69th MRA Conference: Full Schedule

Add sessions to your personal schedule to register your attendance (Check-In).

10:30am EST

Empowering Readers with Computational Thinking LIMITED

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

River Overlook D (DeVos Place - Upper Level)

Computational Thinking (CT) is a set of strategies for tackling complex problems. In this hands-on session, participants will discover how CT skills—decomposition, pattern recognition, algorithm design, and abstraction—can strengthen students' literacy skills, boost teacher efficacy, and integrate technology to enrich reading and writing instruction.

Speakers

Katie Marchionna

Michigan Computational Thinking Project Manager, Project Tomorrow

Ask me how Computational Thinking can give students the tools they need to be effective problem-solvers!

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

Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Digital Literacy, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ), Literacy Coaching and Leadership

10:30am EST

Enhancing Literacy Instruction: Selecting, Piloting, and Implementing High-Quality ELA Materials LIMITED

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

Grand Gallery B (DeVos Place)

This session explores how a district selected, piloted, and implemented high-quality ELA materials using the Essential Practices in Early Literacy. With a focus on transparency, teacher voice, and coaching support, participants will learn practical strategies to improve reading and writing instruction through collaborative, teacher-driven processes.

Speakers

Laura Allen

K-5 Instructional Coach, Pinckney Community Schools/LESA

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EST
Grand Gallery B (DeVos Place)

Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Literacy Coaching and Leadership

10:30am EST

Exploring the Early Literacy Assessment System Guide: A Tool to Drive and Support Early Literacy through the Development of a Balanced Assessment System LIMITED

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

Gallery Overlook D (Devos Place - Upper Level)

In this session, participants will be introduced to the Early Literacy Assessment System (ELAS) guide and how it can be used to develop key ideas and principles about the development and assessment of literacy, and how those ideas contribute to assessment system models that can be designed and implemented to support the literacy achievement of all Michigan students.

Speakers

Dr. Melissa Usiak

Assistant Professor, Executive Director, Michigan State University, Michigan ASCD

Truly excited to share resources with you around SEL. We need each and every member in our school communities leading this work. This is a session for ALL!

Ellen Vorenkamp

Professional Learning Director, Michigan Assessment Consortium

Ellen Vorenkamp has worked in the field of education for the past 30+ years. She currently serves as the Professional Learning Director for the Michigan Assessment Consortium (MAC).In addition, she is a lead for the FAME program through MDE, a board member for the MAC and a private... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EST
Gallery Overlook D (Devos Place - Upper Level)

Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Assessment and Evaluation, Early Language and Literacy, Literacy Coaching and Leadership

10:30am EST

Rookie to Rockstar: Empowering New Teachers for Long-Term Success LIMITED

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

Grand Gallery E (DeVos Place)

Infusing the JOY framework into our comprehensive professional development by unleashing the potential of new teachers, guiding them with support around the four pillars throughout the year, and fostering a culture of joy, excellence, and lifelong learning.Our comprehensive mentor training program is designed to empower and equip new teachers, prevent burnout, and ensure long-term success.

Speakers

Kate Rossetter

Engagement and Literacy Educational Consultant, EduKateR- LLC

Annemarie Johnson

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EST
Grand Gallery E (DeVos Place)

Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Advocacy, Literacy Coaching and Leadership, Literacy Educator Preparation

2:30pm EST

Turning Writing Woes into Wins: Practical Tools for Effective Writing Instruction LIMITED

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

Grand Gallery F (DeVos Place)

Explore our journey in Jenison Public Schools to address the need for explicit, systematic writing instruction. Hear how we equipped teachers with practical tools, engaging lesson plans, and professional development support. We’ll share our writing journey, celebrate successes, and inspire educators to transform writing instruction in their classrooms. Let’s unlock the joy of writing together!

Speakers

Nicole Nelson

National Curriculum Consultant, Learning A-Z

Erin Kornoely

Grade 3-6 Instructional Coach, Jenison Public Schools

Saturday March 8, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST
Grand Gallery F (DeVos Place)

Elementary (K-5) Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Foundational Writing Skills, Literacy Coaching and Leadership, Written Expression

2:30pm EST

Together We Can Do Great Things: The Journey of One Small County Doing Big Things in Literacy LIMITED

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

Grand Gallery E (DeVos Place)

One small rural county came together to make big things happen in literacy! Learn how the Lapeer County Literacy Team intentionally planned and implemented initiatives such as professional learning cohorts, model classroom libraries, and instructional rounds. Participants will walk away with ideas on how to optimally support teachers during initiatives and strive for high levels of participation.

Speakers

Kristal White

Literacy Consultant and Coach Coordinator, Lapeer County Intermediate School District

Literacy consultant and coach coordinator for LCISD since 2016. Former learning coach, k-5 literacy interventionist, and kindergarten teacher. Wife, mom of 3, and lifetime learner.

Saturday March 8, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST
Grand Gallery E (DeVos Place)

Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Diverse Literature for Children and Young Adults, Foundational Reading Skills, Literacy Coaching and Leadership

2:30pm EST

Transforming Literacy Education: Avondale School District's Journey to Exceptional Growth LIMITED

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

Gallery Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)

Join us to explore the transformative journey of the Avondale School District as we delve into the Michigan Essential Literacy Practices that propelled our district to achieve the highest growth in Oakland County on the state reading test.

Speakers

Sarah Stickney

District Literacy Coach MTSS Coordinator, Avondale School District

Jessica Guerra

Katie Carion

Helena Gorny

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

Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Foundational Reading Skills, Literacy Coaching and Leadership

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

Robin Pizzo

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 →

Laura Tortorelli

Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Gallery Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)

Appropriate for All Levels

Strand(s) Community and Family Literacy, Early Language and Literacy, Literacy Coaching and Leadership

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

Strand(s) Foundational Reading Skills, Foundational Writing Skills, Literacy Coaching and Leadership

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

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 →

Megan Kowalski

Special Education Teacher, Chicago Public Schools

Sunday March 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Grand Gallery E (DeVos Place)

Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Literacy Coaching and Leadership, Literacy Educator Preparation

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

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)

Strand(s) Early Language and Literacy, Literacy Coaching and Leadership

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

Jill Erfourth

Elementary Literacy Consultant/Coach, Utica Community Schools

Kristie Marks

Elementary Literacy Coach, Utica Community Schools

Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Grand Gallery C (DeVos Place)

Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Literacy Coaching and Leadership

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

Kate Rossetter

Engagement and Literacy Educational Consultant, EduKateR- LLC

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

Strand(s) Literacy Coaching and Leadership, Literacy Educator Preparation

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

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 →

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

Strand(s) Advocacy, Assessment and Evaluation, Literacy Coaching and Leadership

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

JoAnne West

Assistant Professor of Teacher Education, Saginaw Valley State University

Julie Brehmer

Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
Grand Gallery D (DeVos Place)

Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Foundational Writing Skills, Literacy Coaching and Leadership, Literacy Educator Preparation, Written Expression

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

Heather Rottermond

Assessment & Instruction Consultant, Wayne RESA

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

Strand(s) Assessment and Evaluation, Digital Literacy, Literacy Coaching and Leadership