A Complete On-Demand PD Path for K–5 Writing Instruction

Support your teachers with the clarity, confidence, and tools they need to teach writing well—starting now and growing all year long.

Teaching writing can feel overwhelming—especially when teachers lack a clear starting point. That’s why Smekens Education has created a two-part, on-demand professional development path to support K–5 educators at every stage of writing instruction.

Led by nationally recognized literacy expert Kristina Smekens, these flexible video-based trainings help teachers launch writing instruction with purpose and sustain it with practical strategies all year long.

Kick Start Writing Instruction workshop image

STEP 1

Kick-Start Writing Instruction

Launch writing with clarity and momentum

This 5-hour on-demand workshop helps teachers start the year strong with a practical framework for whole-class writing instruction. Teachers will walk away knowing what to teach, when to teach it, and how to build students’ skills toward grade-level proficiency.
  • Includes a free digital copy of Kristina’s book Launching the Writer’s Workshop (choose K–2 or 3–12)
  • Includes handouts, digital resources, and sample schedules
  • Great for individual teachers or schoolwide use

STEP 2

Teach Writing PD Mini-Series

Sustain growth through short, team-friendly episodes

The 11-part Teach Writing PD Mini-Series is ideal for grade-level teams or PLCs who want to deepen their writing instruction together. Each episode is about 20 minutes long and focuses on a single aspect of teaching genre-based writing—making it easy to integrate into ongoing professional learning.

  • Ideal for grade-level or PLC meetings
  • Includes differentiated episodes for K–5 and 6–12
  • Comes with downloadable handouts to facilitate discussion

How Do These Two Offerings Compare?

Kick-Start WorkshopTeach Writing Mini-Series
FormatOne 5-hour session11 short episodes
TimingUse at the beginningUse throughout the year
PurposeLaunch writing instructionDeepen and sustain instruction
Ideal UseIndividual or full staffPLCs or grade-level teams
Led by Kristina Smekens✅ Yes✅ Yes
Includes Kristina’s book✅ Yes❌ No
Includes handouts and planning tools✅ Yes✅ Yes

Get Started Today

Whether you’re looking to help teachers start strong, grow over time, or do both, these on-demand trainings give your team the support they need—when they need it.

Your Guide to Better Writing Instruction

Kristina Smekens is the featured educator behind the Teach Writing PD Mini-Series, drawing from more than 20 years of experience supporting K–12 teachers in writing instruction. As a nationally recognized literacy consultant and the author of Launching the Writer’s Workshop, Kristina has helped thousands of educators strengthen their writing instruction with strategies grounded in the science of writing.

The Teach Writing PD Mini-Series was built on that foundation—drawing directly from Kristina’s classroom-tested methods and deep understanding of what works for students and teachers alike. Each episode features her signature high energy and practical approach, offering educators ready-to-use strategies they can implement right away.

Teachers consistently praise Kristina for her clear explanations, relatable style, and ability to make writing instruction feel doable and effective—no matter the grade level, subject area, or curriculum.

Choose the Best Fit for Your Teachers

Select the option that aligns best with your school’s goals—or combine both for maximum impact.

I want to launch writing instruction now.

>> Explore Kick-Start Writing Instruction
Give your teachers a practical, step-by-step plan for launching daily writing lessons—led by Kristina Smekens and ready to watch on-demand.
Perfect for: Individual teachers or full-staff PD.

I want to support ongoing writing growth.

>> Explore Teach Writing PD Mini-Series
Empower your PLCs with short, team-based PD episodes that keep writing instruction moving forward all year long.
Perfect for: Grade-level teams, monthly PD, or sustained support.

Not sure which option is right?

Schedule a quick call to walk through your school’s needs. We’ll help you build a PD plan that works for your team—and your calendar.

Pricing & Packages

Choose the plan that works best for your school:

 Kick-Start Writing Instruction

$2,500/school

or $169 per person, whichever is less

5-hour on-demand training led by Kristina Smekens

Includes Kristina’s Launch book (K–2 or 3–12)
Handouts, sample schedules, and planning guides

Teach Writing PD Mini-Series

$1,500/school

or $89 per person, whichever is less

11 short episodes for team-based learning
Includes facilitator guides and planning tools
Differentiated by grade band (K–5 and 6–12)

Complete PD Path

$3,500/school

Full access to both Kick-Start and Mini-Series
Save $500 when bundled
Supports both individual and team-based PD

Let’s Connect

Complete the form below or call (888) 376-0448.
We are eager to help you achieve your PD goals!