More than 100 educators gathered at the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University on Tuesday, April 15, for an intensive training session focused on improving early literacy instruction across our schools in the Lake Union. [Photos by Katie Fellows]
Debbie Michel
April 24, 2025The event, sponsored by the Lake Union Conference and the North American Division Office of Education, featured training by presenters from the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI). They introduced participants to UFLI Foundations, a research-based early literacy program that has quickly become a top choice among educators.
Nicole Mattson, associate director of education for the Lake Union, emphasized the urgency and purpose behind the event: “We want every student to be able to read confidently before he or she leaves third grade. That’s the goal. This training is a major step in preparing our teachers to use a proven, effective program that aligns with the latest research in literacy instruction.”
The training comes in response to both denominational curriculum updates and growing state requirements. Last summer, as part of the NAD’s curriculum review process, UFLI Foundations was selected, along with one other program, for recommendation due to its strong research base, affordability, and adaptability for multi-grade classrooms. UFLI quickly emerged as the preferred choice among conferences.
At the same time, several states within the Lake Union territory, including Indiana and Wisconsin, are requiring all schools to adopt reading programs based on the “Science of Reading” to address literacy deficiencies. The timing of the UFLI rollout aligned perfectly with a $50,000 grant from the Lilly Endowment awarded to Marion County’s Seventh-day Adventist schools in Indiana. The grant provided funding to train teachers using the UFLI program and helped extend the training opportunity to a wider network.
Although the training was originally intended for K–4 teachers within the Lake Union, available space allowed for broader participation. In total, 114 individuals attended the session, including nearly 100 LUC teachers. Additional attendees included university professors, instructional coaches, principals, superintendents and educators from other unions. Throughout the presentations, the educators were excited and could be overheard saying: "We've needed this", or "I can't wait to do this in my classroom."
Mattson said: “This is more than just professional development. This is about changing the trajectory of a child’s life by giving them the tools to become lifelong readers. We’re excited to support our teachers with what they need to make that happen.”
Debbie Michel is editor of the Lake Union Herald.
