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About Vermont Literacy Network
Vermont Literacy Network is an early literacy organization based out of Bristol, Vermont. Through our student, professional, and community programming, we aim to create a more empowered and literacy-rich community. We utilize a structured literacy and science of reading approach to ensure effective, evidence-based instruction that meets the diverse needs of Vermonters.
Join us in our journey of connecting our community, one word at a time.
Support VLN This Holiday Season
This holiday season, make your gifts truly meaningful by supporting Vermont Literacy Network! When you donate, shop from our merch store, or register for a program, you’re doing more than just giving a present—you’re helping to spread the magic of reading to children and families throughout Vermont. Imagine the joy of knowing your gift helps kids fall in love with books, discover new worlds, and feel the warmth of a supportive community!
Thank You For Your Donation!
Our Bristol Facility
Tiny but mighty - our beautiful new facility on Main Street in Bristol is now the home-base for all of our work here at Vermont Literacy Network! We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of Vermont Literacy Network's new location in Bristol! This cozy space will serve as a hub for all things literacy, offering student programs, professional development, and community events. We're excited to bring our mission to life in Bristol, connecting our community one word at a time!
Whether you are scheduled for a program or would just like a tour, we'd love to show you around our new space! To schedule a private tour, email contact@vermontliteracynetwork.com.
10-12 Main Street, Suite 10A, Bristol, VT 05443
Our Team
VLN would be nothing without our dedicated teachers, wonderful volunteers, and passionate program facilitators! Our team comes in many shapes and sizes, but one thing remains the same: a shared love of community and passion for equitable literacy education. Here are a few members of the team!
Kayden Hamlin
Executive Director
"Miss Kayden" (she/her)
Kayden Hamlin, M.Ed. A/OGA is the founder and Executive Director of Vermont Literacy Network. For nearly a decade, she has worked in a multitude of educational settings including, but not limited to, universal prekindergartens, rural Title 1 schools, and even VT's last remaining one room school house!
As a licensed early childhood educator and literacy specialist, Kayden is passionate about effective and equitable literacy practices. She is active in educational research including educational neuroscience as it pertains to early literacy development. Her work consists primarily of structured, multisensory instructional strategies for phonetic skill development in PK-3rd grade students.
Previously, Kayden has earned an advanced graduate certificate in educational policy, a M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Curriculum Development, and a B.A. in Early Childhood Education.
Above all else, Kayden's dedication and lifework lies in community, and bringing awareness and understanding of literacy development to all Vermonters.
Cameron Justice
Literacy Teacher
Cameron Justice, MAT is a literacy teacher and program facilitator with Vermont Literacy Network. Cameron has extensive experience as a teacher of elementary students. Her excitement as a teacher is in assisting students as they transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn."
Cameron is a lifelong learner and is always eager to learn more about literacy development in young children. She holds a Masters of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in preschool to fifth grade education.
Her experience as an educator in the public setting includes, but is not limited to, being a classroom teacher for third-grade and kindergarten, leading guidance classes, and working as a Response to Intervention (RTI) instructor.
Before joining VLN, Cameron also supported the Kentucky Writing Project and Amplify as a literacy coach and professional development program facilitator.
"Mrs. Justice" (she/her)
Volunteers
Stephanie Trepanier
"Miss Stephanie"
(she/her)
Brooke Tucker
"Miss Brooke"
(she/her)
Akyah Hackney
"Miss Akyah"
(she/her)
Ellie Sowles
"Miss Ellie"
(she/her)
If you see any of the wonderful faces of our volunteers, please take a moment to say "thank you!" Their hard work, dedication, and support as Vermont Literacy Network grows cannot go unnoticed. We are infinitely grateful for our volunteers!
Not Shown Here: Many of our amazing program facilitators who lead classes, clubs, and workshops for students, educators, and community members throughout Vermont!
Educational Approach
Our instructional methods and educational approach is deeply rooted in evidence-based practices and the science of reading. By providing structured and holistic instruction, students at Vermont Literacy Network not only develop literacy skills, but also a love of learning.
Structured Literacy
Multisensory
Strategies
Personalized Instruction
Equitable Practices
Our curriculum is grounded in the principles of structured literacy, which emphasizes explicit, systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.
By incorporating visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile elements into our instruction, we provide opportunities for all learners to enhance learning and memory retention.
Through data-driven analysis and family collaboration, we tailor our instructional goals in Individual Lessons to meet the specific academic and personal needs of each child.
Our curriculum reflects the rich tapestry of our community. By embracing culturally responsive pedagogy, we strive to create a learning environment that is inclusive, affirming, and empowering for all learners.
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Why does my child need to take the Initial Student Evaluation (ISE)?The ISE ensures that Trooper’s Book Club is the right fit for your child’s learning needs. It allows us to assess their current reading level and determine if focusing on VCe words is appropriate. If their goals don’t align with this program, the ISE helps us recommend other fun programs, like our Individual Lessons.
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How many students are in Trooper’s Book Club?The club is limited to just six students. This ensures that each child receives personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to practice reading skills to Trooper!
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Can parents and siblings join the sessions?Unfortunately, no. We encourage a supportive, distraction-free environment where children can engage fully in the activities. To ensure every child receives individualized attention tailored to their specific learning goals, siblings need to be assessed separately and may qualify for different programs.
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How do you handle different learning styles or needs?Our program uses a multisensory, Orton-Gillingham-based approach, which is highly effective for various learning styles. Our techniques ensure that students with dyslexia, ADHD, and many others receive the support they need to succeed!
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Are there any scholarships, financial aid options, or discounts for this program?While Trooper’s Book Club is already a significant savings compared to our Individual Lessons program, we’re excited to offer additional support. The Initial Student Evaluation (ISE) is completely free, and if you use the code “TROOPERREADS” at registration, you’ll receive 35% off—saving you around $100!
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What is the instructional skill focus of Trooper’s Book Club?The program focuses on mastering VCe words, a key spelling pattern that turns short vowel sounds into long vowel sounds (e.g., 'mad' to 'made').
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What are VCe words, and why are they important?VCe words are words where a vowel is followed by a consonant and then the letter 'e,' which makes the vowel sound long (e.g., 'hop' becomes 'hope'). Mastering these words helps young readers develop key decoding skills essential for reading fluency.
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How can I stay informed about upcoming events and programs?You can stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter where we regularly share information about upcoming workshops, classes, and community events. You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news and announcements, or check our website for detailed program calendars and special events!
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What is Vermont Literacy Network?Vermont Literacy Network is an early literacy organization on a mission to connect our community one word at a time! VLN offers comprehensive student, professional, and community programming that are deeply rooted in structured literacy practices and the science of reading. Services are available both virtually and in-person at our Bristol facility. Whether you’re a student, educator, or community member, the Network provides the tools and support needed to foster a literacy-rich Vermont!
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Where are programs held?Our programs are offered both in-person and virtually. In-person programs are available throughout Vermont, with a primary focus on Bristol and surrounding communities. We also offer virtual programs, allowing participants from all over the world to to participate in our lessons, workshops, and professional development courses!
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Are VLN’s professional programs aligned with current educational research?Absolutely! All of our programs are grounded in the most up-to-date, research-based, and evidence-based practices. We integrate proven methodologies from the science of reading and structured literacy, including multisensory instruction and data-driven intervention strategies. We stay informed on new developments in literacy research to ensure that our content reflects the latest understanding of how students learn to read and write.
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What professional development programs does Vermont Literacy Network offer?Currently, we offer virtual workshops that focus on the science of reading, structured literacy, and practical strategies for educators. We also provide custom workshops for schools and organizations that request tailored training to meet their specific needs. In addition, we are excited to announce that we are working on developing asynchronous courses to give educators more flexibility in accessing our training.
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What qualifications do the professional workshop facilitators at VLN have?Our workshop facilitators are highly trained professionals with extensive classroom and intervention experience. Many of them are certified in Orton-Gillingham and Wilson Reading System approaches.
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What types of lessons and programs do you offer for children?We offer a range of personalized programs for children, including Individual Lessons, workshops, classes, and clubs. These programs focus on early literacy development, reading comprehension, and intervention strategies to help students overcome reading challenges. Each program is designed to engage children through multisensory, personalized experiences!
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How are the Individual Lessons tailored to my child’s needs?Individual Lessons are customized based on the data collected within your child's Initial Student Evaluation (ISE). We assess your child’s strengths and areas for growth to create a targeted intervention plan that focuses on developing key reading skills. Both virtual and in-person lessons are designed to adapt to your child’s progress and learning preferences to ensure continuous growth!
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How do you measure my child’s progress?We closely monitor your child’s progress through regular formative and summative assessments, or "show what you knows", to ensure they are growing in their targeted areas. After each session, literacy teachers gather notes and data which families can request at any time. Additionally, families and their child's literacy teacher attend monthly conferences to discuss progress, address concerns, and adjust the instructional plan if needed.
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Can I observe my child’s lessons?Yes, we encourage parents to be involved and observe their child’s progress. Our Bristol facility has a cozy waiting area where you can comfortably watch the lessons. However, we do ask that you refrain from interacting with your child during the session so that the literacy teacher can focus on working their magic without interruption.
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What is an Initial Student Evaluation?The Initial Student Evaluation (ISE) is the first step in tailoring your child's journey in Individual Lessons. This evaluation helps us identify your child’s specific strengths and challenges in areas such as phonemic awareness, decoding (reading) skills, comprehension, fluency, writing, and spelling!
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What age groups do your programs serve?Currently, our student programs primarily serve children from preschool through 3rd grade. However, we are excited to expand our offerings in the new year to include programs for children from birth to age 3, and students in grades 4-8.
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Are your programs suitable for children with learning differences?Yes! Our student programs are designed to be inclusive and supportive of children with a wide range of needs including those with sensory processing disorders, neurodivergencies (such as ASD and ADHD), and other needs. We are well-versed in accommodations and modifications as outlined in educational plans such as IEPs, and we are committed to upholding these supports during instruction. We are dedicated to creating an equitable and welcoming learning environment where every student can thrive. We are passionate in ensuring that all students receive the personalized instruction they need to succeed.
