Growing Explicit Learning - Our 'Why'

GEL empowers leaders and kaiako in building the knowledge and capability to implement a Structured Literacy teaching approach in their schools.

What we offer is the expertise necessary to implement a successful and sustainable Structured Literacy approach, as well as tools and resources that are based upon research and practical application. 

We are committed to ensuring schools are confident in implementing and refining their Structured Literacy practice, as such we tailor our Professional Learning Development to meet the needs of individual schools. 

We do this because we believe an explicit Structured Literacy approach is best designed to meet the needs of the akonga in our schools. 

Contact us to find out more

Our Faciliators

Jade Silva

Bachelor of Teaching - University of Waikato, BSLA Facilitator micro-credential - University of Canterbury, Master of Educational Leadership - University of Waikato - Currently on hold

Jade is an experienced leader of learning and literacy, she has held numerous roles including Acting Principal, Deputy Principal, and SENCO. In 2023, Jade completed the BSLA Facilitator micro-credential; she has worked alongside a range of age groups, from New Entrant to year 8. She has also assisted teachers in developing structured literacy practices.

Jade was previously part of a school team who were finalists in the Prime Ministers Education Excellence Awards in Leadership and Governance in relation to their schools writing approaches. Jade has a strong base of culturally responsive practices; her passion is empowering leaders and teachers to be the best they can be in order for tamariki to reach their individual successes. 

Claire Howarth

AMADA Member, IMSLE Certificate, MEd, GradDipPrim, GradDipMkt, BSocSci, TESOL Cert .  

Claire is a highly regarded and sought after literacy expert, she leads the largest private team of Structured Literacy teachers in the Waikato. 

Having worked in schools as a lead teacher and in private practice, Claire has a wealth of curriculum knowledge. In 2021, Claire completed her Multisensory Structured Literacy certificate through the Australian Dyslexia Association to go alongside her Master of Education degree (first class honours).

The approach Claire employs has been refined to ensure that student-needs are being met, rather than students being forced to fit an existing programme. 

She strongly believes empowering educators will ensure success for all.

What we offer

We work directly with schools to ensure leaders and kaiako are able to utilise their existing knowledge as educators and school resources to build a sustainable Structured Literacy approach. 

Staff Professional Development
Ongoing online support
Ultilising current resources

What does it look like?

GEL works with leaders, kaiako and teacher aides to develop a collective understanding of how to grow a sustainable schoolwide Structured Literacy approach (Tier 1, 2 & 3).

We do this by first building an understanding of where your staff and students are at currently.From here, we grow an awareness of the purpose (or 'Why') of Structured Literacy as well as the methodology, with a focus on explicit, systematic, and cumulative practices. This means the practice features clear instructions for students, and is taught with the utility of the learning in mind.

This inclusive approach facilitates the growth of all learners, and is adaptable to the needs of neurodiverse students. 

To ensure any Structured Literacy approach is sustainable, we also provide ongoing support to clients through face to face and online coaching/PLD.

GEL's aim is not to upsell you on a set of glossy resources; we instead focus upon providing PLD that is catered to the needs of the kaiako and students at your school, utilising pre-existing resources and building from there where necessary. 

Testimonials

“Testimonial text here from a real customer. Make it authentic and relevant to your audience"

Matthew Turner

“Testimonial text here from a real customer. Make it authentic and relevant to your audience"

Sarah Evans

“Testimonial text here from a real customer. Make it authentic and relevant to your audience"

'Jade has an exceptional ability to work collaboratively, strategically, and responsively. When introducing The Code to our school she provided relevant and effective professional development, and resources, coaching and mentoring teachers in a manner where everyone felt valued and motivated to contribute their best resulting in improved outcomes for our tamariki.'

Jenny Clark

Principal - Morrinsville Intermediate School

'I was on board with evidence-based literacy instruction but didn’t know how to implement it with my learners. Claire offered straightforward suggestions, and helped me give simple explanations for students using kid-friendly language and fun multisensory approaches. With Claire's guidance I am now highly confident using a structured literacy approach with any learner.'

Brittany Rose

Secondary English Teacher

'It has been a delight to work with Kath on a PLD project. She is unfailingly professional and I admire the way her focus is always on how best to help young people navigate their learning. Kath thinks of not only what helps students immediately but also their future learning needs. As a leader she is warm and inclusive. Kath listens carefully to every contribution and makes participants feel valued.'

Carol Jarman

Head of English - Mindfull Tutoring

'Jade has worked alongside many staff members in growing their knowledge of structured literacy.  She has supported teachers in implementing the BLSA approach as well as Liz Kane's The Code. 

She observes in classrooms, provides developmental feedback, and participates in professional discussions about teaching, learning and student outcomes.'

Emma Lockett

Matamata Kaahui Ako, Across School Teacher

'The in-depth training provided was easy to understand and implement in my classroom. I appreciated the ongoing support offered as part of the program. I found it valuable to know I could reach out at any time, whether I had specific questions about lesson planning or needed guidance on adapting the approach for individual students.'

Dine' Nagel

Primary School Teacher

'Jade is well-respected by staff and is able to work effectively with all members of the school community. Her ability to adapt to the needs of each group she works with has meant her knowledge and expertise is actively sought by others.

Her questioning and interrogation of our practices is invaluable in ensuring we are being equitable and Te Tiriti honouring in our actions.'

Shannon Johnson

Matamata Intermediate
Tumuaki Tuarua

'As an educator, Kath has a thorough understanding of Structured Literacy and can always answer or direct you to helpful resources. It has been a supportive mentor role that she has freely held and willingly worked in.'

Jill Burns

SL Practitioner - Mindfull Tutoring

'I have had the privilege of learning a Structured Literacy approach over the past 18 months from Claire Howarth. Since the beginning, Claire provided ongoing professional development and feedback on my professional practice, modelling explicit instructions and hands-on multisensory learning that has shown me a multi-modal approach to speaking, reading and writing.'

Rachael Downs

Primary School Teacher

'Jade supported me as a beginning teacher and during my BSLA training through the University of Canterbury. She was always encouraging during new learning or professional development and never judgemental when observing or giving helpful tips and tricks from her kete of knowledge.

She would always give advice, support or suggestions in a positive manner which made it a positive experience when going through observations, professional growth cycle meetings or professional development.'

Holly Kirkham

Classroom Teacher - Pukeatua School

'With their commitment to the Structured Literacy approach, personalised feedback, and nurturing environment, they have truly become indispensable partners in my children's educational journey.'

Clare Tammik

Parent/ Leader of Learning and Teacher

'Claire and the team are running a Structured Literacy pedagogy that is deeply embedded in best practice rather than a programme that is rigid . They tweak, adapt, and customise to meet the needs of each learner in front of them. Thank you.'

Louise Goddard

Parent/Assistant Principal

'As an educator I can see that they use an evidence based approach that supports all learners, not just those that are struggling.   All students across the country deserve to be taught to read and write in a way that is based on science not chance.'

Sarah Sayer

Parent/Assistant HOF

Get in touch with us today to learn how we can support your school in its Structured Literacy journey

Contact us to learn more about GEL
- Growing Explicit Learning

Jade Silva Phone: 027 877 0198
Email: jsilvaeducationleader@gmail.com
Claire Howarth Phone: 022 478 0475
Email: claire@mindfulltutoring.co.nz
Kath Stewart Phone: 027 710 0266
Email: kstewarteducatornz@gmail.com

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