELA Fellows’ mission is to:
- Build leadership capacity to support professional learning within their districts.
- Implement literacy action plans aligned with the Washington State Learning Standards for English Language Arts (Common Core).
- Advance racial equity in literacy instruction to improve outcomes for all students.
- Apply for the ELA Fellows Program
LETRS Training & Science of Reading Support
We offer LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training, a research-based professional learning program designed to deepen educators' understanding of the Science of Reading. This training provides teachers with the knowledge and strategies necessary to deliver effective literacy instruction aligned with the cognitive science of how students learn to read.
Access NEWESD 101's Science of Reading Toolkit for districts, schools, teachers and community members
Customized Literacy Support
Our Regional Literacy Coordinator partners with school districts across the region to support the implementation of the Washington State Learning Standards (CCSS). We provide job-embedded learning and formal professional development, tailored to meet the specific needs of schools and districts. These flexible professional learning opportunities can range from one-time training sessions to ongoing site visits and can support teacher teams, PLCs, full staff, or leadership teams.
Common areas of focus include:
- Using data-driven instruction to inform practice.
- Strengthening foundational literacy skills.
- Developing and implementing formative assessments.
- Understanding the components of literacy instruction.
- Building a tiered instructional model to support student success.
Our Approach: Inspiring Growth & Equity in Literacy
Our work is grounded in equity, collaboration, and leadership development, ensuring that every educator has the tools to create impactful learning experiences for students. We focus on:
✔ Shifting mindsets to enhance instructional practices.
✔ Providing hope by fostering a culture of learning and progress.
✔ Encouraging growth through high-quality professional learning.
✔ Strengthening leadership by empowering educators.
✔ Championing equity to ensure all students have access to meaningful literacy instruction.
Through positive changes in classroom practice and educational leadership, we strive to improve literacy outcomes for all students.
For more information or to explore how we can support your district, please reach out.