Literacy Lab

Growing literacy skills in our community

The Literacy Lab in the UW-Stevens Point School of Education is a strategic practicum experience that builds preservice teachers’ self-efficacy to teach reading. From assessing students and pinpointing instructional priorities to designing lessons that respond to students’ academic needs and interests, UWSP preservice teachers learn how to put the pieces together to make meaningful instructional decisions that accelerate learning outcomes. We are also pleased that the program serves a community need to support elementary students in growing their literacy skills.

The Literacy Lab is a win-win program simultaneously providing children with extra reading support and UWSP students with valuable applied learning experience.

80
UWSP preservice teachers (per semester) are building their literacy skills while serving elementary students.
90
elementary students participate from the Stevens Point Area Public School District
2
on-site locations

Program Partners

We currently offer our Literacy Lab through the Stevens Point Area Public School District at Washington Elementary School and at Jefferson Elementary School in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club. Since relaunching the Literacy Lab in fall 2022, we have achieved numerous accomplishments that have significantly impacted both UWSP preservice teachers and elementary students.
 
 

Fostering Young Minds, Shaping Future Educators

Universities of Wisconsin Feature Story

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) Literacy Lab program is making a significant impact on the local community by empowering both young students and aspiring educators. This innovative program involves multiple cohorts of UWSP students traveling to local elementary schools to provide essential literacy instruction to elementary school students.
“Elementary students are excited to partner with college students. They look up to them as positive role models and the Literacy Lab is a wonderful way for them to receive additional help outside traditional learning modes.”
Parent of Participant

Hear from our students and faculty

Hear from UWSP professors and students on their experience with the School of Education’s Literacy Lab – an innovative program involving multiple cohorts of UWSP students traveling to local elementary schools to provide essential literacy instruction to elementary school students.
An educator works with two students at a table using colorful manipulatives during a classroom activity.
An educator meets with a student at a table using letter tiles during a literacy activity.
An educator works with two students at a table using white boards.
Students work in pairs on vocabulary cards during a literacy lesson.
A student reads from a leveled reader book during a guided reading session.
A student completes a handwriting and spelling exercise at a classroom desk.
An educator meets with a student at a table using letter tiles during a literacy activity.
An educator sits beside a student who is writing in a notebook during a literacy exercise.
A group of students sit together at a classroom table working on worksheets during a literacy activity.
An educator meets with a small group of students at a classroom table while they complete writing activities.
An educator works one-on-one with a student using a small whiteboard during a literacy lesson.
An educator and a student sit across from each other in a reading corner discussing a picture book.

Our Literacy Faculty

Our Literacy Lab is led by three dynamic faculty members who have a bright vision to grow the reach and impact of the Literacy Lab.

Profile Photo: Amber Garbe

Amber Garbe

  • Associate Professor – School of Education
  • Director – Ed.D. in Language and Literacy
  • [ More… ]
458 College of Professional Studies
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Profile Photo: Jacquelyn Sernau

Jacquelyn Sernau

  • Assistant Professor – School of Education
  • Academic Program Director – Elementary Education
  • [ More… ]
460 College of Professional Studies
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Profile Photo: Polly Manske

Polly Manske

  • Director of Master's Programs – School of Education
  • Assistant Professor – School of Education
444 College of Professional Studies
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“Literacy Lab is extending my passion for teaching, making me more excited to be a teacher, and I am so thankful our program has given me this opportunity!”
UWSP School of Education Student