Rice University’s Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies held a kickoff event for a professional education course this month aimed at strengthening oral language development in young children, bringing together educators, literacy leaders and community partners from across the Houston region.
The eight-week course, Developing Oral Language in Young Children, is offered through Rice’s School Literacy and Culture program, part of the Glasscock School’s Center for Education, and is sponsored by the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and PNC Bank. Designed for early childhood educators, the course presents research-based strategies for fostering language-rich classrooms through quality children’s literature, dramatic play and student-centered instruction.
“For nearly 60 years, the Glasscock School has served learners at every stage of life, from early childhood through lifelong learning,” said Rob Bruce, dean of the Glasscock School. “Literacy is a foundational gift that shapes academic success and lifelong curiosity, and it is central to the work of the Rice Center for Education.”
“This course reflects the core of our work and is designed to equip educators with research-based practices they can immediately apply in their classrooms,” said Lori Espinoza, assistant director of School Literacy and Culture. “Our programs serve educators and students throughout the greater Houston area and beyond, ensuring that high-quality literacy instruction reaches diverse communities.”
Grounded in the work of Rice’s Oral and Written Language Labs, the course blends theory with practice. Participants observe classroom-based models, examine the research that informs instructional strategies and receive materials to implement those strategies in their own classrooms. The program culminates in a student reflection project focused on creating meaningful teacher-child interactions in language-rich environments.
The course runs from Jan. 14 through March 4 and follows a blended format with four in-person sessions, one synchronous virtual meeting and multiple weeks dedicated to classroom-based practice. Participants complete four online modules that include readings, videos, reflection posts and quizzes.
“This partnership emerged through strong collaboration among educators, funders and community partners who share a commitment to expanding access to high-quality literacy instruction across Houston,” Bruce said. “What makes this initiative especially meaningful is its reach supporting teachers and students across multiple districts and communities throughout the region.”
The course emphasizes oral storytelling as a critical foundation for literacy development, particularly for emergent bilingual learners. This sponsored cohort of 26 early childhood educators from 16 Houston-area schools will explore how classroom environments, extended teacher-child conversations and strong relationships can promote meaningful language use while honoring families’ strengths and diverse life experiences.
At the kickoff event, Cindy Puryear, chief strategic partnership and programs officer for the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, highlighted storytelling as both an instructional practice and a powerful tool for connection.
“Storytelling is more than an instructional strategy — it is a powerful means of connection that affirms children’s voices and experiences,” Puryear said. “Through partnerships like this one, we are helping create classrooms filled with curiosity, language and joy, where learning is grounded in meaningful relationships.”
PNC Bank, a longtime supporter of early childhood education and literacy initiatives, emphasized the broader impact of investing in teacher development.
“When educators are equipped with strong, research-based tools, the impact extends beyond individual classrooms to benefit entire school communities,” said JP Ramirez, client and community relations director for PNC Bank’s Houston region. “This course provides educators with practical resources and strategies that can transform classroom instruction and school culture.”
Bruce said Rice wants participants to view the university as a long-term partner in their work.
“We hope participants see Rice not only as a place of learning but as a professional home that supports their growth as educators,” he said.
To learn more about Rice’s School Literacy and Culture program, visit literacy.rice.edu.