The W’s School of Education Hosts MDE-Led HQIM Literacy Training for Future Teachers
COLUMBUS, Miss.— Mississippi University for Women’s School of Education welcomed representatives from the Mississippi Department of Education’s Office of Elementary Education and Reading on Wednesday, April 16 for a professional training session on High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) and their implementation in literacy-focused regional classrooms.
The session, led by MDE literacy specialists, provided teacher candidates, faculty, and education stakeholders with an in-depth look at how HQIM aligns with the Science of Reading and how educators can implement curriculum shifts that improve instruction and student outcomes statewide. The session also provided insight into how instructional materials are reviewed, selected, and adopted for their alignment to standards, support for diverse learners, and proven impact on student learning.
The training is part of The W’s involvement in the Mississippi Educator Preparation Program Literacy (MEPPL) Network, a statewide collaboration focused on improving literacy outcomes through high-quality teacher preparation and coaching.
“Stronger Together for Literacy isn’t just a motto—it’s a statewide movement,” said Rose Ford, assistant professor of education, structured literacy expert, and LETRS Certified Facilitator. “By hosting this HQIM session, we’re ensuring our teacher candidates are not only prepared to teach reading effectively, but also ready to lead literacy transformation efforts in Mississippi classrooms.”
The workshop, which followed The W’s Spring Awards Day and Education Interview Day, featured a hybrid format to maximize access. Students who attended received door prizes, and several faculty offered extra credit for participation. The event reinforced the School of Education’s leadership in aligning coursework, coaching, and clinical experiences with current statewide initiatives.
In addition to preparing teacher candidates, the session offered important professional learning for faculty, enhancing their understanding of state-adopted instructional expectations. By staying current with Mississippi’s evolving educational priorities, faculty are better positioned to equip future educators and respond to the unique needs of the schools and communities they serve.
“This kind of partnership between educator preparation programs and MDE reflects a shared commitment to advancing reading proficiency and student achievement,” said Ford. “We are proud to prepare future teachers who understand the why, what, and how of high-quality instruction.”
About The W’s School of Education
The Mississippi University for Women’s School of Education has led lifelong learning for over 140 years. Dedicated to education from early childhood through post-graduation, The W’s School of Education inspires excellence through teacher preparation, professional development, and community enrichment. Our programs empower educators and learners to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact across the region.