The Learning MATTERS Intervention Teaching (LMIT) Certification is now officially funded by the Ministry of Education as a training option for specialist teachers in schools receiving the Y0-2 specialist staffing allocation.
Welcome to Learning MATTERS Intervention Teaching (LMIT) Certification; professional development that specialises in evidence-based Structured Literacy intervention.
Designed to build your knowledge and practice
The LMIT training is a comprehensive 12-month training course, specifically designed to build your knowledge and practice as a specialist intervention practitioner. As well as developing extensive knowledge of systems of phonology, orthography, syntax, morphology and semantics, participants of LMIT will be supported in learning and administering quality intervention assessment tools suitable for creating diagnostic education plans for use during evidence-based instruction. Great emphasis is placed on developing how to teach through various practicum requirements.
Ultimately, this professional development training course will enable you to develop extensive specialised knowledge in the science of reading. You will be equipped to teach in an intervention setting using a Structured Literacy approach that is diagnostic, explicit, systematic, cumulative and multi-sensory.
Who is this Professional Development for?
LMIT will enhance knowledge and strengthen educators’ practice of Structured Literacy for intervention settings.
This training certification is designed for a range of professionals, including Tier 3 Providers, Psychologists, Literacy Tutors, RTLiTs, RTLBs, SENCos, Classroom Teachers, Learning Support Coordinators, Teaching Assistants, and Parents. Participants can expect to deepen their understanding and improve their practice of Structured Literacy to better support struggling readers and learners.
Learn more about LMIT
NB: this was recorded via a live webinar in April 2025.
Hear what LMIT participants have to say
Discussions from participants undertaking the LMIT Certification.
International Dyslexia Association
We have worked with the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) to develop a training curriculum and course that aligns with the IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS). Our LMIT training has successfully attained an Accreditation Plus level from the International Dyslexia Association.
What is Accreditation Plus?
Accreditation Plus is the highest level of accreditation awarded by the IDA to courses that meet their rigorous standards for teacher training in literacy education, particularly focused on dyslexia. It signifies comprehensive training that includes a practicum component bridging theory into practice.
Why Accreditation Plus?
Having Accreditation Plus means our course has been thoroughly reviewed and meets the IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading. It has external validation, ensuring it wasn’t just our interpretation. This ensures that educators receive high-quality training aligned with evidence-based practices in literacy instruction, especially for students with dyslexia.
Why alignment with the IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards?
Alignment with the IDA standards ensures that our course content is based on the latest research and best practices in literacy education. It provides confidence to educators that they are receiving training that meets internationally recognised standards for effective reading instruction.
What does this mean for our LMIT graduates?
Upon completing our LMIT certification, graduates gain a deep understanding of literacy acquisition, knowledge of diverse reading profiles including dyslexia, assessment techniques, Structured Literacy instruction methods, and professional dispositions and practices - all in line with IDA standards. Additionally, they have the opportunity to sit the KPEERI exam through the Centre of Effective Reading Instruction (CERI) and apply for the Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher (SLCT) Knowledge Certificate, recognised by the IDA throughout the United States and elsewhere.
LMIT Certification Funding Options
There are two options to fund the LMIT Certification; Private-funded and Ministry-funded.
Privately-funded
The 2025 LMIT Certification investment is NZ$3,250 (excluding GST) which includes all LMIT resources, access to the LMIT Online Platform, diagnostic assessment, lesson plan template, support from LMIT facilitators including formal observations, feedback and professional marking.
Register for your desired location and date using the links below. Select the 'Privately-funded' option and fill in the required fields.
Ministry-funded
The Learning MATTERS Intervention Teaching Certification (LMIT) is now officially funded by the Ministry of Education as a training option for specialist teachers in schools receiving the Y0–2 specialist staffing allocation.
If you are eligible for this option, register for your desired location and date using the links below. Select the 'Ministry-funded' option and fill in the required fields.
LMIT Courses 2025
LMIT Courses Commencing Term 2
Please note, Ministry-funded registrations close Friday, 9 May 2025 for courses starting in Term 2 2025.
Auckland
May 2025 Cohort | Five-day training held in Auckland from 26 May to 30 May 2025
Dunedin
June 2025 Cohort | Five-day training held in Dunedin from 9 June to 13 June 2025.
Online June/July
June/July 2025 Cohort | Five-day training held online from June 30 to July 4 2025
LMIT Courses Commencing Term 3
Palmerston North
July 2025 Cohort | Five-day training held in Palmerston North from 21 July to 25 July 2025
Waikato
August 2025 Cohort | Five-day training held in Waikato from 4 August to 8 August 2025
Wellington
September 2025 Cohort | Five-day training held in Wellington from 1 September to 5 September 2025
Christchurch
September 2025 Cohort | Five-day training held in Christchurch from 29 September to 3 October 2025
LMIT Courses Commencing Term 4
North Shore
October 2025 Cohort | Five-day training held in North Shore from 13 October to 17 October 2025
Online October/November
October/November 2025 Cohort | Five-day training held online on 20 October, 21 October, 28 October, 29 October and 3 November.
Course Design and Inclusions
The LMIT Certification is completed over a 12-month period and involves:
Five days of intensive face-to-face learning with a LMIT facilitator, either online or in-person, depending on the chosen course setup.
A personal login to the LMIT Online Platform (for the duration of the training) which allows access to modules and coursework anytime and anywhere (with an internet connection), alongside relevant readings and videos to further your learning and understanding.
Self-paced online modules to work through within a suggested schedule along with having allocated time for reflection and to complete online activities.
A LMIT learning folder with module workbooks, diagnostic assessment, lesson plan template, and concept teaching cards with word list suggestions.
A practicum for which participants will be required to complete the following minimum requirements:
28 full multi-sensory structured literacy 1:1 sessions with a student
Weekly for 50-60 minutes (non-consecutive days if more than once a week)
Completion of three formal lesson observations. Follow up coaching and written feedback will be provided.
Support from the LMIT facilitators at key times during your learning to connect within group style and 1-1 remote settings to support you through the theory and practicum components.
A Certification of Completion of LMIT
In order to receive a Certificate of Completion, you must complete the face-to-face learning and self-paced online requirements of the course, and complete all the requirements of the practicum.
In order to complete the online component in its entirety, each module requires a pass of 80% or more.
Successfully completing LMIT and receiving certification will set you up to sit the Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI) exam. Learn more about this internationally recognised qualification here.
Optional Extra
LMIT participants have the opportunity to access the iDeaL Specialists Platform as an optional extra for 12 months duration, for a minimal fee. This can be requested during registration for LMIT.
The iDeaL Specialist Platform, features extensive resources, assessments, and reporting systems. It includes:
Research-Backed Foundations: Systematic and cumulative scope and sequence based on extensive research.
Comprehensive Assessment Tools: High-quality tools for creating diagnostic education plans.
Intervention Instruction: Resources, including concept lesson guides, reading passages and slides, for multi-sensory, systematic, and explicit teaching.
FAQs/Further Information
Can I do the LMIT course if we don’t have Ministry funding?
Yes, anyone can pay privately to do this course. We have had RTLB’s, RT Lits, Principals, DPs, APs, SENCO’s, LSC’s teachers, teacher aides, parents, grandparents and private tutors enrol to do the LMIT course.
How much does the LMIT course cost if my school isn’t funded?
NZ$3,250 (excluding GST) which includes all LMIT resources, access to the LMIT Online Platform, diagnostic assessment, lesson plan template, support from LMIT facilitators including formal observations, feedback and professional marking.
Who is eligible for the Ministry funding to do the LMIT course?
Schools that applied for and received the staffing resource for structured literacy support in years 0-2 at the end of 2024 are eligible. One teacher per school is funded by the Ministry, however you may choose to train another person by paying privately. Please refer to the Ministry website for their guidelines on this funding.
Does the MOE funding cover all costs for the LMIT course?
Yes, the course is fully covered, however teacher release, travel and accommodation aren’t covered.
How often are intakes?
Click here for LMIT course locations and availability. We will indicate on this page if a course is full.
I’ve already enrolled in a course, when will I know if I’ve been accepted?
If you are privately funded, then your registration is confirmed upon receipt of your deposit.
If Ministry funded, your enrolment guarantees your place, subject to final approval from the Ministry. This final approval happens after registrations close. For courses occurring in Term 2, this is 9 May 2025.
We understand that you require a minimum of 40 participants for a course to go ahead. What happens if there aren’t 40 participants enrolled?
You have the option of transferring to another course in another region or attending our courses which are run online.
Can we do this course if we have done our Yr 0-8 Structured Literacy training with another provider and we’re using other resources?
Yes, the previous funded training was for classroom teachers (Tier 1). LMIT is a stand-alone certification designed to train specialist literacy intervention teachers to deliver targeted and tailored interventions (Tier 2 & 3).
Have you had people who have done other training and how have these people found the LMIT course?
Previous participants have all commented on how much more they learned through LMIT even though they had completed other courses. They found the practicum and coaching aspects of the course invaluable.
Would this intervention training be suitable for teachers of older (secondary) students?
Absolutely. We have had several secondary teachers complete the LMIT training and they are now successfully running intervention in their secondary schools.
How does PfS ALL (Programmes for Students – Accelerating Learning Literacy) compare with LMIT training?
PfS ALL is Tier 2 small group intervention within the classroom. LMIT is so much more.
How have full time teachers managed the course modules? Can you please give an example of how to find time to teach a 1:1 practicum student when teaching full time.
Previous participants have completed the modules before school, after school, during CRT, weekends, school holidays – it's much easier to have a dedicated block of time to do this.
Previous participants have taught their student before school (could be a split lesson over 2 days - 30mins), after school, Saturday morning, during CRT, school has arranged release, during their Intervention release time.
We would suggest allowing approximately 2-2.5hrs of study each week for the online component. This is very different for every person and is dependent on a number of factors e.g. how recently you have studied, how fast you can read, and your ability to dedicate a block of time with no interruptions towards your study. While completing your practicum component, you will need to factor in time to plan and teach your student.
How long are you expected to work with a student for the practical aspect?
You will be required to work with your student for 28 sessions. This could be once or twice per week. If your student leaves before completing your practicum, we will work with you to find the best solution.
Is the LMIT platform still available next year once we finish this course?
You will be able download any resources from the platform while doing the course. Once the course is completed, access to the LMIT platform will be removed.
Will I be accredited by the IDA upon completion?
Only courses can be IDA accredited, not teachers. If you complete the LMIT training, you will hold an IDA accredited certification. This qualification is yours to keep – it does not need to be updated or renewed.
