Gain the knowledge and tools you need to implement Structured Literacy effectively and improve literacy outcomes for your students.
Our professional learning and development (PLD) equips teachers with the skills and knowledge to implement a Structured Literacy approach in their classrooms. Aligned with the latest research in the science of learning and reading, our PLD is grounded in evidence-based practices and supports effective Tier 1 and Tier 2 instruction.
This ongoing support is tailored to meet the needs of kaiako (teachers) working with students in Years 0–3, Years 4–6, and Years 7–8.
By completing our PLD, you will graduate with a Certification in 'Application of Structured Literacy Teaching'.
The PLD includes:
-Three Full-Day Workshops
Our workshops provide an in-depth understanding of the ‘why’ behind Structured Literacy, supported by research and evidence. You’ll learn how to integrate the ‘how’ and ‘what’ of teaching to ensure best practices for all students.
Face-to-Face Workshops (Days 1 and 2)
Held across New Zealand (plus an online option), these workshops focus on building foundational knowledge in the science of reading, learning theories (such as cognitive load theory and working memory), explicit instruction, and Structured Literacy principles.
Day 1 covers key concepts like orthographic mapping, models of reading instruction, and language processing.
Day 2 deepens understanding of the alphabetic principle, phonological awareness, syllable types, systematic spelling, and morphology. These sessions apply universally across Years 0–8.
Remote Real-Time Learning (Day 3)
On Day 3, targeted online sessions for Years 0–3, Years 4–6, and Years 7–8 focus on assessment practices aligned with year levels and curriculum phases.
-Ongoing Support: Community of Practice Sessions
After the workshops, you’ll receive ongoing support through eight 1.5-hour remote Community of Practice sessions, held approximately every fortnight. These online sessions help you deepen your knowledge and refine your practice. Sessions are organised by Years 0–3, Years 4–6, and Years 7–8 to ensure content is relevant and aligned with the Curriculum.
Topics Include:
Creating a roadmap for Structured Literacy implementation.
Using decodable texts in the foundational curriculum and Tier 2 instruction.
Aligning instructional practices with assessment data.
Refining literacy block structures.
You’ll also observe instructional videos in spelling, reading, and writing, helping you benchmark best practices for your own teaching.
Indicative Time Requirements
Support and Resources
Access to the iDeaL Schools Platform
During the PLD, participants will have temporary access to the iDeaL Schools Platform for a trial period to support/facilitate the application of their learning.
The platform's content aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum and emphasises clear, systematic instruction for ākonga. Resources follow a systematic, cumulative scope and sequence per the iDeaL Approach. Assessments identify students' needs and strengths, determining their starting point for instruction.
By providing these assessments and resources, teachers can focus on building their knowledge and teaching.
Following the PLD, teachers should feel confident in their knowledge and practice, enabling them to effectively use evidence-based resources and assessments of their choice.
Support from iDeaL Coaches
Get support via phone or email, including guidance, feedback, and practical solutions for using the iDeaL Schools Platform
Added Benefits
Leadership Development
Our PLD enhances the leadership infrastructure within your kura, fostering sustainable and transformational change. The iDeaL Schools Platform provides access to essential leadership tools, including lesson checklists and an implementation matrix outlining progressive stages (Developing – Embedding – Sustaining).
Delivery Options to Support School Release
Cohort 4 PLD will commence in Term 2 2025. Please complete our Expressions of Interest Form below to be kept updated.
How to Register
Apply with the Ministry of Education to obtain your ARN (Application Reference Number).
Express your Interest with Learning MATTERS for Cohort 4 via the form below.
Please note: You must apply to the Ministry of Education to be accepted and approved for an Application Reference Number (ARN) before registering with Learning MATTERS when the time comes. Application rounds for Cohort 4 close with the Ministry of Education on Monday, 3 March 2025.
Locations and Timings
Important Information
Registrations for Cohort 3 have now closed.
If you have any enquiries about Cohort 3 please email pld@learningmatters.co.nz
We are now accepting expressions of interest for Cohort 4, fill out the form below and we will be in touch with you as soon as more information becomes available. For timings please check the MoE webpage.
Remember, you need to register with the MoE to be accepted and approved for an Application Reference Number (ARN) before applying with Learning MATTERS when the time comes.
Cohort 4 will begin in Term 2, 2025, with various dates and locations across the country.
If you're interested, please fill out our Expression of Interest form, and we’ll get in touch as soon with further information regarding registering with Learning MATTERS for Cohort 4.
FAQs/Further Information
Who should apply for this PLD
The PLD is accessible to teachers of years 0-8, including:
Full time or part-time teachers
Staff employed on a Limited Authority to Teach (LAT)
RTLit/RTLB, reading recovery teachers and other specialist staff attached to the school
Regular relieving teachers
We encourage all Year 0–8 teachers to apply.
What’s the deadline to apply with a provider?
We encourage you to keep an eye on the MoE website for details and updates.
How do we know our enrolment with Learning MATTERS has been confirmed?
When your application is submitted to Learning MATTERS, you will receive an automated email response to the booking email address, confirming we have received your application. If you do not receive this email, your booking is not confirmed. For any issues, please get in touch with our team.
What the PLD Includes
'Application of Structured Literacy Teaching Years' Certification.
Three days of learning (two face-to-face and one online/all online).
Eight 1.5 hour community of practice sessions – held online.
Two 1 hour online group sessions to support in key areas of application.
Temporary access to the iDeaL Schools Platform for a trial period, which includes resources that follow a systematic and cumulative scope and sequence as per the iDeaL Approach. The platform provides assessments to identify students' needs and strengths, determining their starting points for instruction. It also offers a structure for progress and comparison reporting.
Support from an iDeaL Coach throughout the duration of the PLD via phone/email.
Time requirement and activities for teachers
To achieve the Application of Structured Literacy Teaching' Certification, teachers are required to attend three full days (9am to 3pm) of PLD in person, plus attend eight 1.5hour online community of practice sessions.
We have approval for a number of teachers. Do they all have to go to the same PLD location/date?
No, you can enrol your teachers for different locations and timings across a Cohort. We offer flexibility where each school can register teachers across multiple locations to accommodate your team's schedule and support teacher release.
We want to enrol more teachers; how can we do this?
We recommend contacting the MoE at PLD.Enquiries@education.govt.nz.
Is access to the iDeaL Schools Platform (during the PLD) an extra cost?
If participants do not have a current subscription to iDeaL, they will receive access for a trial period to the iDeaL Schools Platform at no charge as part of our PLD offering. This trial period is designed to support the application of their learning so teachers can focus on building their knowledge and teaching.
Once the PLD is finished, do we have to continue with iDeaL?
Our PLD is designed to build knowledge, understanding, and practice of Structured Literacy. Structured Literacy is an approach, not a programme. Following the PLD, teachers should feel confident in their knowledge and practice, enabling them to effectively use evidence-based resources and assessments of their choice. There is no obligation to continue using the iDeaL Schools Platform.
Why choose Learning MATTERS
We're dedicated to bridging research and practice, offering Structured Literacy Professional Learning and Development (PLD) that brings lasting benefits to New Zealand educators and students.
For over eight years, Learning MATTERS has been a trusted partner for schools and educators across Aotearoa. We support Structured Literacy implementation and empower educators with evidence-based practices.
Our experience includes:
Professional Learning and Development | We offer engaging, practical, and motivating sessions.
Expert Facilitation | Our PLD is delivered by passionate, knowledgeable consultants.
Consistent Implementation Plans | We promote effective Structured Literacy across from years 0 to 8 and in secondary settings.
Comprehensive Coverage | Our approach addresses Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 needs.
The iDeaL Approach to Structured Literacy | Developed by Learning MATTERS specifically for the New Zealand educational context and used in 30% of schools throughout the country.
The LMIT Certification | Developed by Learning MATTERS as a training in Structured Literacy for Tier 3 intervention, accredited by the International Dyslexia Association.
Partnership with the Ministry of Education, including:
Approved PLD Provider | Specialised services in Structured Literacy tailored to the needs of individual kura.
Literacy and Communications Research Trial (2022) | Supported Years 2 to 8 learners with Tier 2 and 3 needs through face-to-face and remote training using the iDeaL Approach.
Programmes for Students (PfS) Accelerating Learning in Literacy (ALL) | Delivering tailored PLD sessions to enhance kaiako skills in literacy assessment and intervention.
Our unwavering commitment to New Zealand educators involves bridging research to practice, formulating professional learning and development opportunities, and providing valuable resources for the New Zealand educational landscape.
