
“Children’s Literacy Initiative (CLI) is a non-profit that works with teachers to transform instruction so that children can become powerful readers, writers and thinkers.”
This is why we come to work every day – a core belief that the cornerstone of
September 2, 2014 CLI’s new executive director, Dr. Joel Zarrow, PhD, was recently introduced to Philadelphia educators, board members and city officials at its Market St. offices. Zarrow made sure his audience understood his commitment to bringing kids in grades K-3 up to “snuff” and grade level when…
In my first several weeks as Executive Director of Children’s Literacy Initiative, I have had the opportunity to introduce myself to a lot of new people. It is important to me to convey aspects of myself that aren’t necessarily apparent from my resume or some surreptitious Google search that we might do when we want to find out about the new person joining the team.
April 11, 2014, Philadelphia, PA – With an organizational focus clearly fixed upon raising its profile within targeted groups of key, national, decision-makers, the Children’s Literacy Initiative (CLI), which trains teachers to achieve literacy education for children in high-poverty, high-minority school districts, by the third grade, today announced that it has completed an intensive national search for a new executive director, and has named Joel Zarrow, Ph.D. to the position.
Dr.
Children’s Literacy Initiative (CLI) announces the election of Christine S. Beck as chair of its board. The organization has also launched a national search to identify a new executive director to succeed Kelly Hunter, Ed.D, who has accepted a position as Director of Early Development and Learning Resources for the State of Delaware.
CLI is proud to note that the Philadelphia Early Literacy Campaign continues to grow and impact the schools and children that need us most.
In Philadelphia during the 2013-14 school year, CLI is working with 56 schools and over 400 teachers. These teachers will collectively attend 155 Professional Development Events, including workshops and seminars, and will receive over 6,300 coaching hours from CLI Professional Developer coaches.
CLI will send more than 26,000 books to over 10,000 students in the Philadelphia region.
Through the United Way Donor Choice Campaign, the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program, our website, and many other avenues, our generous supporters have options in contributing to CLI’s mission.
Do you want to know what has been going on at CLI throughout the month of March? Make sure you check out all of the happenings at CLI by viewing our most recent news.

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As we near the end of the school year it is impossible to ignore the strides that our students have made throughout the year. Read about how students like to celebrate this season! How do you celebrate spring with your students?!?