The Mississippi Department of Education’s Division of Literacy announces that registration is open for the Mississippi Science of Reading Trainings for Teachers and Leaders offered through professional development courses by AIM Institute for Learning and Research. Courses will run January 2026 through June 2026 and include asynchronous sessions and virtual communities of practice.
These trainings for Mississippi teachers and leaders are designed to help educators learn and apply the science of reading research through structured literacy practices. In the 2025-26 cohort, AIM Pathways professional development will assist K-5 general education teachers, reading interventionists, K-8 special education teachers, and leaders in furthering their ability to apply the science of reading.
Seats are limited. Educators are encouraged to sign up early via AIM Institute for Learning and Research when registration opens. Brief course descriptions are below. *A Level 1 course must be completed before a Level 2 course can be taken. Full descriptions can be viewed online once registration opens.
1. Pathways to Proficient Reading for Secondary Educators is an asynchronous training for grades 3-12 general education teachers. Sessions will cover the connection between reading research, visual models such as the Simple View of Reading and Scarborough’s Reading Rope, and best practices for language and literacy instruction in the classroom. Participants will learn effective instructional practices to benefit all students, including linguistically diverse populations and those with language-based learning disabilities. Course includes mandatory Virtual Community of Practice sessions with an AIM Facilitator. *Receive 5.2 CEUs, 40 SEMIs, or 4 OSLs upon course completion.
LEVEL 2 COURSES:
An individual must complete one of the Level 1 courses as a prerequisite to the Level 2 courses.
1. Specialized Reading Knowledge: English Learners is an asynchronous training designed to support teachers who work with English learners. This may include general education, English learner, and special education teachers who work with English learner students. Course includes mandatory Virtual Community of Practice sessions with an AIM Facilitator. *Receive 1.3 CEUs, 10 SEMIs, or 1 OSL upon course completion.
2. Demystifying Dyslexia is a self-paced, virtual training for K-5 general education teachers, reading interventionists, K-8 special education teachers, and leaders. This training introduces dyslexia, a language-based learning disability that is estimated to affect 5-20% of the population. The content of this training explains the origin of dyslexia, key characteristics of the disability, and the necessary elements to support these individuals inside and outside of the classroom environment. *Receive 0.3 CEUs only.
Questions: For questions regarding registration, contact Susan Scott of North MS Education Consortium at sscott@olemiss.edu. For general information questions, contact Brandi Bankston, MDE Literacy Projects and Professional Development Manager, at bbankston@mdek12.org.