The Collaborative for Equity in Literacy Learning
CELL鈥檚 mission is to actively conduct research that has a direct impact on classroom literacy instruction and the preparation of teachers of literacy, and that provides support and outreach to teachers, schools, and other stakeholders who have the goal of promoting literacy equity in the surrounding communities.
Our Mission
CELL’s mission is to actively conduct research that has a direct impact on classroom literacy instruction and the preparation of teachers of literacy, and that provides support and outreach to teachers, schools, and other stakeholders who have the goal of promoting literacy equity in the surrounding communities.
Specific goals of the Center include:
- Provide an institutional and professional community for faculty, students, and administrators to conduct and promote applied research focused on high quality literacy instruction and the preparation of teachers of literacy
- Provide outreach for PreK-12 educational communities and parents/caregivers across the region that will promote high quality, research supported, reading and writing instruction
- Develop and foster partnerships with diverse stakeholders to support creative and innovative ways to solve practical problems facing teachers and schools throughout the region
- Provide high quality literacy instruction to PreK-12 students in the surrounding communities
91传媒 Saint Mary College’s teacher candidates are continuously creating and finding resources from fieldwork experiences that can be shared with teachers.
Literacy Leader Fellowships
Full Tuition and Stipend
Saturday Morning Enrichment Program (SMEP) at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center
The Saturday Morning Enrichment Program (SMEP), supported by the Collaborative for Equity in Literacy Learning (CELL) at 91传媒 Saint Mary College, provides children with engaging Saturday enrichment experiences at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center. Through project-based learning and real-world literacies, children participate in meaningful, hands-on classes that promote curiosity, skill development, and a love of learning. Rooted in the cultural assets of the community, the program creates a welcoming space for all of us to learn, explore, and grow together. Earn your degree, gain valuable teaching experience, and make a difference in your community!
Graduate Student Fellowships
Fellowships include tuition and stipends as program coordinators of the year-long Saturday Morning Enrichment Program, which offers area children over 30 enrichment courses every Saturday.
- Requirements: Acceptance in an MSMC MSED Education Program.
- Accepting applications for the Fall 2026-Summer 2028 year, until positions are filled.
For more information or to apply, email Rebecca.Norman@msmc.edu
Photo Gallery
Saturday Morning Enrichment Program (SMEP) at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center
91传媒 Saint Mary College graduate students hone their teaching skills with children at the Newburgh Unity Center.
91传媒 Saint Mary College graduate students hone their teaching skills with children at the Newburgh Unity Center.
91传媒 Saint Mary College graduate students hone their teaching skills with children at the Newburgh Unity Center.
91传媒 Saint Mary College graduate students hone their teaching skills with children at the Newburgh Unity Center.
91传媒 Saint Mary College graduate students hone their teaching skills with children at the Newburgh Unity Center.
UPCOMING EVENTS
HOW DO WE MOVE FROM PAPERWORK TO POSSIBILITY IN SPECIAL EDUCATION?
Thursday, May 28 from 4:15 - 5:45 PM
at Locust Grove, Poughkeepsie, NY
In this interactive discussion, Erin invites participants to explore where disabled youth learn and thrive beyond the classroom. Using case studies and youth voices, the presentation reimagines special education beyond IPs and behavioral paperwork, highlighting how community spaces such as dojos, riding arenas, theaters, and music studios support choice, agency, and goal-setting. Participants will reflect on their own learning outside formal settings and consider how these insights can inform K-12 classrooms.
After registering with your district email MHReadingcouncil@gmail.com to confirm attendance.
MHRC & NYSRA members attend free, guests attend for $15
CTLE Approval 23114
Science & Art of Writing
Summer 2026 Workshops
June 2, 5:00-9:00 PM 鈥� Picturing Writing Time of Day Unit
June 3, 5:00-9:00 PM 鈥� Picturing Writing Weather Unit
June 5, 5:00-9:00 PM & June 6, 1:00-5:00 PM 鈥� Image Making Poetry Unit
20 CTLE Hours Provided
$600 Includes manuals, teaching materials, and training.
To register or for more information, email Rebecca.Norman@msmc.edu
Windows into Literacy
Mrs. Benfer and Ms. Lynch introduce their fourth grade students to the Question-Answer Relationships (QAR) strategy by showing everyday classroom examples of 鈥渞ight there鈥� and 鈥渙n my own鈥� questions, and giving example question stems for each. The students then practice identifying each kind of question. Ms. Lynch then leads a small group in a shared writing exercise where they use pictures to help them answer a question about their text by writing a paragraph with a topic sentence and supporting details. Mrs. Benfer then guides a small group in writing their own 鈥渞ight there鈥� and 鈥渙n my own鈥� questions as they read.
Windows into Literacy
Mrs. Benfer and Ms. Lynch introduce their fourth grade students to the Question-Answer Relationships (QAR) strategy by showing everyday classroom examples of 鈥渞ight there鈥� and 鈥渙n my own鈥� questions, and giving example question stems for each. The students then practice identifying each kind of question. Ms. Lynch then leads a small group in a shared writing exercise where they use pictures to help them answer a question about their text by writing a paragraph with a topic sentence and supporting details. Mrs. Benfer then guides a small group in writing their own 鈥渞ight there鈥� and 鈥渙n my own鈥� questions as they read.
Collaborative for Equity in Literacy Learning
