VIU’s new micro-credential helps elementary teachers strengthen their reading, writing and foundational literacy instruction.
Elementary school teachers can apply their learning directly in the classroom while working.
Elementary school teachers can strengthen how they teach reading, writing and other foundational literacy skills with a new micro-credential at Vancouver Island University (VIU).
The three-credit Elementary Literacy Foundations for Practicing Teachers micro-credential was created to respond to the growing need for professional learning in early literacy instruction. The percentage of BC Grade 4 students meeting provincial literacy standards dropped from 73% in 2023-24 to 63% in 2024-25, according to a report from the Ministry of Education and Child Care. The report points to a need for more support with reading and writing in the early grades.
“We’re hearing from educators that they want more support to feel confident in delivering strong literacy programs for their students,” said Ana Vieira, program developer and Education Professor. “The goal is to give educators the knowledge and practical tools they need to make informed instructional decisions for their students.”
The program will help teachers use early literacy screening results to identify student needs and plan classroom instruction and targeted supports. Topics include oral language, phonemic awareness (the ability to hear, identify and manipulate individual sounds – called phonemes – in spoken words), phonics (a teaching method that connects spoken sounds to written letters or groups of letters), vocabulary, language comprehension, reading fluency and early writing.
“As children grow up in an increasingly digital and AI-rich world, strong literacy foundations matter more, not less,” said Vieira. “Children need rich opportunities to talk, read, write, build knowledge and think critically so they can understand and evaluate the information they encounter.”
Participants will also learn about inclusive and culturally responsive approaches to literacy. This includes ways to support multilingual learners and students with diverse learning needs.
Vieira said the program responds to a need for more professional development as BC schools adopt new approaches to early literacy instruction and assessment. The BC Ministry of Education and Child Care and the BC School Superintendents Association provided funding to develop the micro-credential and offer bursaries.
Offered fully online, teachers are encouraged to take the program while working. Completing the micro-credential earns participants three credits towards VIU’s Masters of Education programs.
“This course is designed so that teachers can strengthen their practice while they are taking it, applying what they learn directly in their classrooms,” Vieira said. “They can use what they observe with their students to inform their ongoing learning.”
The four-month program runs January to April 2027 and applications open soon.
For more information and to apply, visit the Elementary Literacy Foundations for Practicing Teachers website.
-30-
Media contact:
Eric Zimmer, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University
P: 250.618.7296 | E: Eric.Zimmer@viu.ca | W: news.viu.ca
The VIU community acknowledges and thanks the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nation on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge.
Related Posts
