Maryland Higher Education Literacy Collaborative (MHELC)

Strengthening Maryland’s Literacy Teacher Preparation Through Collaboration

What Is MHELC?

The Maryland Higher Education Literacy Collaborative (MHELC) brings together institutions of higher education and state representatives to improve communication, share resources, and align expectations around literacy teacher preparation. By creating a shared space for dialogue and problem-solving, MHELC helps ensure that Maryland’s future educators are well-prepared to deliver high-quality, research-based literacy instruction.

Our Work

MHELC convenes quarterly conversations focused on literacy standards, teacher certification, program expectations, and the realities of teacher readiness across Maryland. These meetings surface differences across preparation programs, help IHEs understand the agency they have in shaping curriculum, and gives clearer insight from LEAs on the strengths and needs of incoming teachers. With participation from an MSDE representative, the collaborative helps keep statewide efforts aligned without formalizing a partnership, ensuring the work remains both responsive and informed.

FAQs

  • MHELC exists to improve communication and collaboration between higher education institutions, school districts, and state entities to strengthen literacy teacher preparation across Maryland.

  • IHE faculty and staff who work with preservice and in service educators on literacy (Early or Adolescent) from any Maryland institution.

  • Key areas include literacy standards, certification expectations, teacher readiness, resource sharing, and building aligned approaches across institutions and school systems.