PURPOSE | VALUES | OBJECTIVES
PURPOSE: CSR’s resources and consulting services exists to
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inspire one to be CONFIDENT in who they are as an educator,
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encourage educators to be DEDICATED to acquiring and confirming knowledge that will give them an edge to creating strategic readers, and to
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transform the learning experience as educators become DETERMINED to apply the CSR theory in practical ways.
CORE VALUES: We believe that
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A child’s ability to read effectively is one of the major determining factors in how they succeed in life.
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Teaching should be a joyful and fulfilling experience.
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Resources and consulting services should be relevant and researched-based providing engaging and motivating ways to reach readers and writers.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES: Clear – Concise – Creative
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We author resources that empower educators to teach students to become more successful, strategic readers and writers.
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We offer sustainable consulting services to enable educators to execute the philosophy of CSR for academic success.
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We create motivating and engaging products that support educators to implement the CSR strategies and techniques successfully.
CONTENT EXAMPLE: MIRROR MIRROR TECHNIQUE
ABOUT VALERIE & CREATING STRATEGIC READERS
Valerie Ellery has dedicated over 35 years to the field of education in literacy roles as a National Board Certified Teacher, Curriculum Specialist, Mentor, Staff Developer, Reading Coach, International Educational Consultant, and Award-Winning Author.
Her International best-selling book Creating Strategic Readers, a staple of literacy education, has been used in classrooms and universities globally, to inspire educators to motivate and engage today’s learners for more than 20 years.
Using innovative, interactive and informative techniques, Valerie is truly passionate with an incredible track record in CREATING STRATEGIC Readers and Educators.
THE STORY BEHIND CREATING STRATEGIC READERS
Creating Strategic Readers (CSR), Inc. was founded by Valerie Ellery.
Over 30 years ago, she realized that her oldest son had a problem with reading. This very personal experience launched her journey in the quest for understanding – what do proficient readers do?​
On the first stretch of her journey, she spent over ten years watching, listening and analyzing students as they were learning to read in her classroom.
In 1998, she was certified as a National Board Teacher where she learned the importance of reflecting on her instructional techniques. This process was paving the road for further knowledge on how to better meet the needs of readers.
After acquiring her masters in Reading K-12 at the University of South Florida in 2000, she became a district Curriculum Specialist. This role gave her the opportunity to model reading strategies, mentor teachers, and inspire the desire to construct a roadmap for creating strategic readers. In 2003, Valerie began the rugged path of researching, analyzing, and writing a resource tool to map out the components of reading in a strategic manner.
After four and half years at the district level, Valerie went back to the school-based level as a teacher to fulfill her aspiration of fostering a comprehensive literacy classroom. This was an opportunity for her to apply strategies in the classroom, while maintaining the quest for action research.
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The book Creating Strategic Readers: Techniques for Developing Competency in Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension was published in 2005, earning the book club selection and best-seller honor from the International Reading Association. The book was used internationally in universities, helping to propel the reading process into the forefront of education.
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Valerie continued to serve the field of education as a part time Reading Coach in Bradenton, Florida. This position allowed her the opportunity to consult internationally and serve on literacy boards, as well as, to continue locally reaching readers and teachers. Creating Strategic Readers, Inc. was launched in 2006 as a company, which is passionate about inspiring, encouraging, and transforming lives through motivating and engaging resources and professional development.
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In 2008, she published her first a Staff Development DVD/VHS Series titled Creating Strategic Readers: Teaching Techniques for the Primary and Intermediate Grades based off her best selling book Creating Strategic Readers (CSR). The series highlights 24 classrooms, featuring techniques from Creating Strategic Readers (CSR) in K-5 classrooms.
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The 2nd Edition to CSR was published in 2009 with 35 new techniques and received the International Reading Association Book Club Selection for September 2009 and continued to be a Best Seller in the educational field.
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2014 brought the 3rd Edition of Creating Strategic Readers back into the hands of educators with updated alignment to the nations educational shifts and current research to propel students to higher achievement and deeper love for literacy. Valerie currently consults internationally and is truly passionate about creating strategic leaders and readers!
