Explicit Instruction Across the Curriculum: Clarity, Modeling, and Practice with Colleen Congel

Tuesdays – November 17, December 1 & 15, 2026  4:00-5:30 PM

Trained in the instructional practices of Anita Archer, Colleen Congel delivers a high-impact series on Explicit Instruction—a structured, research-based approach that emphasizes clear learning intentions, teacher modeling (“I do”), guided practice (“We do”), and independent application (“You do”). With experience across primary and secondary settings, Colleen will demonstrate how these strategies can elevate instruction in any content area.

Session 1: Clear, Direct, Effective: The Foundations of Explicit Instruction

What does it really mean to teach explicitly, and why does it work so well for so many learners? This session unpacks the research behind explicit instruction, drawing on the work of Rosenshine and Archer & Hughes, and clears up common misconceptions (no, it's not just lecturing). Participants will explore the core elements of the "I do, we do, you do" model, see what effective explicit teaching looks like in action, and leave with a clear picture of how this approach supports student learning across grade levels and content areas.

Session 2: Show, Don't Just Tell: Modeling and Breaking Down Complex Skills

Students can't do what they can't see. This hands-on session focuses on the "I do" phase: how to break complex skills into manageable steps, write clear and specific learning objectives, and model thinking out loud so students understand not just what to do but how an expert approaches it. Participants will practice crafting think-alouds and worked examples using their own content, and leave with a ready-to-use model for an upcoming lesson.

Session 3: Every Student Responding: Guided Practice and Checking for Understanding

How do you know students are actually learning before they're on their own? This session dives into the "we do" and "you do" phases, focusing on high-engagement response strategies, frequent checks for understanding, and timely corrective feedback. Participants will try out practical techniques like choral response, whiteboards, and response cards, learn how to decide when students are ready for independent practice, and explore how to build in review strategies that helps learning stick.

Cost:

$199/person; $175/person for teams of 3 or more.

Contact director@nysall.org with questions or to pay by Purchase Order.

All attendees will receive a year subscription to NYSALL.