SP26-131 UFLI Foundations Full-Day Workshop

Date: Saturday 18^th April

Time: 9.00 am – 4.00 pm

Cost per person €50.00

Target Audience:
This workshop is suitable for mainstream class teachers (Junior Infants to 2nd Class), Special Education Teachers, and literacy leaders seeking to strengthen phonics instruction and improve student reading outcomes.

UFLI Foundations is an explicit, systematic phonics programme developed by Dr. Holly Lane and Dr. Valentina Contesse of the University of Florida Literacy Institute. It is designed to support students in building strong word recognition and spelling abilities through a clear, cumulative sequence of instruction that promotes accuracy, automaticity, and confidence.

This face-to-face workshop is facilitated by Deirdre O’Toole, and it is the first time this full-day implementation training has been available in Ireland. It offers a practical and engaging introduction to the programme, equipping educators with the knowledge and tools needed for successful implementation.

Throughout the day, participants will:

• Explore the essential background knowledge underpinning foundational skills instruction 
• Gain a clear overview of the UFLI Foundations programme
• Engage in a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of each lesson component
• View videos of the programme in action to support understanding of effective delivery
• Learn practical approaches to progress monitoring and differentiation

By the end of the workshop, participants will feel confident and prepared to implement UFLI Foundations with fidelity in their own classrooms.

Facilitator Bio:

Deirdre O’Toole is a primary school teacher and PhD researcher with a strong focus on evidence-based literacy instruction. She is the author of Sound it Out!, a practical sound wall resource designed to support effective phonics instruction in primary classrooms.

Deirdre is the founder of the ‘Science of Reading Discussion for Irish Teachers’ and ‘UFLI in Ireland’ Facebook communities, which support thousands of educators in engaging with research-informed practice. She is also the founder and chair of Right to Read Ireland, advocating for improved literacy outcomes for all children. Through her platform Playful Classroom, she provides accessible resources and professional learning, including a popular summer course for primary teachers focused on the Science of Reading.

In recognition of her work, Deirdre was awarded the Science of Reading Teacher of the Year by Nessy Learning in 2023. She has trained with Dr. Holly Lane, author of UFLI Foundations and director of the University of Florida Literacy Institute, and has attended the UFLI Academy in Florida.

Deirdre is deeply committed to ensuring teachers have access to high-quality, practical, and affordable professional development, empowering them to deliver effective literacy instruction and improve outcomes for all learners.