Targeted structured literacy approaches PLD
This fully funded Ministry PLD is for teachers with a literacy support FTTE entitlement.
Help your most at-risk learners thrive with evidence-based, structured literacy approaches support.
Tāwhirihia is a fully funded, four-term professional learning opportunity for the teacher(s) in schools with a staffing entitlement for Year 0-6 literacy support. This PLD supports you to raise achievement and reduce disparity for ākonga.
A layered learning journey that grows your expertise over time.
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.
This course will:
deepen your understanding of Te Tūāpapa o He Pikorua
strengthen your expertise in using structured literacy approaches described in the New Zealand Curriculum for English.
deepen your knowledge, understanding and use of assessment tools and evidence-based practices supported by the Science of learning, such as explicit teaching, gradual release of responsibility and cognitive load theory.
empower you to design and implement targeted and/or tailored interventions that make a measurable difference for students.
provide support for learners with additional needs, including ELLs, learners with dyslexia, ADHD, auditory or visual processing needs
build your confidence and capability to influence wider practice by sharing what works across your school.
You’ll build, apply, and refine your practice through:
Five full-day, online or face to face workshops to build deep knowledge and practical tools
Eight online Community of Practice (CoPs) to reinforce strategies and share insights with peers
Four small-group coaching sessions 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.
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.
How to register
Cohort 3, term 4, 2025 – Term 3, 2026
Registration is easy. If you receive the staffing entitlement, just register here.
Workshop locations confirmed in response to school registrations.
Schools will need to arrange and fund teacher release for the five full-day workshops.
