WK1Assgn - Seven Pillars of Effective Literacy Educators...

Seven Pillars of Effective Literacy Educators Graphic Organizer
Seven Pillars of Effective Literacy Educators Graphic Organizer
Melissa Bockenstedt
Walden University
Cindee Easton, M.ED.
Reading and Literacy Today (READ - 6705O - 5)
October 30, 2016

Seven Pillars of Effective Literacy Educators Graphic Organizer
Reading is a gateway to knowledge. Students deserve to acquire the skills that it takes to
comprehend a text to be successful in life. Teachers are responsible for creating a good
foundational path to that gate. According to the classic National Academy and Institute of
Education's landmark report,) it is teacher knowledge, skill, and expertise that ensure that all
students become active readers (Reutzel & Cooter, 2015). Therefore, it is essential to strengthen
the skill-set of literacy teachers. The seven pillars as outlined by Reutzel and Cooter provide a
framework for highly effective reading instruction (Reutzel & Cooter, 2015).
 Teacher Knowledge
The first pillar, teacher knowledge encompasses multiple areas of expertise. These areas
include the abilities of how to teach, classroom management techniques, designing a print rich
environment with access to literature, staying abreast of the most effective teaching practices,
and holding all students to high expectations (Laureate Education, 2012). To begin my year, I
start out with a week of lessons focused on growth mindset to lay a foundation. This foundation
is key to having a successful year of learning. Students are aware that I hold them to high
expectations because they are aware of how their brains grow from performing challenges and
using positive growth mindset language. On the first day of school, cooperatively my students
and I create expectations of behavior within the classroom. Engaging students in creating
classroom expectations helps ensure their investment in following the expectations. My fifth-
grade classroom has a word-wall displaying the words students have learned; there are also co-
created anchor charts hung on the walls, an interactive Boggle bulletin board, and a classroom
library with a range of book levels and genres. There is a multitude of print materials for my
students to engage in resulting in a print rich classroom. To conclude the first pillars of effective
literacy instruction, I read professional books and implement strategies that I have gained from

Seven Pillars of Effective Literacy Educators Graphic Organizer
them. To me, it is important to broaden your horizons and learn from others. Duke and Martin
(2011) agree, “We believe that research should be seen as an essential guide to policy and
practice” (pg. 10).