Gain the knowledge and tools you need to implement Structured Literacy effectively and improve literacy outcomes for your students.
This professional learning and development (PLD) prepares and supports teachers to implement a Structured Literacy approach within their teaching context.
Graduate with an 'Application of Structured Literacy Teaching' Certification by completing our PLD, which includes:
-Three Full-Day Workshops
Covering essential topics like oral language, phonological awareness, spelling instruction, reading and writing practices, cognitive theories, and explicit instruction methods. The first two days are face-to-face, with a third day of remote real-time learning. These sessions will help you structure your literacy block, including the important components for teaching and assessment. A fully remote learning option is also available.
-Eight 1.5-Hour Remote Community of Practice Sessions
Build your knowledge and practice gradually via these online sessions with ongoing support, ensuring sustainable implementation.
Indicative Time Requirements
* Time frames shown above are for the duration of the PLD and are indicative only. Week 1 indicates the start of the PLD (not the start of term).
The start dates of the PLD may vary from location to location.
PLD Content Overview
Our three-day workshops will provide an in-depth understanding of the ‘WHY’ behind Structured Literacy, supported by comprehensive research and evidence. You’ll also learn how to integrate the ‘HOW’ of teaching with the ‘WHAT’ to teach, ensuring effective, evidence-based practices for all students.
After the workshops, we’ll continue to support you with eight 1.5-hour remote community of practice sessions. These online sessions focus on specific topics to enhance your knowledge and refine your practice, with information released gradually to model best practices in the science of learning.
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
How to Register
Cohort 2 dates and locations are closed. Please contact our team if you need any assistance with a registration for Cohort 2.
If you are interested in Cohort 3, check the timeframes and apply via the MoE website to receive your MoE Application Reference Number (ARN) for Cohort 3.
Fill out our Expression of Interest form (below) and we'll be in touch to check with you once Cohort 3 application rounds open.
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
We offer a variety of locations and timings across to enable flexibility should you wish to register across multiple locations to accommodate your team's schedule and support teacher release.
We're planning to host PLD sessions across the country early in the new year for Cohort 3.
Locations and Timings
Important Information
Registrations for Cohort 1 have now closed.
Registrations for Cohort 2 have now closed. Please contact our team if you need assistance with a registration.
Applications for Cohort 3 are due to open with the MoE late October 2024. Please check the MoE webpage for indicative timings and details on how to apply.
Remember, you need to apply with the MoE to be accepted and approved for an Application Reference Number (ARN) before registering with Learning MATTERS when the time comes.
Cohort 3 | Term 1 Commencement
Cohort 3 will begin in Term 1, 2025, with dates and locations to be confirmed. We're planning to host PLD sessions across the country early in the new year.
If you're interested, please fill out our Expression of Interest form, and we’ll get in touch as soon as more details about Cohort 3 are available
FAQs/Further Information
Who should apply for this PLD
This year, the funded PLD is for years 0-3 teachers 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 0–3 teachers to apply.
Click here for eligibility criteria as stated on the Ministry website.
What’s the deadline to apply with a provider?
We encourage you to keep an eye on the MoE website for 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 0-3' 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 years 0-3 teachers
To achieve the Application of Structured Literacy Teaching Years 0-3' 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 Cohorts.
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.
