Category: MCRC
Scholarship Awards 2021-22
This year, in honor of our 40th anniversary, the MCRC was please to offer scholarships to not three, but SIX incredibly deserving recipients. The awards were presented as we celebrated not only this special group of educators, but the MCRC’s 40th anniversary as well. We were all so grateful to have the opportunity to gather in person and enjoy an evening of AGM business, delicious food, and great fellowship.
We remember Barbara fondly as a born educator and leader who inspired both teachers and students alike. We know that in her memory, these awards will support our recipients as they move toward gaining knowledge and understanding to also inspire and support the literacy community. Sincerest congratulations goes to the following recipients:
Jon Sorokowski
Tami Berg
I chose this field of study for the Master of Education program because of my interest and desire in developing the skills and knowledge to support and enhance language and literacy skills for student achievement. I have an interest in learning and researching best practices in this area, particularly for students who struggle with oral language, reading and writing. Since language and literacy are embedded in all content areas, students need to develop these skills for success in academic learning. My goal is to work as a Reading Clinician.
Janice Caplan
Anna Choy
Ali Kampen
As a teacher, my goal is to create positive learning experiences for my students so I can foster a love of literacy. Through student voice and a strength based approach, I believe we have the ability to help students see themselves as both readers and writers.
Thank you so much to the MCRC and family of Barbara Koffman. I am honoured!
Becca Meachum
Raised – Manitoba.
Daughter. Little sister.
Thompson girl.
Walked Cookie by the Burntwood River.
Found peace in the northern woods.
Moved – Winnipeg.
Arts degree.
Major: English, Minor: Theatre.
Found a love for writing poetry.
Tall Grass baker.
New Zealand traveller.
Educational assistant.
Ross’ wife.
Auntie.
Education degree.
Teacher.
Tieg, Mac and Ida May’s Mom.
Master’s student.
New sense of purpose teaching and writing.
Honing my theory.
Learning strength-based strategies.
Eager to support students’ literacy needs.
Walking Dolly to Omand’s Creek.
A moment to capture nature by the Assiniboine River.
Future reading clinician.
All the best to you moving forward in your studies from the Manitoba Council of Reading Clinicians!
Please Join Us!
Revised Certification Guidelines!
Beginning in the winter of 2019 a review of guidelines for certification as a Reading Clinician in Manitoba was undertaken in response to changing course offerings at the University of Manitoba and evolving guidelines around the certification of literacy professionals. The International Literacy Association Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals (2017) was used as a guiding document in the formulation of these recommendations as well as in the re-envisioning of the syllabus for the clinical course (7060) in partnership with the University of Manitoba. The project was undertaken by clinician representatives from two urban and one rural school division in Manitoba and in collaboration with the Manitoba Teacher Certification Branch and the University of Manitoba.
We are excited to announce that the new certification guidelines have been approved by the Minister of Education. These new guidelines include both a coursework-based route and a thesis-based route. This will afford students the opportunity to conduct research on a deeper level in an area of interest related to the clinical reading specialty within the Masters program and opens doors for doctoral programs that are currently not an option for those completing the coursework-based Masters.
The new guidelines can be found here .
A note: The pre-Jan 2021 requirements will also be accepted for students currently enrolled who started their program with those requirements in place.
ILA Digital Events
Attention MCRC members!
Are you a member of the ILA? Members enjoy free access, and nonmembers may participate for $45. Become a member of ILA to gain access to this and future webinars in this series at no cost.
Making a Case for Reading Joy
May 31, 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. ET
Adults who habitually read find personal enjoyment and benefit from it. Unfortunately, too many young people report reading experiences that disconnect them from reading joy or discourage its development. We can teach young people to become proficient, critical readers without damaging their reading interest and engagement in the process.
In this ILA Digital Event, Donalyn Miller, award-winning Texas teacher and author, describes some conditions, rituals, and instructional opportunities that engage young people with reading and set them on the path to joyful reading for a lifetime.
Cost: $45 | FREE FOR ILA MEMBERS
Instructional Level or Challenging Text: Too Hard or Not Hard Enough?
May 3, 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. ET
For decades teachers have been told that it is important to match books to children’s reading levels to facilitate learning. But how effective is this practice? In this ILA Digital Event, Timothy Shanahan will explore the research on instructional level and teaching with complex text—and share a different approach more likely to help children to read better.
Cost: $45 | FREE FOR ILA MEMBERS
The archived recording of this session is available until May 8, 2021.
ILA 2019 Replay
Available April 1 at 9:00 a.m. ET through May 31 at 11:59 p.m. ET
When literacy is embedded in every aspect of education, it creates the environment students need to reach their full potential in the classroom and throughout their lives.
For a limited time (April 1–May 31), ILA is offering this six-session replay free to members and nonmembers (registration required).
These sessions demonstrate the importance of working collaboratively to build and sustain a culture that extends beyond the school setting.
- General Session: Creating a Culture of Literacy | Renée Watson and Pedro Noguera
- Research Panel: What Research Really Says About Teaching Reading—and Why That Still Matters | P. David Pearson, Sonia Cabell, Gwendolyn McMillon, and Nell K. Duke
- Featured Speaker: We Need More Than Diverse Books | Tricia Ebarvia
- Featured Speaker: Teaching Vulnerable Youth How to Read and Write: Lessons About Life, Literacy, and the Pursuit of Meaning | David Kirkland
- Featured Speaker: Choice, Access, Empowerment: Changing the Game for Young Readers | Donalyn Miller
- Featured Speaker: Motivating Readers From the Inside Out: The Five Key Beliefs That Matter Most for Student Literacy | Dave Stuart Jr.
Cost: FREE for members and nonmembers
ILA Edcamp Online
Edcamps are built on organic, participant-led conversation and collaboration. ILA Edcamp Online is no exception. Our goal is to create a space for live online learning, where educators can connect and discuss relevant topics in real time.
- Alternative Access: Connecting When Your Students Don’t Have Connectivity
- Continuous K–5 Learning During School Closures: Techniques, Tips, and Tools
- Supporting Struggling Learners: Instruction and Intervention in a Virtual Environment
A Message From the ILA
| Earlier this week, we announced that the ILA 2020 Conference, scheduled to take place this October in Columbus, OH, has been canceled due to the impact of COVID-19. The fact that this was a necessary decision doesn’t make it any less difficult. We share the disappointment of program presenters, volunteer leaders, and the thousands of participants who—let’s face it—are what makes ILA conferences so special in the first place. The theme selected for this year’s conference was “Shaping the Future of Literacy: 2020 Vision.” There was no possible way for us to have foreseen this future, let alone prepare for it. As for what’s to come, one thing is certain: The way we teach, and the way in which students learn, will never be the same. Your needs have changed—and are still changing—and to support you best, we need to change as well. We’ve already begun rolling out a new slate of professional development offerings, including ILA at Home, a series of hour-long webinars with leaders such as Timothy Shanahan and Donalyn Miller. Each is available free to ILA members; nonmembers can register for $45 or join ILA for less than the cost of a single webinar (and gain access to the entire series in the process!). Visit literacyworldwide.org/digitalevents for more information. Next month, we will be unveiling a progressive model for professional learning being designed specifically for a digital platform. It’s immersive, interactive, and responsive. We believe it’s the future of PD. We will continue to weather this storm together, and as you enter the period of post-COVID recovery that’s to come, we’ll support you every step of the way. Stay safe—and stay connected. Marcie Craig Post Executive Director International Literacy Association  |
Message From the MCRC President
Dear Readers,
On behalf of the Manitoba Council of Reading Clinicians, I would like to take this moment to wish you all good health and strength during this trying time caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While we navigate our new world reality, we at MCRC will continue to strive to provide our members and readers current information on literacy and learning.
We hope this message finds you and your family in good health. We would like to let MCRC members know that after a meeting of the executive council, a decision was made to postpone our annual general meeting to the fall; date to be determined in due time. We wish you all strength and courage during this pandemic time and we are looking forward to seeing you all at our fall AGM meeting.
We want you also to know that the International Literacy Association is taking action to support educators during this time. Free resources can be found on their website. As well it is important to note that voting opportunities are now open for board elections if you are a member of ILA. Members are encouraged to vote for three at-large candidates and one vice president candidate. You can read about the candidates here.
Sincerely,
Philippe Morin-Fournier, MCRC President
“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope.” Kofi Annan
Hot Topics in Manitoba
The end of February marks the closing of I Love to Read month! We hope it has been a great month filled with fun activities that promote our student’s passion for reading! And the best news yet, is spring awaits us, just around the corner. A reminder that there are upcoming events next month, including Bernadette Dwyer presenting Using Technology to Improve Reading and Learning at The Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Don’t delay, as registration for this valuable PD opportunity closes March 6th.
In hot topics today, the most recent edition of Literacy Today-Jan-Feb highlights important NEW ILA Research Briefs that will be of interest to everyone dedicated to teaching reading. The three briefs listed below provide cutting edge up-to-date information and can be downloaded and saved for future reference.
Children Experiencing Reading Difficulties
Right to Policies that Ensure Equitable Literacy Instruction
Phonological Awareness in Early Childhood Literacy Development
In addition to this information the ILA also provides the biannual What’s Hot in 2020-And Beyond as well as a call to sign on in support of Children’s Rights To Read which can also be found on our previous blog posts.
Retirement Wishes
Job well done!
Carol Hryniuk-Adamov has sown the seeds of literacy. Her work in the International Reading Association, now The International Literacy Association reaches from her presidency of the Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg to present ILA involvement. Her work with Winnipeg School Division as a Reading Clinician has touched the lives of countless students.
Carol nurtured IRA ties, as did other reading clinicians in Winnipeg, when the Manitoba Council of Reading Clinicians was formed.
She was continuously instrumental in her outreach with the IRA literacy community for professional development for MCRC speakers. As well Carol supported these endeavours through Clinical Support Service and those in the Reading Department. Furthermore, Carol was an integral part of the MRA Adolescent Literacy Summit conferences. She was a leader in the organization of the Summits and their ongoing success. Carol’s passion for literacy is contagious and an asset to those around her.
Carol has served as MCRC and Reading Council president and for many years, she represented her councils and her status as a reading clinician as the provincial co-ordinator to IRA. She provided numerous workshops, presentations and shared her wealth of knowledge on literacy topics especially comprehension and study skills.
Carol represented her discipline well through her instruction at the University of Winnipeg and University of Manitoba. She also spent summers in the Department of Education workshops and as a reading clinician to adolescent learners for a boost into the new school year.
The Manitoba Council of Reading Clinicians honour Carol for the work she has done, spanning over three decades, enriching lives, one student at a time, one colleague at a time, one book at a time and one incredible life story at a time.
