Save the Date for the 7th Annual Helen Oakes Literacy Institute
Calling all Philadelphia Literacy Teachers! Join us on Saturday, November 8th, 2025 and immerse yourself in engaging and practical professional learning from the comfort of your own reading nook. Please join us virtually for a captivating workshop with leading voices in literacy. All attendees will receive a raffle prize entry, three Act 48 Credits, and free tools and resources you can use immediately.
6th Annual Helen Oakes Literacy Institute
On Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, we offered an engaging and practical professional learning experience for Philadelphia teachers.
This year’s special guest speaker was our 2024 Champion of Children, Matt de la Peña. The New York Times Bestselling, Newbery Medal-winning author is supporting our nation’s most vulnerable children and helping them achieve brighter futures through his young adult novels and picture books like Mexican WhiteBoy, Superman: Dawnbreaker, Last Stop on Market Street, and Milo Imagines the World. Growing up as a mixed-race child in a bicultural family inspired him to feature characters + communities that are under-represented in the publishing world. Research shows that exposing children to diverse stories promotes literacy, builds empathy, and reduces bias.
Weren’t able to join us live? Check out the links below for a recording and resources from the event.
5th Annual Helen Oakes Literacy Institute
On Saturday, November 4th, 2023, we shared two thought-provoking workshops by leading voices in literacy from the School District of Philadelphia, and a very special keynote presentation from Nyshawana Francis-Thompson Ed.D, Chief of Curriculum and Instruction.
Weren’t able to join us live? Check out the links below for a recording and resources from the event.
Who was Helen Oakes?
As a civic activist and former Philadelphia school board member, Helen Oakes was passionate about the students and teachers of Philadelphia. For nineteen years, her newsletter framed the conversation around teaching and learning in schools throughout the city. The Helen Oakes Literacy Institute, founded to honor her legacy, provides a space for Philadelphia teachers to continue the conversation around literacy and education.
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The OAKES Newsletter Archive
From 1970 to 1989, Helen Oakes researched, wrote, and published the OAKES newsletter. Her “Independent Monthly Dedicated To Improving Public Education” was groundbreaking in making previously unpublished data accessible. For the first time in history, digital versions of her newsletters are now available to reference online.
