Learn instructional tools to support deeper comprehension of text, apply analysis skills to constructed response, confidently teach informational and opinion writing, and learn how to provide actionable feedback when assessing student work. Gain understanding of foundational writing skills to effectively respond to text.

Upcoming events

  • In-Person, Thur. 2/19 - Edmonton, Alberta - Launching into Literacy - Diving into Informational Skills (Gr 2-8)

    • 19 Feb 2026
    • 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
    • Chateau Nova Yellowhead, 13920 Yellowhead Trail, Edmonton
    Register

    Early Bird through 2/4/26!

    Register today to secure your seat! Workshops require at least 10 participants to run, and spots fill quickly! Whether you pay now by credit card or later with a check/PO, your spot will be reserved—so you won’t miss this valuable in-person training to enhance your writing instruction.

    Canada Market - Build cross-curricular connections through Informational Writing! Come join our training team where Carla Thio, our Master Trainer in Canada, will be presenting our informational workshop in person.

    WHO:  Teachers, Grades 2-8

    This presentation includes dynamic, interactive modeling by the presenter. All participants are encouraged to actively engage during the workshop by providing responses during the modeling segments, asking questions and interacting with others when possible. 

    HOW THE DAY BREAKS OUT:

     Part 1– Launching into Literacy      

    • Understanding EW’s Methodology and how it creates writing success
    • Recognizing Genre
    • Identifying Organizational Frameworks (e.g., Informational vs. Narrative)
    • Learning How to Annotate and Analyze Text
    • Finding Literary Elements for Literary Analysis
    • Identifying Text Conventions (“clues” discovery) for Constructed Response

    Part 2– Informational Skills

    • Developing Broad, yet Distinct Main Ideas
    • Creating Detail-Generating Questions
    • Widening Sentence Variety
    • Conducting/referencing Research
    •  Building Introductions and Conclusions

    Part 3– Putting It All Together

    • Practicing Process Writing
    • Forming Assessment Rubrics
    • Recap of Today’s Learning – Informational Writing

    WHAT YOU GET: 

    • 6 hours of Informational Writing instruction (taught by Master Educator Carla Thio)
    • Certificate of Attendance for 6-hours of Professional Development
    • Register Today to hold your spot!  Whether paying by credit card now, or using a check/PO for payment later, you can be sure your seat is secure now, so that you won’t miss this valuable training to enhance your writing instruction. 
    Show details

  • In-Person, Thurs. 2/26 - Socorro ISD, TX - Constructed Response - A Step by Step Approach (Gr 2-8)

    • 26 Feb 2026
    • 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
    • Col. Ben Narbuth Elementary, 12901 Bob Hope Drive El Paso, TX 79928
    • 28
    Register

    For Socorro ISD teachers only.

    YOUR REGISTRATION INCLUDES ACCESS TO THE HUB INFORMATIONAL GUIDE (OUR DIGITAL RESOURCE) - ENJOY FREE ACCESS TO THE HUB THROUGH JUNE 2026.

    WHO: Teachers, Grades 2-8

    WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:  

    • Create both Short and Extended Constructed Response by applying specific skills to tasks that require students to identify and cite evidence from text

    • Review foundational skills for application to Constructed Response: analyze and annotate source text, deconstruct the task

    • Model the step by step process for both Short and Extended Constructed Response using source texts

    • Create an effective response using specific tools and strategies such as paraphrasing and citing evidence from the source text

    • Develop Key Comprehension Questions for use with a variety of source text - reading adoptions, stories, articles, science and/or social studies text

    • Utilize the Framing Questions for literary analysis

    • Evaluate responses using rubrics to target areas of weakness for focused instruction

    Required prerequisite: Background in Empowering Writers Informational/Expository 6 hour training recommended.

    How the day breaks out:

    Part 1: Focus on Short Constructed Response

    • Review foundational skills

    • Introduce and practice the Step by Step Process for Short Constructed Response

    • Model paraphrasing and citing evidence using source texts

    • Examine how to use the Detail Generating Questions to improve the response

    • Develop Key Comprehension Questions

    • Introduce and Model Literary Analysis

    • Evaluate a response using the Short Constructed Response Rubric to determine strengths and weaknesses

    Part 2: Focus on Extended Constructed Response

    • Compare each Step by Step Process to identify new learning

    • Practice the Step by Step Process for Extended Constructed Response using a single source text

    • Take it to the Next Level - Model and practice the Step by Step Process for Extended Constructed Response using multiple source texts

    • Evaluate a variety of prompts/tasks to determine how to approach them

    • Highlight inferential and evaluative thinking in response tasks

    WHAT YOU GET:

    • 6 hours of Constructed Response instruction (taught by Master Educators)
    • Certificate of Attendance for 6-hours of Professional Development

    • Register Today to hold your spot!  Whether paying by credit card now, or using a check/PO for payment later, you can be sure your seat is secure now, so that you won’t miss this valuable training to enhance your writing instruction.  (Note registration window closes approximately 24 hours prior to the training time)

    • Print guides are available for purchase in our Bookstore.

    Show details

  • LIVE Zoom,Thur. 2/26 - Constructed Response - A Step by Step Approach (Gr 2-8)

    • 26 Feb 2026
    • 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
    • Zoom Classroom - Central Time
    Register

    WHO: Teachers, Grades 2-8

    WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:  

    • Create both Short and Extended Constructed Response by applying specific skills to tasks that require students to identify and cite evidence from text

    • Review foundational skills for application to Constructed Response: analyze and annotate source text, deconstruct the task

    • Model the step by step process for both Short and Extended Constructed Response using source texts

    • Create an effective response using specific tools and strategies such as paraphrasing and citing evidence from the source text

    • Develop Key Comprehension Questions for use with a variety of source text - reading adoptions, stories, articles, science and/or social studies text

    • Utilize the Framing Questions for literary analysis

    • Evaluate responses using rubrics to target areas of weakness for focused instruction

    Required prerequisite: Background in Empowering Writers Informational/Expository 6 hour training recommended.

    How the day breaks out:

    Part 1: Focus on Short Constructed Response

    • Review foundational skills

    • Introduce and practice the Step by Step Process for Short Constructed Response

    • Model paraphrasing and citing evidence using source texts

    • Examine how to use the Detail Generating Questions to improve the response

    • Develop Key Comprehension Questions

    • Introduce and Model Literary Analysis

    • Evaluate a response using the Short Constructed Response Rubric to determine strengths and weaknesses

    Part 2: Focus on Extended Constructed Response

    • Compare each Step by Step Process to identify new learning

    • Practice the Step by Step Process for Extended Constructed Response using a single source text

    • Take it to the Next Level - Model and practice the Step by Step Process for Extended Constructed Response using multiple source texts

    • Evaluate a variety of prompts/tasks to determine how to approach them

    • Highlight inferential and evaluative thinking in response tasks

    WHAT YOU GET:

    • 6 hours of Constructed Response instruction (taught by Master Educators)
    • Certificate of Attendance for 6-hours of Professional Development
    • Online Access to the Recording of this Live Zoom Workshop: 7-days of online access available following your attendance to this LIVE Zoom workshop.

    • Register Today to hold your spot!  Whether paying by credit card now, or using a check/PO for payment later, you can be sure your seat is secure now, so that you won’t miss this valuable training to enhance your writing instruction.  (Note registration window closes approximately 24 hours prior to the training time)

    • Print guides are available for purchase in our Bookstore.


      Show details

    • In-Person, Tues. 4/21 - Edmonton, Alberta - Launching into Literacy - Diving into Informational Skills (Gr 2-8)

      • 21 Apr 2026
      • 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
      • Chateau Nova Yellowhead, 13920 Yellowhead Trail, Edmonton
      Register

      Registration includes access to the All In One digital writing guide (Narrative, Informational, Editing Revising and Argumenative skills) on the Hub until 8/30/26!

      Register today to secure your seat! Workshops require at least 10 participants to run, and spots fill quickly! Whether you pay now by credit card or later with a check/PO, your spot will be reserved—so you won’t miss this valuable in-person training to enhance your writing instruction.

      Canada Market - Build cross-curricular connections through Informational Writing! Come join our training team where Carla Thio, our Master Trainer in Canada, will be presenting our informational workshop in person.

      WHO:  Teachers, Grades 2-8

      This presentation includes dynamic, interactive modeling by the presenter. All participants are encouraged to actively engage during the workshop by providing responses during the modeling segments, asking questions and interacting with others when possible. 

      HOW THE DAY BREAKS OUT:

       Part 1– Launching into Literacy      

      • Understanding EW’s Methodology and how it creates writing success
      • Recognizing Genre
      • Identifying Organizational Frameworks (e.g., Informational vs. Narrative)
      • Learning How to Annotate and Analyze Text
      • Finding Literary Elements for Literary Analysis
      • Identifying Text Conventions (“clues” discovery) for Constructed Response

      Part 2– Informational Skills

      • Developing Broad, yet Distinct Main Ideas
      • Creating Detail-Generating Questions
      • Widening Sentence Variety
      • Conducting/referencing Research
      •  Building Introductions and Conclusions

      Part 3– Putting It All Together

      • Practicing Process Writing
      • Forming Assessment Rubrics
      • Recap of Today’s Learning – Informational Writing

      WHAT YOU GET: 

      • 6 hours of Informational Writing instruction (taught by Master Educator Carla Thio)
      • Certificate of Attendance for 6-hours of Professional Development
      • Register Today to hold your spot!  Whether paying by credit card now, or using a check/PO for payment later, you can be sure your seat is secure now, so that you won’t miss this valuable training to enhance your writing instruction. 
      Show details

    • In-Person, Thurs. 4/23 - Calgary, Alberta - Launching into Literacy - Diving into Informational Skills (Gr 2-8)

      • 23 Apr 2026
      • 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
      • Best Western Plus Village Park Inn , 1804 Crowchild Trail NW Calgary, T2M 3Y7
      Register

      Registration includes access to the All In One digital writing guide (Narrative, Informational, Editing Revising and Argumenative skills) on the Hub until 8/30/26!

      Register today to secure your seat! Workshops require at least 10 participants to run, and spots fill quickly! Whether you pay now by credit card or later with a check/PO, your spot will be reserved—so you won’t miss this valuable in-person training to enhance your writing instruction.

      Canada Market - Build cross-curricular connections through Informational Writing! Come join our training team where Carla Thio, our Master Trainer in Canada, will be presenting our informational workshop in person.

      WHO:  Teachers, Grades 2-8

      This presentation includes dynamic, interactive modeling by the presenter. All participants are encouraged to actively engage during the workshop by providing responses during the modeling segments, asking questions and interacting with others when possible. 

      HOW THE DAY BREAKS OUT:

       Part 1– Launching into Literacy      

      • Understanding EW’s Methodology and how it creates writing success
      • Recognizing Genre
      • Identifying Organizational Frameworks (e.g., Informational vs. Narrative)
      • Learning How to Annotate and Analyze Text
      • Finding Literary Elements for Literary Analysis
      • Identifying Text Conventions (“clues” discovery) for Constructed Response

      Part 2– Informational Skills

      • Developing Broad, yet Distinct Main Ideas
      • Creating Detail-Generating Questions
      • Widening Sentence Variety
      • Conducting/referencing Research
      •  Building Introductions and Conclusions

      Part 3– Putting It All Together

      • Practicing Process Writing
      • Forming Assessment Rubrics
      • Recap of Today’s Learning – Informational Writing

      WHAT YOU GET: 

      • 6 hours of Informational Writing instruction (taught by Master Educator Carla Thio)
      • Certificate of Attendance for 6-hours of Professional Development
      • Register Today to hold your spot!  Whether paying by credit card now, or using a check/PO for payment later, you can be sure your seat is secure now, so that you won’t miss this valuable training to enhance your writing instruction. 
      Show details

    • LIVE Zoom, Thur. 5/7 - Launching into Literacy - Diving into Informational Skills (Gr 2-8)

      • 7 May 2026
      • 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
      • Zoom Classroom - Central Time
      Register

      WHO:  Teachers, Grades 2-8

      This presentation includes dynamic, interactive modeling by the presenter. All participants are encouraged to actively engage during the workshop by providing responses during the modeling segments, asking questions and interacting with others when possible. 

      WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: 

      Instructional tools to support deeper comprehension of text, apply analysis skills to constructed response, confidently teach informational and opinion writing, and learn how to provide actionable feedback when assessing student work.  Gain understanding of foundational writing skills to effectively respond to text. 

      HOW THE DAY BREAKS OUT:

       Part 1– Launching into Literacy      

      • Understanding EW’s Methodology and how it creates writing success
      • Recognizing Genre
      • Identifying Organizational Frameworks (e.g., Informational vs. Narrative)
      • Learning How to Annotate and Analyze Text
      • Finding Literary Elements for Literary Analysis
      • Identifying Text Conventions (“clues” discovery) for Constructed Response

      Part 2– Informational Skills

      • Developing Broad, yet Distinct Main Ideas
      • Creating Detail-Generating Questions
      • Widening Sentence Variety
      • Conducting/referencing Research
      •  Building Introductions and Conclusions

      Part 3– Putting It All Together

      • Practicing Process Writing
      • Forming Assessment Rubrics
      • Recap of Today’s Learning – Informational Writing

      WHAT YOU GET: 

      • 6 hours of Informational Writing instruction (taught by Master Educators)
      • Certificate of Attendance for 6-hours of Professional Development
      • Online Access to the Recording of this Live Zoom Workshop: 7-days of online access available following your attendance to this LIVE Zoom workshop.
      • Register Today to hold your spot!  Whether paying by credit card now, or using a check/PO for payment later, you can be sure your seat is secure now, so that you won’t miss this valuable training to enhance your writing instruction.  (Note registration window closes approximately 24 hours prior to the training time)

        Workshop Requirements:

         Each participant is required to have the corresponding Empowering Writers’ teaching manual (digital guide or printed manual) for this Informational writing workshop.  Print guides are available for purchase in our Bookstore.

        • Remember that your Empowering Writers’ digital guide includes a year-long HUB license that delivers Informational digital teaching resources for an entire year of informational writing instruction.  The HUB allows for easy, online access to your Informational Writing digital guide, along with a wealth of done-for-you resources and teach-it tools to access online and use for a year from payment date.   

           Teachers love the EW HUB for their writing instruction!


        Show details

      • LIVE Zoom, Tues. 5/12 - Launching into Literacy - Diving into Informational and Narrative Skills (Gr 2-8)

        • 12 May 2026
        • 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
        • Live Zoom Classroom
        Register

        WHO:  Teachers, Grades 2-8

        This presentation includes dynamic, interactive modeling by the presenter. All participants are encouraged to actively engage during the workshop by providing responses during the modeling segments, asking questions and interacting with others when possible. 

        WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:  

        Instructional tools to support deeper comprehension of text, confidently teach narrative, informational/opinion writing, and learn how to provide actionable feedback when assessing student work.  Gain understanding of foundational writing skills to help students effectively respond to text and strengthen both writing abilities and reading comprehension skills. 

        HOW THE DAY BREAKS OUT:

        Part 1– Launching into Literacy    

        • Understanding EW’s Methodology and how it creates writing success
        • Recognizing Genre
        • Identifying Organizational Frameworks (e.g., Informational vs. Narrative)Learning How to Annotate and Analyze Text
        • Finding Literary Elements for Literary Analysis 
        • Identifying Text Conventions (clues) for Constructed Response (TDW)

        Part 2– Narrative/Informational Skills

        • Developing an Entertaining Beginning- Narrative
        • Creating Elaborate Detail- Narrative
        • Developing Broad, yet Distinct Main Ideas- Informational
        • Creating Detail-Generating Questions- Informational 

        Part 3– Putting It All Together 

        • Practicing Process Writing
        • Forming Assessment Rubrics
        • Recap of Today’s Learning 
        WHAT YOU GET: 
        • 6 hours of  Writing instruction (taught by Master Educators)
        • Certificate of Attendance for 6-hours of Professional Development
        • Register Today to hold your spot!  Whether paying by credit card now, or using a check/PO for payment later, you can be sure your seat is secure now, so that you won’t miss this valuable training to enhance your writing instruction.  (Note registration window closes approximately 24 hours prior to the training time.)
        Show details

      • LIVE Zoom,Thur. 5/14 - Constructed Response - A Step by Step Approach (Gr 2-8)

        • 14 May 2026
        • 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
        • Zoom Classroom - Central Time
        Register

        WHO: Teachers, Grades 2-8

        WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:  

        • Create both Short and Extended Constructed Response by applying specific skills to tasks that require students to identify and cite evidence from text

        • Review foundational skills for application to Constructed Response: analyze and annotate source text, deconstruct the task

        • Model the step by step process for both Short and Extended Constructed Response using source texts

        • Create an effective response using specific tools and strategies such as paraphrasing and citing evidence from the source text

        • Develop Key Comprehension Questions for use with a variety of source text - reading adoptions, stories, articles, science and/or social studies text

        • Utilize the Framing Questions for literary analysis

        • Evaluate responses using rubrics to target areas of weakness for focused instruction

        Required prerequisite: Background in Empowering Writers Informational/Expository 6 hour training recommended.

        How the day breaks out:

        Part 1: Focus on Short Constructed Response

        • Review foundational skills

        • Introduce and practice the Step by Step Process for Short Constructed Response

        • Model paraphrasing and citing evidence using source texts

        • Examine how to use the Detail Generating Questions to improve the response

        • Develop Key Comprehension Questions

        • Introduce and Model Literary Analysis

        • Evaluate a response using the Short Constructed Response Rubric to determine strengths and weaknesses

        Part 2: Focus on Extended Constructed Response

        • Compare each Step by Step Process to identify new learning

        • Practice the Step by Step Process for Extended Constructed Response using a single source text

        • Take it to the Next Level - Model and practice the Step by Step Process for Extended Constructed Response using multiple source texts

        • Evaluate a variety of prompts/tasks to determine how to approach them

        • Highlight inferential and evaluative thinking in response tasks

        WHAT YOU GET:

        • 6 hours of Constructed Response instruction (taught by Master Educators)
        • Certificate of Attendance for 6-hours of Professional Development
        • Online Access to the Recording of this Live Zoom Workshop: 7-days of online access available following your attendance to this LIVE Zoom workshop.

        • Register Today to hold your spot!  Whether paying by credit card now, or using a check/PO for payment later, you can be sure your seat is secure now, so that you won’t miss this valuable training to enhance your writing instruction.  (Note registration window closes approximately 24 hours prior to the training time)

        • Print guides are available for purchase in our Bookstore.


          Show details

        Can't attend a live workshop? Register for a On-Demand Workshop and watch on your own time!

        This is a 6 hour recorded workshop with our trainers. Start, pause, restart and stop all on your own time, on your own schedule. You will have access to this recording for 14 days upon payment from either a PO or Credit Card. 

        Click here to purchase an On-Demand workshop


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