Collaborate with
Dr Katharyn Cullen

WORKSHOP 1
Sound Foundations:
The Phonology Lens in Action

Decode the mysteries of English sounds and revolutionise your phonics instruction
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Challenge the myth that English is a chaotic language. Discover how just 44 speech sounds create every word we speak, and master techniques to make this accessible to your students. Dr. Cullen reveals why traditional phonics approaches often fall short and provides a sophisticated yet practical framework that transforms how children perceive and manipulate sounds.

What you'll gain?

Phonemes x Alphabet

Clear understanding of how 44 phonemes work within a 26-letter alphabet

Practical Techniques

Practical techniques for teaching Phonological Sensitivity, Phoneme Awareness and Phonetics

Phonological Lens

Confidence in explaining seemingly irregular spellings through a Phonological Lens

Student Activities

Ready-to-use activities that develop students’ sound awareness

Phonology Strategies

Strategies for integrating phonology with other linguistic components for deeper learning

WORKSHOP 2: Patterns of Possibility: Unlocking the Orthography Lens Move beyond endless spelling rules to reveal the logic behind English writing

Revolutionise your spelling instruction by discovering the predictable patterns that govern English orthography. Dr. Cullen shatters the myth that words are simply memorised by sight, revealing instead how our brains process written language through sophisticated pattern recognition. Stop teaching endless lists of exceptions and start empowering students with the ability to analyse and understand spelling logically.

What you'll gain?

Framework

A clear framework for making sense of English spelling patterns

Practical Techniques

Techniques for explicit teaching of orthographic concepts

Student Activities

Classroom-ready activities that develop pattern recognition skills

Strategies

Strategies for teaching spelling in meaningful contexts rather than isolated lists

Teaching Confidence

Confidence in explaining why words are spelled the way they are

WORKSHOP 3:
Building Blocks of Meaning:
The Morphology Lens

Harness the power of meaningful word parts to supercharge vocabulary and spelling
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Unlock the secret to vocabulary learning through morphological awareness. In this hands-on workshop, Dr. Cullen demonstrates how understanding word building blocks dramatically accelerates vocabulary acquisition and spelling accuracy. Discover why morphology often trumps phonology in English spelling and how this insight transforms literacy instruction across all year levels.

What you'll gain?

Word breakdowns

Expertise in breaking words into meaningful parts (prefixes, suffixes, base words)

Practical Techniques

Techniques for teaching morphological relations that shine a light on the logic of the English spelling system

Student Strategies

Strategies for helping students infer the meaning of unfamiliar words

Vocabulary Building

Methods for building vocabulary systematically across content areas

Practical Activities

Activities that develop morphological problem-solving skills in your students

WORKSHOP 4:
Word Journeys Through Time:
The Etymology Lens

Bring spelling to life through the fascinating stories behind words

Transform vocabulary instruction by exploring the historical journey of words. Dr. Cullen reveals how etymology provides the perfect explanation for seemingly irregular spellings and creates powerful memory hooks for students. Discover practical ways to incorporate word histories into everyday literacy instruction, creating word detectives rather than word memorisers.

What you’ll gain:

Finetune Skills

Practical skills for using etymology resources in your classroom

Practical Techniques

Techniques for making word origins accessible and engaging for students

Teaching Strategies

Strategies for connecting English to other languages through cognates

Tips for Memorable Vocabulary Lessons

Methods for using eponyms to create memorable vocabulary lessons

Teaching Confidence

Confidence in explaining challenging spellings through historical context

Your Complete Workshop Experience

Immerse yourself in a day of transformative professional learning

Each workshop provides a rich, immersive experience led personally by Dr. Cullen from 9:00am to 3:00pm. You’ll engage in hands-on activities, discover classroom-tested strategies and collaborate with fellow teachers passionate about literacy instruction.

Take the Linguistic Lens Framework Back to Your Classroom:
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Comprehensive Resource Workbook: Gain access to a carefully curated collection of classroom-ready activities, assessment tools, and teaching materials aligned to each Linguistic Lens

Discounted Book Option: Enhance your professional library with Dr. Cullen's comprehensive book at a special workshop participant rate. This will be your complete implementation toolkit so you can return to your classroom equipped with the Linguistic Lenses Framework and implementation guide, ready to transform your literacy instruction immediately

Digital Resource Library: Receive exclusive access to the downloadable Linguistic Lenses Framework

Professional Recognition: Document your specialised training with a professional development certificate recognising your expertise in linguistic approaches to literacy Join the community of innovative educators who have transformed their literacy instruction through Dr. Cullen’s Linguistic Lenses approach.

Join the community of innovative educators who have transformed their literacy instruction through Dr. Cullen’s Linguistic Lenses approach.

Request More Information Book a Workshop

Beyond the Basics: Upper Primary & Secondary
Word Study

Advanced implementation for Years 3-9 educators
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This specialised workshop builds upon the foundation of the Four Lenses to address the unique challenges of advanced word study in upper primary and secondary school contexts. Master sophisticated techniques for using Linguistic Lenses to unlock academic vocabulary across content areas, support struggling adolescent readers and extend highly able students.

What sets this workshop apart:

Focus on complex academic vocabulary development across subject areas

Targeted strategies for supporting older struggling readers

Differentiation techniques for highly able learners

Real classroom demonstrations showing the framework in action with adolescent learners

Extended implementation planning time with personalised feedback

The Leadership Toolbox: Guiding the Linguistic Literacy Journey

Strategic implementation for school leaders with 3-month support
Equip your leadership team with the comprehensive strategic framework needed to implement the Four Lenses approach school wide. Drawing on her experience as a Head of Junior School and whole- school curriculum leader, Dr. Cullen guides your team through implementing the Metalinguistic Observation Protocol and Metalinguistic Knowledge Assessment, data-driven decision-making strategies and teacher support systems that ensure consistent, structured implementation across classrooms.

This premium leadership package includes:

Full-day interactive leadership workshop (9:00am-3:00pm)

School-wide implementation planning toolkit

3 months of implementation support (bi-weekly virtual consultations)

Leadership Metalinguistic Observation Protocol, Feedback template and the Metalinguistic Knowledge Assessment.

Strategic communication resources for building staff buy-in

This investment creates lasting literacy reform that impacts every student while providing ongoing expert support throughout the critical implementation phase.

Comprehensive Linguistic Lenses
Implementation Day

Transform your staff’s confidence and capacity with a customised full-day experience
Immerse your entire staff in the Four Lenses framework with this transformative full-day experience. Morning sessions build foundational understanding of English orthography, while afternoon breakouts provide year-group specific applications. Everything is customised to your school’s specific literacy data and curriculum needs.

This whole-school package includes:

Pre-day planning consultation to customise content

Full-day on-site professional development for up to 50 staff members

Comprehensive implementation materials for all participants

30-day follow-up virtual session to address implementation questions

School-wide implementation planning templates

Maximum impact is achieved when combined with the Leadership Toolbox package. Ask about special pricing when booking both options.

Classroom in Focus: Instructional Coaching Package

Deep implementation with 3 days of on-site coaching

Experience the power of embedded professional learning with three full days of on-site coaching. Watch Dr. Cullen model linguistic approaches in your actual classrooms, receive personalised feedback on your implementation and collaborate with colleagues in small groups. This immersive experience translates theory into practice, accelerating your mastery of the Four Lenses approach and its impact on student learning.

This comprehensive coaching experience includes:

3 full days of on-site implementation coaching

Demonstration lessons in actual classrooms

Small group coaching sessions

Implementation planning support

Customised feedback on teacher practice

Digital resource collection tailored to observed needs

Maximum impact is achieved when combined with the Parent Education Opportunity to empower your parent community.

Evidence-Based Observation & Coaching Package

Data-driven implementation support with follow-up coaching
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Transform your word study instruction through Dr. Cullen’s evidence-based Metalinguistic Observation Protocol. This intensive one-day on-site session provides comprehensive assessment of current practices, followed by targeted coaching and implementation planning.
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This specialised package includes:

One full day of on-site observation and coaching

Training in using the protocols independently

Customised implementation plans for all year groups

Two follow-up virtual coaching sessions

Detailed progress report and recommendations

This focused approach ensures implementation fidelity while providing the data needed to measure impact on teaching practices and student outcomes.

Parent Education Opportunity

Empower Your School Community: Parent Literacy Workshops
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Extend the impact of Dr. Cullen's expertise beyond the classroom by hosting a parent education event. These engaging 90-minute sessions help parents understand how they can support their child's literacy development using principles from the Linguistic Lenses framework.
Dr. Cullen demystifies English spelling for parents, provides practical strategies for home support and creates valuable alignment between school and home literacy approaches. Parents leave with renewed confidence in supporting their children's reading and writing journey.
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Workshop includes:

Interactive presentation tailored to your parent community

Take-home guide with practical literacy support strategies

Q&A session addressing specific parent concerns

Digital resource access for continued support

Maximum impact is achieved when combined with the Parent Education Opportunity to empower your parent community.

Below are the Linguistic Lenses Online Professional Learning Modules delivered in partnership with the Primary English Teaching Association Australia (PETAA). Designed to be completed at your own pace, these modules translate Dr Cullen's research into practical, classroom-ready workshops that support teachers to confidently apply linguistic knowledge in practice.Click the buttons below to find out more and enrol.

Start building your Linguistic Lenses knowledge today!

NEW! PL Program: Using morphology, etymology, phonology and orthography to teach spelling and word knowledge

Unlock the logic behind English spelling! Explore phonology, orthography, morphology & etymology to teach spelling in meaningful, engaging, and research-backed ways.a div block.
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View Event Details

Using phonology and orthography to teach spelling and word knowledge

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Unpack the sounds and logic of English with the Phonology and Orthography Lenses — a practical course linking phonology, spelling patterns, and meaning to support reading and writing across the primary years.

View Event Details

Using orthography to teach spelling and word knowledge

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Unlock the logic of English spelling with The Orthography Lens — a practical course on patterns, meaning and orthographic mapping.
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View Event Details

Years 2 - 6: Using phonology to teach spelling and word knowledge

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Unpack the sounds of English with The Phonology Lens — a practical course connecting phonology to spelling, reading and meaning across all the primary years.
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View Event Details

BESTSELLER! Using morphology and etymology to teach spelling and word knowledgeYears 2 - 6: Using phonology to teach spelling and word knowledge

Unlock the structure and meaning behind English words through morphology — and transform your spelling instruction by tracing word origins and uncovering the hidden stories of English.

View Event Details

Using etymology to teach spelling and word knowledge

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Transform spelling instruction by tracing word origins and uncovering the hidden stories of English.

View Event Details

Using morphology to teach spelling and word knowledge

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Unlock the structure and meaning behind English words through morphology — and transform how you teach spelling and vocabulary.

View Event Details

We are proud to partner with PETAA to deliver these customised courses for inspired educators.

You can find all the information on the event details links, alternatively free to contact Dr Katharyn Cullen via the consultation button below

Custom Opportunities

Need something different? Dr. Cullen offers customised professional development opportunities designed specifically for your school’s unique context and needs. Contact us to discuss how we can create a tailored approach to implementing the Four Linguistic Lenses in your educational setting.

Request More Information Book a Consultation

Articles & Blogs

Collaborate with Dr Katharyn Cullen

Core Workshop Series

Specialised Professional Development

Contact

WORKSHOP 1Sound Foundations: The Phonology Lens in Action

Phonemes x Alphabet

Practical Techniques

Phonological Lens

Student Activities

Phonology Strategies

WORKSHOP 2: Patterns of Possibility: Unlocking the Orthography Lens Move beyond endless spelling rules to reveal the logic behind English writing

Framework

Practical Techniques

Student Activities

Strategies

Teaching Confidence

WORKSHOP 3: Building Blocks of Meaning: The Morphology Lens

Word breakdowns

Practical Techniques

Student Strategies

Vocabulary Building

Practical Activities

WORKSHOP 4: Word Journeys Through Time: The Etymology Lens

Finetune Skills

Practical Techniques

Teaching Strategies

Tips for Memorable Vocabulary Lessons

Teaching Confidence

WORKSHOP 1Sound Foundations: The Phonology Lens in Action

Phonemes x Alphabet

Practical Techniques

Phonological Lens

Student Activities

Phonology Strategies

WORKSHOP 2: Patterns of Possibility: Unlocking the Orthography Lens Move beyond endless spelling rules to reveal the logic behind English writing

Framework

Practical Techniques

Student Activities

Strategies

Teaching Confidence

WORKSHOP 3: Building Blocks of Meaning: The Morphology Lens

Word breakdowns

Practical Techniques

Student Strategies

Vocabulary Building

Practical Activities

WORKSHOP 4: Word Journeys Through Time: The Etymology Lens

Finetune Skills

Practical Techniques

Teaching Strategies

Tips for Memorable Vocabulary Lessons

Teaching Confidence

Your Complete Workshop Experience

Beyond the Basics: Upper Primary & Secondary Word Study

Focus on complex academic vocabulary development across subject areas

Targeted strategies for supporting older struggling readers

Differentiation techniques for highly able learners

Real classroom demonstrations showing the framework in action with adolescent learners

Extended implementation planning time with personalised feedback

The Leadership Toolbox: Guiding the Linguistic Literacy Journey

Full-day interactive leadership workshop (9:00am-3:00pm)

School-wide implementation planning toolkit

3 months of implementation support (bi-weekly virtual consultations)

Leadership Metalinguistic Observation Protocol, Feedback template and the Metalinguistic Knowledge Assessment.

Strategic communication resources for building staff buy-in

Comprehensive Linguistic Lenses Implementation Day

Pre-day planning consultation to customise content

Full-day on-site professional development for up to 50 staff members

Comprehensive implementation materials for all participants

30-day follow-up virtual session to address implementation questions

School-wide implementation planning templates

Classroom in Focus: Instructional Coaching Package

3 full days of on-site implementation coaching

Demonstration lessons in actual classrooms

Small group coaching sessions

Implementation planning support

Customised feedback on teacher practice

Digital resource collection tailored to observed needs

Evidence-Based Observation & Coaching Package

Collaborate with
Dr Katharyn Cullen

WORKSHOP 1
Sound Foundations:
The Phonology Lens in Action

WORKSHOP 3:
Building Blocks of Meaning:
The Morphology Lens

WORKSHOP 4:
Word Journeys Through Time:
The Etymology Lens

WORKSHOP 1
Sound Foundations:
The Phonology Lens in Action

WORKSHOP 3:
Building Blocks of Meaning:
The Morphology Lens

WORKSHOP 4:
Word Journeys Through Time:
The Etymology Lens

Beyond the Basics: Upper Primary & Secondary
Word Study

Comprehensive Linguistic Lenses
Implementation Day

Using phonology and orthography to teach spelling and word knowledge

‍

Using orthography to teach spelling and word knowledge

‍

Years 2 - 6: Using phonology to teach spelling and word knowledge

‍

Using etymology to teach spelling and word knowledge

‍

Using morphology to teach spelling and word knowledge

‍

We are proud to partner with PETAA to deliver these customised courses for inspired educators.

You can find all the information on the event details links, alternatively free to contact Dr Katharyn Cullen via the consultation button below