Teachers practice their new skills with struggling readers during REAP training

Educators are essential to REAP’s mission

REAP: Reading is Essential for All People is an Atlanta-area nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve reading proficiency in public school students. We believe that change begins with the dedicated public school teachers that work with our children every day.

Did you know? 39% of all Georgia 4th graders read below basic level. 68% read at or below basic (not proficient).

We train public school teachers in Structured Literacy

We know that teachers are the most valuable resource to help us accomplish our mission. We help produce skilled readers—more than 48,000 so far—by providing public school teachers with high-quality professional training. REAP funds and organizes Structured Literacy professional development in the foundations of reading instruction, based on the Orton-Gillingham Approach. This is a multisensory, explicit, systematic, direct approach to phonics instruction that’s based on decades of research.

The purpose of REAP’s Structured Literacy program is to equip public school teachers with the tools to successfully teach struggling readers. These skills will benefit all readers, but are especially important for students who struggle.

Read more about Structured Literacy & Orton-Gillingham and their importance in teaching struggling readers


Types of training

10-Day Basic Structured Literacy Training

This intensive training is the starting point for teachers who want to learn the phonological awareness and phonics-based components of Structured Literacy.

Practical Application

REAP offers a variety of additional in-school support to help teachers apply the knowledge in the classroom.

Workshops

REAP workshops help teachers build skills in specific areas.

Click here for more details about REAP’s course offerings


Is REAP Structured Literacy a curriculum?

REAP is not replacing current curriculum, just integrating a new approach. This approach is intended to be integrated and can be used as a supplement to what schools are already using.

What makes REAP’s program different?

  • REAP provides professional development in Structured Literacy based on the Orton-Gillingham approach.
  • REAP’s professional development is not a curriculum; it’s an approach.
  • REAP is not financially connected to any curriculum or program providers.
  • REAP’s program is specifically customized to meet the needs of public schools, including large- and small-group application.
  • REAP no longer offers coursework-only options. For educators to teach with fidelity and confidence, the program requires a combination of coursework (knowledge) and in-school practice and support (application) with REAP’s expert Literacy Leaders.
  • REAP is a nonprofit organization and our mission is to train teachers to build stronger readers.

Educators can help us make a difference!

Our specialized programs are expensive to fund, and we work hard throughout the year to raise money to pay for the teacher training. The more money we raise, the more teachers we can train. Please share our mission with your friends, family, and colleagues. Together we can make a difference!

Donate or learn about other ways to help support REAP