Michelle Bence, MA
Michelle Bence's passion is early literacy. She is an enthusiastic educator with over 18 years of teaching experience. Over the past few years, Michelle has worked extensively with several school boards in Alberta, investigating professional teacher learning and evidence-based early literacy practice. Currently, Michelle is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Calgary, examining the connection between oral language development and early literacy acquisition.
Miriam Ramzy, PhD
Miriam Ramzy works with a school division in Alberta in the role of Curriculum Lead. The focus of her research, teaching practice, and professional development has been on early learning and literacy. Miriam has her PhD from the Werklund School of Education (University of Calgary); her doctoral work looked at early literacy learning in a grade one setting, with an emphasis on writing instruction, and the role of printing and word study. Her passion for supporting teachers in building powerful literacy classrooms, where all learners experience success, drives her work.
OUR Approach
We believe in connecting theory and practice, to support teachers as they plan for instruction that meets the needs of all learners. In all of our sessions and partnerships, we structure our shared learning around these 3 organizing ideas:
WHY
Why should I implement this in my classroom? We synthesize the current research on the topic to explain why the research supports this in practice.
HOW
How do I plan for instruction? We share Guiding Principles to consider as you plan for instruction.
WHAT
What can this look like in my classroom? We share research-based high leverage strategies that can be used in multiple contexts, and throughout the grades.