Teacher training provided by Reading Recovery teacher leaders prepares experienced teachers to work with children in their home schools. Teacher Leader training is provided by trainers of teacher leaders at Michigan universities. Dr. James Burns trains teacher leaders at Western Michigan University while Dr. Lee Skandalaris and Dr. Robert Schwartz serve as trainers of teacher leaders at Oakland University. There are currently 25 Reading Recovery sites throughout the state with 31 certified teacher leaders. There are currently 13 new teacher leaders in training at the two universities with 4 new sites scheduled to open during the 1996-1997 school year.
Qualified teachers participate in a year-long training program.
Under the guidance of a Teacher Leader, lessons are observed and analyzed while conducted behind a one-way glass. They develop skills in making effective instructional decisions for students to make accelerated progress. Teacher Leader Training To become qualified Teacher Leaders, candidates enroll in a year long program at a participating university. Candidates are sponsored by a school agency. One half of their day is spent training teachers, conducting Continuing Contact sessions for trained Reading Recovery teachers, conducting informational sessions within their districts, and assisting with the collection of research data.