Targeted Reading Intervention Teacher Certification: An Approach to Building and Sustaining Teacher Expertise in Rural Schools

This case study examined an approach for sustaining the Targeted Reading Intervention (TRI) in rural schools. Researchers, teachers, and district-level partners collaboratively implemented the TRI Certification Process in order to sustain the TRI in one rural school district once researcher-based support ended. Primarily drawing from semi-structured interviews with TRI Facilitators, principals, and TRI coaches, findings indicated that student and teacher growth were important motivators. TRI coaches, the straightforward certification process, and leadership opportunities were supports that enabled teachers to complete the TRI Certification Process. Technology difficulties and student recruitment were challenging aspects of the TRI Certification Process. Our findings suggest that the TRI Certification Process may be a promising model for sustaining other interventions in schools.