Auburn’s POWERFUL teaching initiative prepares future educators for literacy success

A group of Auburn University College of Education faculty members led by Jennie Baumann is working to provide pre-service teachers with a competitive edge in their field.

Baumann, an assistant professor in reading education, is leading POWERFUL Teaching. This initiative connects students in early childhood, elementary and special education programs with Auburn faculty or exemplary practicing teachers to learn about the science of reading with a focus on the National Reading Panel’s Five Pillars of Reading: Comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, phonemic awareness and phonics.

“Much of the research indicates a gap between theory and practice, especially when it comes to teaching reading to small children, said Baumann. “The Alabama Literacy Act, which is the impetus for this initiative, has specific provisions for students and striving readers in grades K-3 where they must be taught using research-based pedagogy and by teachers who have experience in facilitating reading instruction for multilingual learners. POWERFUL Teaching does just that.”

Beginning in December 2024, 12 Auburn students and four faculty members have been engaging in twice-monthly meetings. The first meeting is a Zoom session in which one of the pillars of reading is introduced or reviewed by a faculty member. Then, a guest speaker from a spotlighted school in Alabama will present about their school and demonstrate a research-based technique to teach the chosen topic.

Most recently, a reading specialist and faculty member from Coffee County presented a technique called “repeated reading” that allows students to see their own reading fluency and measure their progress.

“As a future teacher, it’s my job to be informed on up-to-date research and strategies for reading,” said Parker Dansby, an elementary education major. “What I have learned in POWERFUL Teaching has ensured I am prepared to tackle reading struggles within the classroom and aid students in establishing a strong foundation in reading.”

After the Zoom session, the students break into four small groups led by a faculty member. They select a technique to practice and create a mini-teaching lesson to present to the other groups. Then, in the second session, everyone meets in person to engage in each group’s mini-lesson and hear feedback from the faculty members.

“The knowledge I am gaining through POWERFUL Teaching is essential because reading proficiency is a cornerstone of student success,” said Gabrielle Cazalas, who is also studying elementary education. “By using research-based practices, I can help prevent reading difficulties and provide students with the tools they need to become confident, independent readers. This program is equipping me with strategies and resources that I will carry into my future classroom, ensuring that I can make a meaningful impact on my students' literacy growth.”

Giving pre-service teachers that extra level of preparation when it comes to teaching their future students how to read is exactly what POWERFUL Teaching is all about.

“Our goal is to make Auburn University pre-service teachers the number one pick for their upcoming jobs,” said Baumann. “By giving them exposure to and allowing them to practice techniques and research-based pedagogies, they will be outstanding in their field. The best way to do this is to have them learn about it from experts and practice with each other.”

Follow the links to learn more about Auburn’s elementary education and reading education programs.