In June 2017, Dr. Sue Ellingson, an education professor at Concordia, was published alongside MSUM professor Dr. Erin Gillett in the journal, which provides research-based practices to literacy teachers published by the International Literacy Association.
The article in The Reading Teacher is a direct product of a professional group formed by Ellingson and Gillett, where the two meet to discuss articles from the most current issue of the journal. The two have been meeting for two years, focusing on how they can incorporate ideas from publications like The Reading Teacher into their work, training the next generation of teachers.
The monthly meetings between Ellingson and Gillett began as an opportunity to discuss articles from The Reading Teacher, but these professional discussions became broader, and the two began to discuss and compare their own teaching methods.
Early on, the pair realized that they both place high value on a certain reading assessment process. The “Running Record” is an assessment strategy used in elementary schools (particularly K-3) to give real-time feedback on the student’s current reading level and helps determine what strategies and processes the student uses well, and what the student needs to work on.
“These assessment results help the teacher determine what his/her next steps of instruction should be to support the student’s ongoing growth as a reader,” Ellingson said.
The relationship between Ellingson and Gillett was not always as colleagues. Gillett is a former student of Ellingson’s, graduating from the elementary education program at Concordia in 1995. Ellingson said she knew early on that Gillett had the potential to be an effective educator.
“I recognized her as a capable student in 1993,” Ellingson said. “Erin is intelligent, hard-working, articulate, and a great collaborator.”
The two have spent many afternoons in Ellingson’s home discussing and writing, and Gillett credits Ellingson for her commitment to their work together.
“She is a generous and committed collaborator,” Gillett said. “We would have never persisted in our efforts if not for Sue’s positive attitude, dedication, and her ability to keep us on schedule!”
The group has continued to meet to discuss teaching practices since the article was published in The Reading Teacher. Over time, other educators from Concordia, MSUM, and area high schools have joined the group to provide their own input and engage in the conversation.
“Having several voices enriches the conversation. Scheduling is always a challenge, but the broader group tries to meet at least twice every summer,” Gillett said. “Sue and I continue to meet monthly, usually mid-afternoon, and when others are able to join us, they do so.”
(10387/cec)