Certified Slingerland Instructor of Teachers (CSIT)
Lead the Next Generation of Slingerland Educators
The Certified Slingerland Instructor of Teachers status recognizes educators who have progressed from expert classroom practitioners to leaders in teacher education.
CSITs do more than teach literacy.
They prepare, mentor, coach, and inspire future Slingerland educators while preserving the integrity and quality of the Slingerland Approach.
What CSIT Certification
Represents
Certified Slingerland Instructors of Teachers demonstrate:
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Deep expertise in the Slingerland Approach
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Excellence in adult instruction and coaching
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Leadership within the Slingerland community
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Commitment to preserving instructional quality
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Dedication to continuous professional growth
Step 1:
Prepare for Leadership
Candidates begin by first becoming a Certified Slingerland Teacher.
They continue to deepen their expertise in Slingerland instruction and adult learning through Slingerland's Intern classes.
Step 2:
Develop as a Leader
Candidates prepare for certification by demonstrating their ability to teach adults, coach developing educators, and model exemplary instructional practice.
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This is done in two ways:
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Interning during an Introductory and a Continuum Comprehensive Class
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Shadowing and interning an Extended Practicum class
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CSITs mentor, train, and foster intern's skills so they can provide clear leadership, meaningful observations, and active coaching to those learning the Slingerland Approach.
Step 3:
Practical Exam
The Practical Exam has two components:
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materials submission and written reflections
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panel interview
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Once all written responses are submitted, members of Slingerland's Certification Committee conduct a panel interview. The Intern is provided all questions before the interview so they can prepare.
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The focus of all questions, reflections, and follow-ups is helping the intern make clear what they understand about instructional leadership, how to coach effectively, and how to train others in the Slingerland Approach.
Step 4: Become a Certified Instructor
Successful candidates earn the Certified Slingerland Instructor of Teachers credential and join a community dedicated to advancing literacy education through exceptional teacher preparation.
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In addition, new CSITs may be asked by the Institute to lead classes in person or online.
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CSIT certification does not guarantee employment with Slingerland Literacy Institute.
Continuing the Journey
Instructor certification reflects a continuing responsibility to mentor educators, engage in professional learning, and help ensure the Slingerland Approach remains strong for future generations.
Maintaining Slingerland Certification
To maintain certification, every three years a CSIT must:
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Submit record of 30 hours of IMSELC CEUs
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Maintain a Current SLI Subscription
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Provide Current Background Check
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Attend at least one (1) Slingerland Spring Meeting every three years
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Pay the certification fee
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Be confirmed by the Faculty Senate
IMSLEC Certification
Criteria: Instructor Level
Before applying for certification, candidates for the Instructor level must complete all coursework and meet IMSLEC requirements. The chart below confirms alignment between IMSLEC Standards and Slingerland Standards for certification at the Instructor level.
Accreditation
The Slingerland Literacy Institute has met rigorous standards to secure accreditation. The Institute is accredited by two agencies:
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The International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC) accredits quality training courses for the professional preparation of multisensory structured language education specialists. The Slingerland Literacy Institute received its first accreditation from IMSLEC in 2001 and continues to be accredited to certify individuals at the Teaching Level and at the Instructor of Teaching Level.
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The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) accredits programs that prepare teachers of reading and/or programs that specialize in preparing teachers to work with students who have reading difficulties and disabilities. One of IDA’s long term goals is to inform the public regarding the knowledge base required for skilled reading instruction. Another is to define the specific teaching capabilities that should characterize any person responsible for teaching students with dyslexia and related reading difficulties, and to identify programs that meet the standards.
