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About Vermont Literacy Network
Vermont Literacy Network is a literacy organization based out of Bristol, Vermont.
Our programs incorporate structured literacy practices backed in the science of reading to ensure effective, evidence-based instruction that meets the diverse needs of all Vermonters.
Join us in our journey of connecting our community, one word at a time.
Our Bristol Facility
Tiny but mighty - our facility on Main Street in Bristol is now the home-base for all of our work here at Vermont Literacy Network!
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
Our wonderful teachers, hardworking volunteers, and creative program facilitators keep the passion for literacy education alive!
Our team comes in many shapes and sizes, but two things remains the same: a love of community and passion for equitable literacy education.
Here are a few members of the team!
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Kayden Hamlin
Executive Director
Kayden Hamlin, M.Ed. A/OGA is the Executive Director of Vermont Literacy Network. For nearly a decade, she has worked in 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 research pertaining to educational neuroscience and 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.
"Miss Kayden" (she/her)
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" for their hard work, dedication, and support as Vermont Literacy Network grows! 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, learners of all ages not only develop vital 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.
By embracing culturally responsive pedagogy, we strive to create a learning environment that is inclusive, affirming, and empowering for all learners.
Address
General Inquiries
10-12 Main Street
Suite 10A
Bristol, VT 05443
802-565-0405
Facility Hours
Mon - Fri
9:00 am – 6:30 pm
Saturday
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday
Closed
Request a Tour Via Email
Make A Donation
We’re so grateful for your support! Every donation, big or small, helps us keep our free literacy programs going strong and makes a real difference in our community.
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Why does my child need to complete a New Student Meeting?The New Student Meeting ensures that Trooper’s Book Club is the right fit for your child’s learning needs. It allows us to gather information on their current skills and determine if focusing on VCe words is appropriate. If their goals don’t align with this program, the New Student Meeting 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 completely personalized to your child’s unique strengths, challenges, and interests. We begin with a New Student Meeting to understand their current literacy skills and areas for growth. From there, we create a customized learning plan that targets their specific needs, using engaging, multisensory activities to make reading and writing fun and effective. Regular check-ins ensure that lessons adapt as your child progresses, keeping them confident and supported every step of the way.
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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 the New Student Meeting?The New Student Meeting, formerly known as the Initial Student Evaluation (ISE), is a relaxed, no-pressure session where we get to know your child and their unique literacy needs. This meeting helps us understand their strengths, challenges, and interests through simple, engaging activities. It’s the first step in creating a personalized learning plan that sets your child up for confidence and success in reading and writing.
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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.
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LocationVermont Literacy Network is now located at 10-12 Main Street, Suite 10A, Bristol, VT 05443. Parking is typically available on Main Street. Find the door between Scentsations Flowers & Gifts and Simon Says. At the top of the stairs, you will find us at the first door on the right!
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Upcoming Programs & EventsTo view all our upcoming programs and events, visit our program calendar: www.vermontliteracynetwork.com/program-calendar.
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Become a VolunteerWe are always looking for kind, helping hands to join Vermont Literacy Network as volunteers! If interested, email contact@vermontliteracynetwork with your name, contact information, and a brief description on why you are interested in joining our team.
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Hours of OperationOur team is available by email and phone Monday-Friday from 9:00AM-6:30PM and Saturday from 9:00AM-3:00PM. We are unable to facilitate drop-in visits of our Bristol facility at this time. To schedule a visit, please email contact@vermontliteracynetwork.com or call 802-565-0405.