The Literacy Center
Founded in 2015 with support from generous donors, The Literacy Center at CMU serves teachers and students in the region and throughout the state through efforts to support literacy learning for all, from early childhood through adolescence.
Vision and goals of the Literacy Center
To support Michigan's educators, families, and children from birth to 12th grade in their literacy success through a number of efforts that include:
- Providing high-quality educator preparation and research-informed professional development.
- Collaborating with community partners to support students' literacy attainment both in and out of school.
- Conducting and disseminating research on literacy instruction, assessment, and practices across the lifespan.
Literacy Center outreach initiatives
- Elementary Grades Initiative: Professional Development Workshop for Teachers
- Intermediate Grades Initiative: Virtual tutoring during the Fall and Spring Semesters and a Summer Literacy Camp
- Middle Grades Initiative: the Middle Grades Workshop
- P-12 Grades Initiative: The Summer Literacy Cam
Intermediate Grades Initiatives
Literacy Tutoring Grades 3-6
Virtual Literacy Camp Grades 2-6
Rachel Sternquist
Fixed Term Faculty, Literacy Tutoring Supervisor
The Literacy Center partners with Dearborn Academy, Woodland Park Academy, Escuela Avancemos Academy, and Evart Public Schools to provide outreach in the form of virtual tutoring to students in an after-school setting. Students that participate in our virtual literacy tutoring program receive 2.5 hours a week of individual literacy instruction from one of our teacher candidates in our Diagnosis and Treatment of Reading Difficulties capstone course. Our teacher education candidates will provide tutoring while learning to diagnose literacy difficulties through assessments, and plan lessons to support students' needs. The students in the program learn the Structured Literacy Framework for tutoring children in grades 3-6. Our virtual literacy tutoring is part of our greater commitment to children and families in the state of Michigan. The summer literacy virtual camps include instruction for children in grades 2-6 during July and August each summer.
Upcoming Events
The Middle Grades Workshop
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Central Michigan University
Education and Human Services Building, Room EHS 118
This is a half-day, interactive, learning experience focusing on English Language Arts teachers in grades 6-8, literacy coaches, reading specialists, and principals. Participants who attend this workshop will receive two handouts which include the formation of middle grades book clubs, and high-interest book recommendations for middle grade students.
Workshop #1: Comprehensive Strategies During Reading Critical & Complex Texts
1:15 - 2:30 PM
Workshop #2: High-interest Books and Strategies for Middle Grade Students
2:45 - 4:00 PM
Seating is limited. Light refreshments will be served.