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Sunday, March 9
 

8:00am EDT

Registration and Check-in at DeVos Place
Sunday March 9, 2025 8:00am - 8:30am EDT
DeVos Place
If you haven’t had a chance to check in yet, we encourage you to do so on Sunday. Attendee registration and check-in will be available at the DeVos Place Registration Booth. Stop by to pick up your badge, conference materials, and any additional information you may need. Our team is excited to welcome you and help make your conference experience great!
 
Sunday March 9, 2025 8:00am - 8:30am EDT
DeVos Place 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

8:00am EDT

Exhibit Hall Hours 8:00am - 12:00pm
Sunday March 9, 2025 8:00am - 12:00pm EDT
DeVos Place
Take time to explore the Exhibit Hall. Visit exhibitors, discover new resources, and connect with industry professionals. Whether you're searching for innovative tools, educational materials, or valuable networking opportunities, make the most of this dedicated time to engage and learn!

Sunday March 9, 2025 8:00am - 12:00pm EDT
DeVos Place 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

8:30am EDT

Gather in Community: Welcome & Keynote Session with Kelly J. Baptist
Sunday March 9, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
DeVos Ballroom A/B
Day 2 Conference Schedule
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Gather in Community: Welcome & Intro
Start your day by coming together for a warm welcome and exciting announcements! We’ll celebrate the 30 Under 30 Award recipients, share the results of the election, and reveal the 2026 theme.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Keynote General Session: Kelly J. Baptist
Join us as we kick off Day 2 with a keynote session from Kelly J. Baptist. In her presentation, "The Art of Taking A Breath," Kelly will guide us to pause, reflect, and embrace the power of being present. As literacy educators, we often keep moving forward, but what happens when we intentionally take a breath? Kelly will help us explore the importance of balance, renewal, and purpose in our work every day.
Let’s gather in community, take a collective breath, and set the tone for a meaningful and enriching Day 2 of the conference!


Speakers
avatar for Kelly J. Baptist

Kelly J. Baptist

Kelly J. Baptist is the award-winning author of eight books for kids, including Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero, The Electric Slide and Kai, and the NAACP Image Award-nominated Eb & Flow. Kelly was the 2023 Gwen Frostic Award recipient. She lives and writes in Southwest Michigan, where her... Read More →
Sunday March 9, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
DeVos Ballroom A/B

10:00am EDT

Exhibit Hall Exploration 10:00am
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
DeVos Place
Take time to explore the Exhibit Hall from 10:00 to 10:30 AM! Visit exhibitors, discover new resources, and connect with industry professionals. Whether you're searching for innovative tools, educational materials, or valuable networking opportunities, make the most of this dedicated time to engage and learn!
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
DeVos Place 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

10:30am EDT

Classroom Ebb and Flow
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
DeVos Ballroom C
As literacy educators, we don't have to remind ourselves to keep breathing. But what happens when we consciously Take A Breath?
Speakers
avatar for Kelly J. Baptist

Kelly J. Baptist

Kelly J. Baptist is the award-winning author of eight books for kids, including Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero, The Electric Slide and Kai, and the NAACP Image Award-nominated Eb & Flow. Kelly was the 2023 Gwen Frostic Award recipient. She lives and writes in Southwest Michigan, where her... Read More →
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
DeVos Ballroom C
  Appropriate for All Levels

10:30am EDT

Science of Reading + Birth to Age 5 Educator, Family, and Community Engagement = Building a Reading Brain FILLING
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Gallery Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
Interested in a public media resource to promote family engagement in literacy development? Join us to view the WKAR documentary, Building the Reading Brain. We'll explore how we learn to read, backed by brain science and linguistics. Participate in guided discussions, see connections to Literacy Essentials, and receive resources for immediate use in your context. Don't miss it!
Speakers
RP
avatar for Annie Spear

Annie Spear

Project Director Michigan Learning Channel, MAISA
I am a passionate literacy educator, consultant, and author committed to supporting fellow educators, leaders, and community partners in service of children and families. My work is centered on literacy research for ages birth to age 10. Through my work with MAISA’s Literacy Essentials... Read More →
LT
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Gallery Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
  Appropriate for All Levels

10:30am EDT

Decolonizing the Bookshelf: STEM Books That Celebrate Black and Brown Brilliance LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Grand Gallery B (DeVos Place)
We'll dig into engaging, gorgeous STEM picture books and informational books that center Black and Brown experiences. We'll explore how these books can support elementary-age learners in growing STEM identities and aspirations, as well as content area learning and literacy skills. Participants will share resources for decolonizing the bookshelf and teaching for literacy and STEM equity.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Leah van Belle

Dr. Leah van Belle

Senior Consultant, Learning and Impact, Detroit Parent Network
Leah serves as Senior Consultant for Learning & Impact with Detroit Parent Network and is Part-Time Faculty at Eastern Michigan University. A proud Detroiter and first-generation high school graduate, her professional and community work have focused on literacy access and equity... Read More →
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Grand Gallery B (DeVos Place)
  Early Childhood (Birth-K)   Elementary (K-5)   Literacy Coaching

10:30am EDT

Advancing Thinking through Writing Across Content Areas: Read It In, Write It Out! FILLING
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Grand Gallery C (DeVos Place)
This session will explore effective strategies for integrating explicit writing instruction across content areas. Participants will learn to implement explicit writing lessons that foster clarity and coherence in student writing, supporting them in connecting ideas, refining their understanding, and enhancing comprehension while emphasizing foundational sentence- and paragraph-level skills. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how this structured approach enhances students' writing abilities and supports their overall academic achievement across content areas. Audience: classroom teachers 2-5, literacy coach, special education, admnistrator

Speakers
avatar for Jill Erfourth

Jill Erfourth

Elementary Literacy Consultant/Coach, Utica Community Schools
RC
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Grand Gallery C (DeVos Place)
  Elementary (K-5)

10:30am EDT

Writing Inside the Room: Using the Reading Rope, Content Knowledge, and Shared Experiences to Build Strong Foundational Writing Skills in K-1 LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Grand Gallery A (DeVos Place)
This session will help early elementary teachers learn to simplify the process of teaching foundational writing skills by focusing on the separation of composition and transcription. The presenter will share classroom experience, strategies and resources to take writing from a stand alone subject to an integrated experience across the day.
Speakers
avatar for Nicole Cobb

Nicole Cobb

Kindergarten Teacher, Almont Community Schools
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Grand Gallery A (DeVos Place)
  Elementary (K-5)

10:30am EDT

Data Data Everywhere: Understanding Reading Assessments to Plan Small-Group Instruction in the Upper Grades FILLING
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Grand Gallery D (DeVos Place)
The Essential Practices tell us that we should plan targeted small group instruction based on “children’s observed and assessed needs in specific aspects of literacy development.” Two literacy coaches will share how to efficiently gather and analyze Oral Reading Fluency data to plan effective small group instruction for students in grades 3-5.
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Crawford

Jessica Crawford

District Literacy Coach, Fitzgerald Public Schools
avatar for Kristie Marks

Kristie Marks

Elementary Literacy Coach, Utica Community Schools
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Grand Gallery D (DeVos Place)
  Elementary (K-5)   Literacy Coaching

10:30am EDT

Leading Change that Increases Literacy Achievement FULL
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Gallery Overlook A (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
In this session literacy leaders will discover effective reading and writing strategies to boost literacy achievement for all students. The presenter will draw on her experience as a district leader, where literacy scores rose by 20% in four years including one year of virtual instruction. Participants will learn how they can drive improvements that enhance student outcomes in reading and writing.
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Gallery Overlook A (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
  Literacy Coaching

10:30am EDT

Professional Book Clubs for Teachers Writers LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Grand Gallery E (DeVos Place)
Participants will learn how the Chippewa River Writing Project book club was founded and what core values could guide adult professional book clubs; this includes supporting and encouraging each other to consider best practices and implement new strategies into our diverse classrooms. We will also brainstorm strategies and provide resources for building your own beloved learning communities.
Speakers
avatar for Becky Schwartz

Becky Schwartz

High School Teacher, Springport Public Schools
Becky Schwartz is an English/Social Studies teacher at Springport High School in Jackson county Michigan. In her over 10 years of teaching, she has taught 7th - 12 grade in English, social studies, and computer science. She has been a teacher consultant with the Chippewa River Writing... Read More →
MK

Megan Kowalski

Special Education Teacher, Chicago Public Schools
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Grand Gallery E (DeVos Place)
  Literacy Coaching

10:30am EDT

Building Reading Identity through Reading Community in the Middle Grades LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
River Overlook B (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
In this session, upper elementary and middle school teachers will learn tips and tricks for creating a vibrant, engaging independent reading community in their classroom. The presenter will share classroom ready strategies and activities with links and resources embedded into the presentation.
Speakers
avatar for Jenny Sanford

Jenny Sanford

Teacher, Springport Public Schools
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
River Overlook B (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
  Middle School to Post Secondary (6-12+)

10:30am EDT

Making Mischievous Writers LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
River Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
In this session, we will explore a very unique writing kit that includes unorthodox writing prompts and artifacts that will inspire students to write in a way that is joyful, meaningful, and a little mischievous. The presenter will share the method behind the madness for what is a truly fun and unique writing experience.
Speakers
avatar for Jonah Lane-Moore

Jonah Lane-Moore

7th Grade English Teacher, Michigan Virtual Charter Academy
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
River Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
  Middle School to Post Secondary (6-12+)

10:30am EDT

Empathy & Digital Literacy: A Sample Unit Plan for Adolescent Developing Readers LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
River Overlook A (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
In this session, middle school and high school teachers will be guided through a unit plan that engages developing adolescent readers in viewing and analyzing digital texts, and understanding and synthesizing multiple perspectives through writing. Participants will leave with a ready-to-implement unit plan, and will be equipped to apply these strategies to their own teaching contexts.
Speakers
avatar for Julee Boland

Julee Boland

Reading Specialist and Director of Professional Development and School Improvement, Washtenaw Technical Middle College
Hello! I’m a high school reading specialist and the Director of Professional Development and School Improvement for Washtenaw Technical Middle College in Ann Arbor. I have more than 20 years of teaching experience working with adolescent readers. At WTMC, I've conducted action research... Read More →
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
River Overlook A (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
  Middle School to Post Secondary (6-12+)   Literacy Coaching

10:30am EDT

Empowering Literacy with Scaffolded Writing and AI Tools Across Disciplines FULL
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Gallery Overlook D (Devos Place - Upper Level)
Join us for an engaging and transformative session that delves into the profound impact of scaffolded writing and AI tools on literacy across all content areas. This session is designed to equip educators with practical strategies to enhance literacy instruction, support all learners, and integrate innovative AI tools into their teaching practices.
Speakers
avatar for Jenelle Williams

Jenelle Williams

Literacy Consultant, Oakland Schools
Jenelle Williams joined the Leadership and School Improvement unit at Oakland Schools in 2017 following 18 years of experience in public schools at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She has served as a classroom teacher, IB Middle Years Programme Coordinator, teacher... Read More →
Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Gallery Overlook D (Devos Place - Upper Level)
  Middle School to Post Secondary (6-12+)   Literacy Coaching

11:30am EDT

Exhibit Hall Exploration 11:30am FULL
Sunday March 9, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm EDT
DeVos Place
Take time to explore the Exhibit Hall from 11:30 to 12:00 NOON! Visit exhibitors, discover new resources, and connect with industry professionals. Whether you're searching for innovative tools, educational materials, or valuable networking opportunities, make the most of this dedicated time to engage and learn!
Sunday March 9, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm EDT
DeVos Place 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA

11:30am EDT

Early Career Educators' Brunch
Sunday March 9, 2025 11:30am - 1:00pm EDT
Ambassador West (Amway)
Sunday March 9, 2025 11:30am - 1:00pm EDT
Ambassador West (Amway)

11:30am EDT

Ticketed Event: Kaleidoscope Luncheon
Sunday March 9, 2025 11:30am - 1:00pm EDT
Ambassador East (Amway)
2025 Kaleidoscope Student Author Brunch
This year, we’re excited to celebrate our student authors with a special presentation by Emmy Kastner, a talented author and illustrator of children's books such as So Tortoise Dug (2025), While You’re Asleep, and A Very Big Fall. Emmy, a former high school teacher, co-founded the youth writing center Read and Write Kalamazoo (RAWK), which is dedicated to amplifying youth voices through reading and writing. She lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan with her family and spends her days writing and creating art in her studio above their family-owned coffee shop. This is a ticketed student event.
Speakers
avatar for Emmy Kastner

Emmy Kastner

Emmy is an author and illustrator of children’s books, including SO TORTOISE DUG (2025), WHILE YOU’RE ASLEEP, and A VERY BIG FALL. A former high school teacher, Emmy taught English and science in San Francisco, CA. Moving back to Michigan, she co-founded the youth writing cen... Read More →
Sunday March 9, 2025 11:30am - 1:00pm EDT
Ambassador East (Amway)

12:30pm EDT

Empowering Student Voices: Composing and Communicating in a Digital Age
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Grand Gallery D (DeVos Place)
In today’s educational landscape, digital technologies are vital for student expression and engagement. This session will explore how students can compose and communicate using digital tools while developing essential digital literacy skills. We will discuss various platforms—like blogs, video software, and social media. that foster creativity and collaboration.
Speakers
EH

Elaina Heard

Chief Executive Officer, Watson's Way ABA
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Grand Gallery D (DeVos Place)
  Early Childhood (Birth-K)   Elementary (K-5)   Literacy Coaching

12:30pm EDT

Going Deeper with GELN’s Essential Practices in Early Literacy LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Grand Gallery A (DeVos Place)
In this session, we will explore resources and tools that support the implementation of the GELN’s Essential Instructional Practices for Early Literacy and help the practices to thrive in your school. Come engage with resources designed to take implementation to a new level.
Speakers
avatar for Heather Phelps

Heather Phelps

Early Literacy Professional Learning Coordinator, MAISA
Heather Phelps is an Early Literacy Professional Learning Coordinator at MAISA. Heather’s background includes teaching in elementary and middle school classrooms, coaching teachers in K-12 settings, and serving in multiple leadership roles at the LEA and ISD levels.  A highlight... Read More →
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Grand Gallery A (DeVos Place)
  Elementary (K-5)

12:30pm EDT

Moving Past Book Trauma for Neurodivergent Readers! Learn How to Reduce the Struggle so Students Can Strive in Reading and Writing. FULL
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Gallery Overlook D (Devos Place - Upper Level)
Neurodivergent readers struggle with executive functions and self-regulation which form barriers when connecting to texts. In this session, we explore how some readers gasp while breathing in the words or freeze while breathing out the appropriate marks on paper. You will learn about co-regulation and how to use our Take Back to Class accommodation guide to build their reading and writing muscles!
Speakers
avatar for Nancy Roop

Nancy Roop

Publisher, Developmental Texts, LLC
I publish early chapter books in a developmental format to support reading comprehension with sensory-friendly, early chapter books. Using dialog, nonfiction, and storytelling, the reader's path is wrapped around the topic which is real, relatable, and relevant!I promote neurodiversity... Read More →
MC
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Gallery Overlook D (Devos Place - Upper Level)
  Elementary (K-5)

12:30pm EDT

Enhancing English Literacy through Content-Based Instruction and L1 Support: Strategies for Engaging Multilingual Learners LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Grand Gallery B (DeVos Place)
In a world of increasing linguistic diversity, effectively nurturing English literacy among multilingual learners, is crucial. This session will focus on two powerful strategies: employing content-based instruction (CBI) to engage students and leveraging first language (L1) literacy skills and background knowledge to support English literacy development.
Speakers
AS

Austyn Sabin

Newcomer ESL Teacher, Kalamazoo Public Schools
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Grand Gallery B (DeVos Place)
  Elementary (K-5)   Literacy Coaching

12:30pm EDT

Enhancing Student Outcomes Through Student-Centered Coaching FILLING
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Grand Gallery C (DeVos Place)

This session explores student-centered coaching as a strategy for improving student outcomes. Key principles include setting measurable goals, using data to guide instruction, and fostering reflective, collaborative dialogue. Through ongoing data analysis, coaches and teachers monitor progress and adjust instruction to support evolving needs, focusing on continuous growth and student success.
Speakers
avatar for Jill Erfourth

Jill Erfourth

Elementary Literacy Consultant/Coach, Utica Community Schools
avatar for Kristie Marks

Kristie Marks

Elementary Literacy Coach, Utica Community Schools
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Grand Gallery C (DeVos Place)
  Literacy Coaching

12:30pm EDT

Teacher Book Studies: Fostering Collaborative Professional Learning LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Grand Gallery E (DeVos Place)
Discover the power of teacher book studies as collaborative professional learning. This session explores the importance of educators learning together through organized book studies, drawing from years of experience, including pandemic adaptations. Learn to set up effective book studies, nurture teacher literacy, and translate insights into classroom practice.
Speakers
avatar for Kate Rossetter

Kate Rossetter

Engagement and Literacy Educational Consultant, EduKateR- LLC
avatar for Melissa Brooks-Yip

Melissa Brooks-Yip

Education Consultant, Doctoral Candidate, Teacher Education for Action, TEA LLC
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Grand Gallery E (DeVos Place)
  Literacy Coaching

12:30pm EDT

Unbound: Books Not Boundaries LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
River Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
Our session is for teachers, school administrators, school librarians, and public librarians. This presentation will detail a plan for how to establish a program where school students access their community library catalog in class, order books online, and the public library processes the requests and delivers the books to the schools.
Speakers
PS

Patti Skinner

Director of Library Services, West Shore Community College
avatar for Ingrid Fournier

Ingrid Fournier

Branch Manager - Scottville, Mason County District Library
After a 30 year career as public school teacher (grades 3-8), I stepped into the role of Branch Manager at the Scottville Library which is part of the Mason County District Library (Ludington and Scottville). Collaborating with our local schools, Westshore Community College, the Scottville... Read More →
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
River Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
  Literacy Coaching

12:30pm EDT

Come to Camp! Creating an Inclusive, Positive Literacy Summer Camp Experience for Middle School Students LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
River Overlook A (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
How can middle-grades students reconnect to their love of reading and writing? Invite them to a Summer Camp to rebuild their literate identities! Presenters share how an ISD-created middle school literacy program has helped students read and write more while optimizing choice, collaboration and creativity. Learn about the basic summer camp structure, low-cost resources, and how to collect data.
Speakers
avatar for Liz Lietz, MRA President

Liz Lietz, MRA President

ELA Consultant, Macomb Intermediate School District
Liz Lietz is an ELA Consultant for the Macomb Intermediate School District. She is currently serving as the President of the Michigan Reading Association, and is a Member-At-Large for NCTE's Conference on English Leadership (CEL) executive board. Liz taught high school English and... Read More →
avatar for Sara Belvedere

Sara Belvedere

Secondary English & Continuous Improvement Consultant, Macomb ISD
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
River Overlook A (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
  Middle School to Post Secondary (6-12+)

12:30pm EDT

Just Read It: Unlocking the Magic of Independent Reading LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
DeVos Ballroom C
Educator and author Dr. Jarred Amato will reflect on his literacy journey and reveal how he continues to refine his game plan, particularly in today’s algorithmic age, to engage and empower adolescent readers – one book and one conversation at a time.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Jarred Amato

Dr. Jarred Amato

Founder, Project LIT Community
Dr. Jarred Amato is an award-winning English teacher, the co-founder of Project LIT Community, a grassroots literacy movement, and the author of Just Read It: Unlocking the Magic of Independent Reading in Middle and High School Classrooms. Jarred is an avid reader and writer who enjoys... Read More →
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
DeVos Ballroom C
  Middle School to Post Secondary (6-12+)

12:30pm EDT

Read STOP Write: Teaching Foundational Skills in a Middle Grades Multicomponent Reading Intervention LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Gallery Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
In this session, upper elementary and middle school teachers can experience a research based, multicomponent reading and writing intervention designed for middle grade students. This open source intervention uses science and social studies texts to integrate instruction in multisyllabic decoding, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing.
Speakers
AE

Amy Edlefson

Graduate Student, Michigan State University
LT
JS

John Strong

Assistant Professor, University at Buffalo
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Gallery Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
  Middle School to Post Secondary (6-12+)

12:30pm EDT

Silent Sustained Reading in High School: Fostering a Love of Reading in the Classroom and Building a Culture of Literacy within the School LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Gallery Overlook B (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
In this inspiring session, teachers will learn how we are creating a culture of literacy within our department and school by utilizing a strategic system of SSR, which embraces goal setting, metacognitive thinking, sharing progress, celebrating personal reading, and collective growth. As classroom teachers in the field, our resources will be embedded in the presentation for you to copy and adapt for your context. Just add books!
Speakers
avatar for Mrs. Becky Gerhart

Mrs. Becky Gerhart

High School English Teacher, Mason County Central
Teaching English full-time since 2008. Mother of 7-year-old boy/girl twins. I fly kites on the shore of Lake Michigan.
avatar for Katarina Moore
Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Gallery Overlook B (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
  Middle School to Post Secondary (6-12+)   Literacy Coaching

1:45pm EDT

Braided Pathways: Funding Literacy Innovations LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
River Overlook B (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
Unlock the secrets to successful grant writing in this engaging session! Discover five essential principles for securing funding to fuel projects aligned with the literacy essentials. "Read it in" as you uncover key insights into the grant-writing process, and "Write it out" with powerful strategies to craft winning proposals. Plus, gain access to a Padlet packed with tools to support your journey. Best of all, you’ll learn about any grants that are open and ready for submission right now! Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your ideas into funded realities—let’s make grant writing fun and rewarding!

Speakers
avatar for Carol Ann Paul

Carol Ann Paul

Manager of State and Federal Programs and Special Populations, Wayne RESA
Carol Ann Paul is the Manager of State and Federal Programs and Special Populations at Wayne RESA, bringing over 20 years of experience in education. With a career spanning elementary through collegiate levels, she has held key roles including Reading Specialist, Executive Director... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Leah van Belle

Dr. Leah van Belle

Senior Consultant, Learning and Impact, Detroit Parent Network
Leah serves as Senior Consultant for Learning & Impact with Detroit Parent Network and is Part-Time Faculty at Eastern Michigan University. A proud Detroiter and first-generation high school graduate, her professional and community work have focused on literacy access and equity... Read More →
Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
River Overlook B (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
  Appropriate for All Levels

1:45pm EDT

Where I'm From: Centering Adolescent Engagement, Voice, and Literacy Identity through a University-Community Partnership LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
Gallery Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
Presenters will share a model co-created with a community partner for engaging middle grade students in finding their voices as readers and writers through multiple modalities. Students explore their identities in creative ways while exploring literacy in a variety of genres including building from their interests and identities to compose their own music.
Speakers
MH

Maggie Hanna

Assistant Professor, Teacher Education, Eastern Michigan University
JL
Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
Gallery Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
  Appropriate for All Levels

1:45pm EDT

What Does Handwriting Have to Do with Reading? FULL
Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
Grand Gallery C (DeVos Place)
This handwriting session dives into mirror invariance (MI) and its impact on early literacy. MI allows us to recognize objects regardless of its orientation. But, this can pose challenges for distinguishing between letters that look similar, such as b, d, or p. This can make learning to read and write difficult for children. Handwriting is crucial to address MI and reading success.
Speakers
avatar for Meagan Beam

Meagan Beam

Founder, OTTER Reading
Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
Grand Gallery C (DeVos Place)
  Early Childhood (Birth-K)   Elementary (K-5)

1:45pm EDT

25 Culturally Relevant Read-Alouds that Motivate Students into Independent Reading and Writing FILLING
Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
River Overlook A (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
This session will highlight the most recent culturally relevant children's and adolescent literature. Participants will be engaged in interactive read-aloud, how to do them and featuring books that prepare students to write and become activists for change in their community. This will be an interactive session with audience participation and resources to bring back to the classroom and use.
Speakers
avatar for Margaret Policastro

Margaret Policastro

Department Chair, Professor and Director of Language and Literacy, Roosevelt University
Dr. Policastro is a professor of language and literacy at Roosevelt University where she is the director of the Literacy leadership MA program and the founding director of the Summer Reading Clinic. She teachers graduate and undergraduate courses in Language and Literacy. Dr. Policastro... Read More →
Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
River Overlook A (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
  Early Childhood (Birth-K)   Elementary (K-5)   Literacy Coaching   Middle School to Post Secondary (6-12+)

1:45pm EDT

Curating Dynamic & Diverse Classroom Libraries that Engage Students and Encourage Reading LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
Grand Gallery B (DeVos Place)
This session provides elementary school teachers with the tools and resources needed to build a classroom library that packs a powerful punch and gets kids to spend more time reading. The presenter will share evidence-based practices, tips & tricks for library management, book acquisition suggestions, and titles that interest and inspire young readers. Attendees will have the chance to win a Birdie's Book Box filled with 35 books to take home and add to their K-5 elementary classroom libraries.
Speakers
avatar for Alyce Hartman

Alyce Hartman

Founder & Executive Director, Birdie's Bookmobile
Alyce Hartman is a dedicated urban educator and curriculum developer with over ten years of experience in teaching and the non-profit sector. She specializes in early language, literacy, and diverse and culturally relevant literature for children and young adults. She teaches STEAM... Read More →
Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
Grand Gallery B (DeVos Place)
  Elementary (K-5)   Literacy Coaching

1:45pm EDT

Get Off to the “Write” Start! How to Support Early Career Teachers’ Writing Instruction LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
Grand Gallery D (DeVos Place)
This session will provide a brief overview of one Community of Practice (CoP) focused on early career teachers and effective elementary writing instruction. The bulk of the session will outline the planning approach for this CoP as well as provide work time to plan for a CoP that could be adopted by building administrators, mentor teachers, coaches, or other teacher education professionals.
Speakers
JW

JoAnne West

Assistant Professor of Teacher Education, Saginaw Valley State University
JB
Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
Grand Gallery D (DeVos Place)
  Literacy Coaching

1:45pm EDT

Our Journey to the Science of Reading: How One School Went from Sporadic Literacy to Systematic Literacy LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
Grand Gallery A (DeVos Place)
Through three different lenses - Literacy Coach & Interventionist, 2nd grade teacher, and 6th grade teacher - participants will get an in-depth look at how the CKLA curriculum + LETRS training + daily dedicated intervention/enrichment time has equipped our teachers to implement the Science of Reading (SoR) in PreK-8th grade classrooms.
Speakers
SH

Stephanie Howay

Literacy Specialist and Coach, St. Mary Mt. Clemens
JS
AK
Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
Grand Gallery A (DeVos Place)
  Literacy Coaching

1:45pm EDT

Write It Out: Telling Your Coaching Story with Data and Digital Tools LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
Grand Gallery E (DeVos Place)
Data stories can be challenging, especially for literacy coaches. Deciding on data points to highlight as well as how to communicate that data to stakeholders can be daunting. This hands-on session will show literacy coaches an array of digital tools to help analyze and effectively present audience-friendly data stories for a variety of purposes. Participants are encouraged to bring a device.
Speakers
avatar for Heather Rottermond

Heather Rottermond

Assessment & Instruction Consultant, Wayne RESA
avatar for Laura Gabrion

Laura Gabrion

Literacy Consultant, Wayne RESA
Laura Gabrion is an English Language Arts Consultant for Wayne RESA. In 2017, Laura defended her dissertation in Reading Education with an emphasis on improving student writing. Her current projects and interests involve disciplinary literacy, literacy coaching, family/community engagement... Read More →
Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
Grand Gallery E (DeVos Place)
  Literacy Coaching

1:45pm EDT

Getting to the Heart of Disciplinary Literacy in the Secondary Classroom LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
Gallery Overlook B (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
In this two-part series, we’ll dive into the why and the how for integrating reading, writing and discussion in the classroom. Teachers will walk away with an understanding of literacy research and practical strategies for the classroom that link strong purposes for reading to focused writing tasks & discussions. Plus, participants will gain access to a toolkit of ready-to-use resources.
Speakers
ET

Emily Toy

6-12 ELA and Social Studies Curriculum and Instructional Technology Specialist, Warren Consolidated Schools
KB
Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
Gallery Overlook B (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
  Middle School to Post Secondary (6-12+)   Literacy Coaching

1:45pm EDT

Helping Students Connect to Text-Based Assessments and Facilitating Creative Essay Writing LIMITED
Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
River Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
In this session, teachers will learn ways to help middle and high school students connect to informational texts. Teachers will then learn how to use those student connections to inspire students to write creative text-based assessment essays.
Speakers
avatar for Liz Ropp

Liz Ropp

Literacy Coach, KEYS Grace Academy
Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
River Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
  Middle School to Post Secondary (6-12+)   Literacy Coaching
 
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    303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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    Gallery Overlook A (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
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    Gallery Overlook D (Devos Place - Upper Level)
    Grand Gallery A (DeVos Place)
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    Grand Gallery C (DeVos Place)
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    Imperial Ballroom (Amway)
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    River Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
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Friday, March 7
Saturday, March 8
Sunday, March 9
Ambassador East (Amway)
Ambassador West (Amway)
Amway Concourse
DeVos Ballroom A/B
DeVos Ballroom C
DeVos Place
Gallery Overlook A (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
Gallery Overlook B (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
Gallery Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
Gallery Overlook D (Devos Place - Upper Level)
Grand Gallery A (DeVos Place)
Grand Gallery B (DeVos Place)
Grand Gallery C (DeVos Place)
Grand Gallery D (DeVos Place)
Grand Gallery E (DeVos Place)
Grand Gallery F (DeVos Place)
Imperial Ballroom (Amway)
River Overlook A (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
River Overlook B (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
River Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
River Overlook D (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
River Overlook E (DeVos Place - Upper Level)
River Overlook F (Devos Place - Upper Level)
Virtual Event
  • Appropriate for All Levels
  • Early Childhood (Birth-K)
  • Elementary (K-5)
  • Literacy Coaching
  • Middle School to Post Secondary (6-12+)
  • Strand(s)
  • Advocacy
  • and Justice (DEIJ)
  • Assessment and Evaluation
  • Community and Family Literacy
  • Culturally Responsive Instruction
  • Digital Literacy
  • Disciplinary Literacy
  • Diverse Literature for Children and Young Adults
  • Diversity
  • Early Language and Literacy
  • Equity
  • Foundational Reading Skills
  • Foundational Writing Skills
  • Inclusion
  • Language Comprehension
  • Literacy Coaching and Leadership
  • Literacy Educator Preparation
  • Literacy Policy for Equity and Justice
  • Multilingual and Multidialectal Literacy
  • Social-Emotional Learning and Wellness
  • Writing for Equity a
  • Writing in the Content Areas
  • Written Expression