69th MRA Conference: Full Schedule

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10:30am EST

For Elementary and Secondary - Who’s at the Center? Cultivating a Critical Lens to Building and Integrating Culturally Relevant Text Sets LIMITED

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EST

River Overlook B (DeVos Place - Upper Level)

In this workshop-style session, we model how to critically and strategically build culturally relevant text sets that amplify diverse voices in literacy/ELA education. Attendees will articulate their criteria for selecting texts, explore sample text sets, and experiment with instructional activities that center students’ intersectional identities through intentional text selection and integration.

Our presentation can be accessed here.

Speakers

Dr. Christina M. Ponzio

Assistant Professor, Grand Valley State University

Building from my previous experiences as a secondary ELA/ESL teacher, ESL program coordinator, and literacy coach in Metro Detroit and teacher educator at Michigan State University, University of Michigan, and Wayne State University, I am committed to advancing equity, inclusion and... Read More →

Brianna Albert

Kindergarten Teacher, Martin Public Schools

Hello everyone! I am so excited to be presenting at this conference! I am glad I get to expand my knowledge with all of you! I have been teaching for 4 years now with mostly lower elementary experience and some upper elementary. I am working on my masters at GVSU in educational... Read More →

Sara Weeks

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EST
River Overlook B (DeVos Place - Upper Level)

Middle School to Post Secondary (6-12+)

Strand(s) Culturally Responsive Instruction, Diverse Literature for Children and Young Adults, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ)

1:00pm EST

Utilizing Free eResources from the Michigan eLibrary to Build Text Sets LIMITED

Saturday March 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

River Overlook B (DeVos Place - Upper Level)

The Michigan eLibrary (MeL) has many free eResources to support all citizens in the state. In this session we will pair nonfiction eResources (including articles, images, maps and video clips) in MeL with examples from the culturally diverse MISelf in Books title lists to build upon student learning and understanding.

Speakers

Ann Kaskinen

MeL Engagement Specialist, K-12, Michigan eLibrary/MCLS

The Michigan eLibrary (MeL) is a statewide online library service managed by the Library of Michigan, offering Michigan residents free access to a vast collection of digital resources like full-text articles, ebooks, and databases.

Saturday March 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
River Overlook B (DeVos Place - Upper Level)

Elementary (K-5) Literacy Coaching Middle School to Post Secondary (6-12+)

Strand(s) Digital Literacy, Disciplinary Literacy

2:30pm EST

Cultivating Culture: Making Our ELA Classroom Culturally Responsive and Engaging LIMITED

Saturday March 8, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

River Overlook B (DeVos Place - Upper Level)

How can we become more aware and attentive to our classroom culture? Based on research by Dr. Ernest Morrell, we explore instructional strategies that tap students’ experiences. From interacting with literature to infusing popular culture, educators will leave this session equipped with ways to create a more culturally-responsive and engaging classroom community.

Speakers

Elizabeth Gonzalez

Literacy Specialist, Savvas Learning Company

Saturday March 8, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST
River Overlook B (DeVos Place - Upper Level)

Middle School to Post Secondary (6-12+) Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Culturally Responsive Instruction, Diverse Literature for Children and Young Adults