69th MRA Conference: Full Schedule

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10:30am EDT

Decolonizing the Bookshelf: STEM Books That Celebrate Black and Brown Brilliance LIMITED

Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

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

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

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

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

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

Strand(s) Digital Literacy, Disciplinary Literacy, Writing in the Content Areas

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

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 →

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+)

Strand(s) Disciplinary Literacy, Diverse Literature for Children and Young Adults, Written Expression

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

Emily Toy

6-12 ELA and Social Studies Curriculum and Instructional Technology Specialist, Warren Consolidated Schools

Kevin Bullis

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

Strand(s) Disciplinary Literacy, Writing in the Content Areas, Written Expression