LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko announced Tuesday that more than 6,000 Michigan educators completed professional training in the “science of reading.”

According to the governor’s office and the Michigan Department of Education, 6,177 educators completed Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, known as LETRS. The program teaches evidence-based reading instruction.

Whitmer and Maleyko sent electronic letters to educators who finished the training.

In a statement, Whitmer said the effort builds on legislation she signed in 2024. That law made science-of-reading instruction the statewide standard and required schools to screen students for dyslexia. She also pointed to her proposed state budget, which includes additional literacy funding.

Specifically, the governor’s budget recommends a $625 million investment in literacy. It includes $50 million to expand LETRS training for reading teachers. In addition, the proposal funds literacy coaches, updated curriculum, expanded early childhood programs, and tutoring support.

Meanwhile, Maleyko said literacy remains a top priority for the Michigan Department of Education and the State Board of Education. He added that the department plans to ask lawmakers to require and fund LETRS training for preschool through fifth-grade educators in 2026.

State officials said the recognition follows the Michigan Literacy Summit held in December. It also comes after literacy and dyslexia legislation took effect in late 2024.

However, lawmakers must approve the proposed budget and any new mandates before they take effect.