Targeted and tailored structured literacy approaches PLD
Help your most at-risk learners thrive with evidence-based, structured literacy approaches support
Help your most at-risk learners thrive with evidence-based, structured literacy approaches support.
Tāwhirihia is a fully funded, year-long professional learning opportunity for the one teacher in each school who leads targeted and tailored support. If that’s you, this course will deepen your expertise in structured literacy approaches and equip you to make a measurable difference for students in Years 0–8 who need it most.
A layered learning journey that grows your expertise over time
Tāwhirihia supports you to accelerate literacy progress through a structured, four-term model that blends workshops, collaborative learning, and focused coaching. The design is grounded in cognitive science and the Ministry’s tiered support model, Te Tūāpapa o He Pikorua.
The name Tāwhirihia is drawn from Tāwhirimātea, the atua of winds and weather. Just as the wind can lift, steer, or push depending on what’s needed, this course helps you notice what’s happening for your learners — then respond with the right intensity, direction, and support. You’ll grow the confidence to lead change and the flexibility to adjust your teaching in real time.
You’ll build, apply, and refine your practice through three integrated strands:
Te Hau Mātea – Five full-day, in-person workshops to build deep knowledge and practical tools
Te Hau Piritahi – Five short online sessions to reinforce strategies and share insights with peers
Te Hau Arotahi – Small-group coaching to apply learning in context, adapt instruction, and stay on track.
Each strand builds on the last — helping you turn evidence into action, and action into impact.
Who it’s for
You’re already making a difference. This course helps you do it even better.
Tāwhirihia is for one teacher per school — someone with the skills, responsibility, and commitment to lead targeted and tailored support.
You might be:
a SENCO, literacy leader, or LSC
a classroom teacher supporting learners who need more
someone coordinating small-group or one-to-one literacy interventions
involved in leading school-wide approaches to lift literacy outcomes.
To get the most from Tāwhirihia, you’ll already have a solid understanding of structured literacy approaches. This course will help you deepen that knowledge, refine your teaching practice, and lead change with greater confidence and impact.
What you’ll learn
Sharpen your practice. Strengthen your impact.
Tāwhirihia gives you the tools, strategies, and leadership capability to lift outcomes for learners who need more — and to do so in ways that are sustainable, measurable, and aligned with what works.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
teach using evidence-based acceleration strategies that reduce reliance on remediation
use diagnostic tools like DIBELS, the Phonics Check, and CUBED-3 to identify learner needs
track progress in real time and adapt your teaching responsively
lead targeted and tailored structured literacy approaches with greater confidence
influence wider practice by sharing what works across your school.
Whether you're supporting small groups or designing school-wide systems, Tāwhirihia helps you translate knowledge into impact — every week, with every learner.
How to apply
The Ministry of Education will confirm the enrolment process shortly. As soon as we have clarity, we’ll update this page with next steps.
In the meantime, you can:
Register your interest using our expression of interest form (or get in touch directly)
Start the kōrero with your school leaders about whether you’re the right person to take up this opportunity
Check back here — we’ll post confirmed locations, dates, and application details as soon as they’re available
Only one teacher per school will be eligible, so we encourage early conversations and expressions of interest.
Ministry-Funded – no additional costs
No course fees. Just your time and commitment.
Tāwhirihia is fully funded by the Ministry of Education for eligible schools and kura with learners in Years 0–8. That means there’s no cost to join — the programme, resources, and facilitator support are all covered.
Schools will need to arrange and fund teacher release for the five full-day workshops.
Meet the team
Learn from experts who live this mahi.
The Tāwhirihia team brings deep experience in structured literacy approaches, inclusive education, and learning support. Each facilitator is grounded in research and practice — and committed to helping you create meaningful change for your learners.
You’ll be supported by a team that includes:
Dr Jane Carroll – Speech-language therapist, researcher, and university lecturer. Jane is a national leader in structured literacy approaches and curriculum design, and brings specialist expertise in assessment and intervention for complex needs.
Jane Armstrong-Bos – SPELD tutor and national resource writer. Jane has authored Ministry guidance on dyslexia and accelerating literacy learning
Stacey White – SENCO and specialist teacher with a master’s degree in complex educational needs. Stacey works daily with neurodiverse and non-verbal learners and brings deep empathy and practical expertise to the course.
Andrea Hamilton – Former SENCO and school leader. Andrea has led whole-school structured literacy implementation and inclusive PLD, and supports schools to build sustainable systems for learner success.
Kathryn Eltringham – Former RTLB and deputy principal with extensive experience in leading targeted interventions and delivering Ministry-funded PLD. Kathryn specialises in embedding new practice at classroom level and across teams.
