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learn more
 
Overview
Logistics
Learning Objectives
Schedule
Facilitator
FAQ
Overview
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​​Connect students to complex texts
When it comes to interacting with classic, canonical, or complex literature, it can be difficult to support students in connecting to the text. Literacy Unbound, a signature initiative of the Center for Professional Education of Teachers, engages readers by awakening their imagination through collaborative construction of the textual world. Essential to this construction is the practice of Invitations to Create. 


​Elevate literacy engagement
This course will allow you to investigate the practice of designing Invitations to Create — which bridge physical and digital space to shift students' understanding of their reading — as well as tap into your own expertise to inspire students as they read and respond to challenging texts using multiple modalities. Together, we'll explore both the theoretical and practical underpinnings for this process, how Invitations to Create can help you meet the Hallmarks for Advanced Literacies, and how you can strengthen the connection between required reading and creative, collaborative work. 

Logistics
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​Course dates
November 4, 2024 - January 6, 2025

Time commitment
2 hours per week, self-paced (participate on days/ times of your choosing)

CTLEs awarded
Up to 10 CTLE hours; participation will be verified before hours are awarded
​Registration period
Register through November 11, 2024 at 11:59PM EST

​Payment
Pay with a credit card or a purchase order (contact [email protected] to start purchase order process)

Cancellation policy
Cancellations offered until course invite is accepted
Learning Objectives
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Bring challenging texts to life
  • Investigate the practice of crafting Invitations to Create
  • Draft and revise your own Invitations through the use of hotspots in a text of your choice 
  • Create a plan for implementation, assessment, and evaluation of Invitations to Create in your classroom
Support advanced literacies 
  • Find practical ways to bring the world of a text to life
  • Encourage multimodal responses to literature
  • Cultivate your classroom community through shared reading
  • Explore the possibilities of remix as students unpack classic texts
Schedule
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What does a module include?
  • Instructional talks: A series of short videos from your coach that break down the topic, provide examples, pose questions, and invite further reflection. 
  • Key resources: Downloadable resources for you to read, review, or implement in your classroom and community. 
  • Discussion*: Each module will pose a reflection question to respond to in the discussion board, where you can interact with other educators in the course. When posting on the discussion board, we want to hear from each person at least one time, and want each person to respond to a minimum of two other posts. 
  • Assignment*: Deepen your analysis and receive personalized feedback from your coach by responding to the protocol in each assignment. 

​*Must be completed to earn CTLE credits
MODULE 1
Introduction to Invitations to Create 

Explore the theory of invitations and the importance of building the world of a piece of literature
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MODULE 2
Types of Invitations
Identify how to craft a variety of invitations
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MODULE 3
Drafting Invitations
Begin designing your own Invitations to Create for a text of your choice
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MODULE 4
Invitations as Curriculum: Part I
Explore how to implement Invitations to Create and incorporate them into daily lessons
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MODULE 5
Invitations as Curriculum: Part II
Examine how to build larger units of curriculum around Invitations and how you might assess and evaluate their use in your classroom
Facilitator
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Dr. Adele Bruni Ashley
Director, Literacy Unbound


​Dr. Adele Bruni Ashley is a lecturer in the English Education program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She taught 8th through 12th grade English at the New York City Lab School, founding the Lab Theatre Company (LTC) in 2007. Prior to public school teaching, she received her M.F.A. in acting from the University of Washington Professional Actor Training Program (PATP) where she taught undergraduate theatre. As an educator, she is interested in structuring classroom spaces as laboratories for imaginative exploration and creation.
FAQ
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Registration & payment
Can I pay for registration with a purchase order?
Absolutely! Have your school contact [email protected] to initiate this process.

In your message, please make sure to provide:
  • your school name & address
  • contact information (name & email) for the person who handles POs & payments at your school
  • the number of teachers interested in registering for this opportunity

This information will allow us to provide you with the documentation needed to create a PO. This documentation will include our vendor & DOE contract numbers.

Once we receive a PO, we will provide your school with a promo code to distribute to the teachers they are funding. The promo code will allow you to bypass Eventbrite's payment section, so that there is no out-of-pocket cost to you. You will still be required to complete a registration form.
Are there any registration discounts available?
Early registration: Register early to take advantage of a discounted price. Early registration is available until October 28, 2024. No promo code is necessary; please select the early registration option above to register at a discounted rate. 

Group registration: Receive a 25% discount when registering groups of 5 or more people. No promo code necessary; select the group registration above to register at the discounted rate. 

Current NTN@TC members: your membership code will fully discount your registration for this course. You'll still be required to complete a registration form.
Where do I enter my promo code?
Please see the blue text in the registration section that says "Enter promo code". Click that text, enter your code, and click "Apply". From there, you can continue with your registration as usual.

​Promo codes must be entered before you begin registration; there is no option to add it after you click the "Checkout" button. 

Should I register for CTLE hours?
New York State educators are welcome to register for CTLE hours, though it is not a requirement to participate in this course. 

Beginning in 2016, a registered holder of a NYS professional classroom teaching certificate, educational leadership certificate, or Level III teaching assistant certificate is required to successfully complete 100 Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) hours. Teachers College is a state-approved provider of CTLE hours. 
Participation will be verified before CTLE credits are awarded.

CTLE information must be included on your registration form. If you decline CTLE hours at the time of registration and change your mind afterward, you'll need to contact us prior to the start of this course. Once you begin, we'll be unable to accommodate new CTLE requests.
When does registration close?
Registration for this course closes on November 11, 2024 at 11:59PM EST. 
How do I change or cancel my registration?
If you need to change or cancel your registration for any reason, contact us at [email protected].

If you choose to cancel your registration, w
e will be able to offer you a refund as long as you have not yet accepted the invitation to join the course.
Participation
When will I receive access to this course?
If you register before the course start date, you can expect to receive access to the course at least 48 hours before the course begins. 

​If you register after the course has already started, you can expect to receive the invitation within 48 hours of completing registration.
How do I access course content?
Once you've registered, you will receive an email invitation to join our digital platform from Teachers College Canvas. From there, you will be able to set up a username and password.
  • Go to MyTC Portal (my.tc.columbia.edu)
  • Click on the "Non-UNI Canvas Login" link
  • Enter your email and password. If you didn't create one or have forgotten, simply click on the "Forgot Password?" link on the Canvas login page
  • On the Canvas dashboard, accept any course invitations, if prompted
  • You may also access the course on your mobile device through the Canvas Student App​

​Course materials will be accessible immediately following your acceptance of the invitation.
When do I participate in this course?
This course is open for participation from November 4, 2024 to January 6, 2025, with new modules opening at regular intervals. While you can move through the course at your own pace, we find that 2 hours per week / 1 module per week works best for participants. 

​
All course content must be completed by the end date listed above. 
How do I earn CTLEs?
CTLEs will be awarded based on your participation in the discussion prompt(s) within each module, and the submission of each assignment. 
Additional help
Who can I contact with questions?
You can reach out to us at [email protected] or (212) 678-3161 — we'll be happy to help!
Do you offer custom or private versions of this course?
Yes! If you're interested in this topic and would like to tailor the course content to meet the needs of your school community, we can create a customized version for you and your team. Only members of your school community (identified by you) will have access to the customized course, and you'll retain access to course materials indefinitely, allowing you to revisit content as needed.

To explore this option, reach out to us at (212) 678-3161 or [email protected] to speak with someone from our coaching team. We look forward to hearing from you!
 
FAQ
Registration
What are CTLE hours, and should I register for them?
Beginning in 2016, a registered holder of a NYS professional classroom teaching certificate, educational leadership certificate, or Level III teaching assistant certificate is required to successfully complete 100 Continuing Teacher and  Leader Education (CTLE) hours. Teachers College is a state-approved provider of CTLE hours, and participants can earn up to 10 CTLE hours for participating in this opportunity. Participation will be verified before CTLE credits are awarded.

CTLE information must be included on your registration form. If you decline CTLE hours at the time of registration and change your mind afterward, you'll need to contact us prior to the start of this conference. Once you begin, we'll be unable to  accommodate new CTLE requests.
Is there a New Teacher Network membership discount available for this opportunity?
No, this opportunity is not eligible for an NTN member discount. You are welcome to register & participate in this course after paying the registration fee, or you can visit our PD Opportunities page to see other opportunities where your discount will apply. 
Can I pay for my registration with a purchase order?
Absolutely! Have your school contact [email protected] to initiate this process.

In your message, please make sure to provide:
  • your school name & address
  • contact information (name & email) for the person who handles POs & payments at your school
  • the number of teachers interested in registering for this opportunity

This information will allow us to provide you with the documentation needed to create a PO. This documentation will include our vendor & DOE contract numbers.

Once we've received a PO, we will provide your school with a promo code to distribute to the teachers they are funding. The promo code will allow you to bypass Eventbrite's payment section, so that there is no out-of-pocket cost to you. You will still be required to complete a registration form.
I have a promo code — where do I enter it?
Please see the blue text in the registration section that says "Enter promo code". Click that text, enter your code, and click "Apply". From there, you can continue with your registration as usual.
This course has already started. Can I still register?
Yes! You can register through December 7, 2020.
How do I change or cancel my registration?
If you need to change or cancel your registration for any reason, contact us at [email protected].
If you choose to cancel your registration, w
e will be able to offer you a refund as long as you have not yet accepted the invitation to join the course.
Access & participation
How do I access this course?
Once you've registered, you will receive an email invitation to join our digital platform from Teachers College Canvas. From there, you will be able to set up a username and password.
  • Go to MyTC Portal (my.tc.columbia.edu)
  • Click on the "Non-UNI Canvas Login" link
  • Enter your email and password. If you didn't create one or have forgotten, simply click on the "Forgot Password?" link on the Canvas login page
  • On the Canvas dashboard, accept any course invitations, if prompted
  • You may also access the course on your mobile device through the Canvas Student App​
  • ​Course materials will be accessible immediately following your acceptance of the invitation

If you register before November 30, you can expect to receive the invitation by November 30 when the course begins.
If you register after November 30, you can expect to receive the invitation within 48 hours of registration.
What does a module include?
Each module will include the following elements: 
  • Instructional talks: A series of 3-4 short videos that break down the topic, provide examples, pose questions, and invite further reflection.
  • Key resources: Downloadable resources for you to read, review, or use in your instruction.
  • Discussion prompt*: Each module will pose a reflection question, which you can respond to using the discussion board. We want to hear from each person in the discussion board at least one time, and want each person to respond to a minimum of 2 other posts. 
  • Assignment*: Practical, hands-on assignments that will help you implement the content of the module and reflect on your experiences. 

*Must be completed to earn all CTLEs
How much time will it take me to complete this course?
This course is designed to allow for approximately 2 hours of participation per week. This course runs from November 30 - January 11, and includes a total of five modules. While you can move through the course at your own pace, we find that approximately 2 hours per week / 1 module per week works best for participants.
Will I be expected to be online on specific days / at certain times?
No; this course is asynchronous. You can move through each module at your own pace.
This course is open over a holiday break. What are the instructor’s expectations during break?
Good news! When a course takes place over a holiday, like winter break, instructors do not expect to see assignments or discussions submitted; however, you are welcome to work on the course over break if you’d like. 
How do I earn CTLE credits?
CTLEs are based on participation and completion of the course assignments and discussions (tasks). Completion of a task equals 1 CTLE credit.
Do I need to complete this course by a specific date?
All modules must be completed by the end of the course — January 11, 2020 at 11:59pm. 
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The Center for Professional Education of Teachers (CPET) at Teachers College, Columbia University is committed to making excellent and equitable education accessible worldwide. ​CPET unites theory and practice to promote transformational change. We design innovative projects, cultivate sustainable partnerships, and conduct research through direct and online services to youth and educators. Grounded in adult learning theories, our six core principles structure our customized approach and expand the capacities of educators around the world.

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Ph: (212) 678-3161
[email protected]

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  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Our Team
    • Our Partnerships
    • Our Authors
    • Principles of Practice
    • Job Opportunities
  • What We Do
    • Services
    • Equity in Action
    • Literacy Unbound Summer Institute
    • Signature Initiatives >
      • Literacy Unbound
      • New Teacher Network
      • Student Press Initiative
  • Educator Essentials
    • Book of the month
    • Online Courses
    • Professional Articles
    • Ready-to-use Resources
    • Teaching Today Podcast
  • Support CPET