Teachers and staff from Dean Morgan Junior High underwent a training session on Thursday targeting a national problem-the literacy rates of students and adults in the U.S.

"Our kids just aren't as literate as they need to be," said presenter and literacy expert Kylene Beers.

The training offered tools for teachers to engage students and different ways to approach melding literacy skills into all subject areas. Literacy is considered the ability to read and write well enough to function in society, or in a job, for example.

Dean Morgan has had an intense focus on literacy for the past three and a half years. Holly Thompson, the school's instruction facilitator for literacy, organized the training for Dean Morgan.

Beers said training sessions are one way teachers can continue to grow as professionals. Beers is also president of the National Council of Teachers of English.

"It would be silly to expect that when a person walks out of their college experience, they're done," Beers said. "Teaching is a profession. Research shows us that a critical element of student success is what teachers know."

Sixth-grade social studies teacher Sarah Iselin said she was excited the training offered so many ideas she can use in her classes.

"I think a lot of professional development doesn't have the specific tools to use," Iselin said. "It was really beneficial for the whole staff."

Carla Smith, an eighth-grade history teacher, agreed the training was exceptionally helpful.

"It was incredible," Smith said. "The kids are just gong to be so much more engaged. I think this is going to help."

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com.