Want to become a Strategic Instruction Model (SIM™) Professional Developer?

Institute Overview

CLLI is a virtual leadership experience combining asynchronous and live synchronous sessions, totaling the equivalent of a week-long program. Led by experienced SIM Professional Development Leaders, the institute provides a personalized, collaborative learning environment.

Participants will focus on one strand—CER or LS—and engage in breakout sessions tailored to their background and experience. The institute’s unifying framework emphasizes literacy leadership across content areas and principles of professional learning. Those interested may pursue certification in the alternate strand in future years.

Note: CLLI does not provide instruction in specific CER or LS tools. Instead, it prepares educators to lead professional development and promote literacy leadership within their schools and districts. Please visit the SIM Events page for professional development to implement SIM Strategies or Routines to use in your classroom.

Who Should Apply?

Eligible applicants:

• Are experienced SIM implementers with prior training in CER and/or LS (micro-credentials on BadgeList.com are helpful but not required)
• Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills for working with adult learners
• Have administrative support for ongoing professional growth

Learn more about CER application requirements

Learn more about LS application requirements

Participation Fee

• $1,500 per person


Includes:

• Institute materials and resources
• Two-year access to STRATEWORKS, KUCRL’s SIM professional developer network
• Optional: Add a dedicated SIM Mentor for the apprenticeship experience for $300
• Additional costs may include guidebooks or manuals (first copy of any material is 40% off)

Funding support may be available through local grants or school/district resources. Payment plans are available. Contact simpd@ku.edu to discuss options.

Important Dates

• Q&A Session: Watch the recording
• Intent to Apply: Due March 1
• Application Due: April 1
• Notification of Acceptance: May 1
• Institute Schedule:
  • Five 3-hour live online sessions
  • Held between June and October 2025
  • Includes approximately 3 hours of asynchronous pre-work per session

How to Apply

1. Submit an Intent to Apply Form.
This non-binding form notifies KUCRL of your interest and grants access to application materials and support.
2. Create a BadgeList Account
Join the badge for your chosen strand:
       •    Join the SIM Learning Strategies PD Institute Badge OR
       •    Join the SIM Content Enhancement PD Institute Badge
3. Upload Pre-Institute Portfolio Evidence (responses to key application questions and supporting materials). If you’ve already earned micro-credentials, you may link to existing evidence (e.g., classroom videos, CER devices).
4. Need Help?
Email simpd@ku.edu for assistance or to request more time.

Post-Institute Apprenticeship Expectations

Following the institute, apprentices will be required to submit documentation demonstrating their progress. During this phase, each apprentice must work with a certified SIM Professional Developer who will serve as their SIM Mentor. With guidance from institute instructors and ongoing support from their SIM Mentor, apprentices will complete a series of tasks designed to showcase the skills and competencies expected of a SIM Professional Developer.

This apprenticeship phase typically spans 1–2 years. To maintain momentum and ensure steady progress, we strongly encourage apprentices to complete all requirements within two years.

Upon achieving certification as a SIM Professional Developer, individuals gain access to a range of professional benefits. Certified developers are also expected to uphold the standards of active status through continued engagement and professional development.

Click here to read the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about the process to becoming certified as a SIM Professional Developer.