69th MRA Conference: Full Schedule

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

10:30am EST

B is for Belonging LIMITED

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

River Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)

Creating a sense of belonging starts with building strong, meaningful foundations through connection. When kids feel accepted as they form their identities, there are positive mental health effects. In this session, many ideas and literacy connections will be shared to create a classroom atmosphere where kids see themselves reflected and respected.

Speakers

Shannon Anderson

Author, Brain Coach, Professor, Motivational Speaker, www.shannonisteaching.com

Shannon Anderson has taught for 25 years, from first grade through college level. She also served as the gifted coordinator for her school district and on the board of directors for the Indiana State Literacy Association. A highlight of her teaching career was being named one of the... Read More →

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

Elementary (K-5) Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Culturally Responsive Instruction, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ), Literacy Educator Preparation, Social-Emotional Learning and Wellness

10:30am EST

Reading, Writing, and Belonging: Creating a Culturally Responsive Classroom LIMITED

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

Grand Gallery F (DeVos Place)

Building a classroom culture that values every student’s voice is essential for creating a meaningful literacy experience.This session explores how educators can embrace identities as readers and writers, using literacy as a powerful tool for self-expression, community connection, and skill-building.

Speakers

Heather Palmer

Literacy Consultant, Wayne RESA

Carrie Fromm

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

Elementary (K-5) Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Culturally Responsive Instruction, Disciplinary Literacy, Writing in the Content Areas

10:30am EST

Indigenous Authors, Improving Student Culture at the K-8 Level LIMITED

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

Grand Gallery D (DeVos Place)

This session will introduce educators to student-appropriate Native American books. It explores how Native American literature can be used in the classroom to introduce students to culture, heritage, and ways of life that may differ from their own. This session will celebrate diversity and inclusion of students and focus on building a safe learning environment.

Speakers

Wendy Gilliard

6th grade teacher, Sault Area Public Schools

Sydnie Dumas

7th Grade ELA Teacher

I was born and raised in the Sault and came back home to teach at one of the middle schools. I attended JKL Bahweting School from grades K-8, which is funded by the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. After high school I attended Central Michigan University where I received a B.S in... Read More →

Kendall Moser

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

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

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

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

10:30am EST

Catalyzing Youth Superpowers—Co-Designing Joy, Laughter, and Peace Through Reading, Writing & Virtual Reality LIMITED

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

Gallery Overlook B (DeVos Place - Upper Level)

In a digital era dominated by violent video games, we're flipping the script. We are arming youth with reading, writing, storytelling, digital and peace literacy skills, catalyzing their superpowers. Our collaborative approach is groundbreaking; we're partnering with students, co-creating virtual reality gaming based on their real-world experiences. They aren't just players; they're co-designers!

Speakers

Dr. Erica Robertson

CEO, Adventures Publishing House

Adventures Publishing House is an international publishing house that provides books, content, curriculum, and experiences that educate, inspire, heal, and empower generations of young people, educators, families, and caretakers. We keep up with technological advances such as VR... Read More →

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

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

Strand(s) Digital Literacy, Social-Emotional Learning and Wellness, Written Expression

10:30am EST

Reading and Writing for Tier 2 and 3 Students, Students with Disabilities, and English Learners FILLING

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

River Overlook E (DeVos Place - Upper Level)

This session will explore strategies and best practices for teaching English Language Arts to create the most equitable experience possible for all students in a classroom setting regardless of race and ethnicity, disability status, language background, and socioeconomic status.

Speakers

Megan Kowalski

Special Education Teacher, Chicago Public Schools

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

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

Strand(s) Culturally Responsive Instruction, Digital Literacy, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ), Social-Emotional Learning and Wellness, Written Expression

10:30am EST

Room to Wrestle: Teaching with Novels in Verse LIMITED

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

Grand Gallery A (DeVos Place)

Sharing our experiences as educators and authors, we will highlight the power of using novels-in-verse to create space for students to wrestle with identity and complex topics. Participants can expect to engage in examples of hands-on lessons that use excerpts from various verse novels as we experiment and discover together.

Speakers

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 →

Dana VanderLugt

Secondary Literacy Consultant, Ottawa Area ISD

Dana VanderLugt is a writer and literacy consultant for the Ottawa Area ISD who has taught reading and writing in middle school, high school, and college classrooms.Her first book, Enemies in the Orchard: A World War 2 Novel in Verse was published by Zonderkidz in September 2023... Read More →

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

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

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

1:00pm EST

Books to Builds: STEM Activities to Compliment Your Favorite Read-Alouds LIMITED

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

Grand Gallery B (DeVos Place)

Integrate STEM seamlessly into read-alouds to boost comprehension and engagement without extra time. Learn to pair beloved stories with simple engineering challenges that bring texts to life while also building STEM skills. Discover new favorite picture books and walk away ready to enrich your read-alouds with interactive, story-based STEM activities.

Speakers

Terra Tarango

Director, Van Andel Institute for Education

Terra Tarango serves as Director of the Van Andel Institute for Education, overseeing innovative student programs, game-changing teacher professional development, and the implementation of Blue Apple projects where teachers inspire students to make the world a better place. She is... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Grand Gallery B (DeVos Place)

Elementary (K-5) Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Diverse Literature for Children and Young Adults, Foundational Reading Skills, Language Comprehension

1:00pm EST

Reading Is a Passport to a World Without Limits LIMITED

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

Grand Gallery F (DeVos Place)

This hands-on session will provide participants with research based practices and ideas in three areas of ELA instruction; how to build and utilize classroom libraries and engage students in literature, integrating literature across all subjects, and literacy models of co-teaching through partnerships with high schools and colleges. Participants will receive a book(s) and prizes!

Speakers

Mr. David Higgins

Principal, Dearborn Public Schools

Anfaal Shaout

Mariam Albachachy

Peggy Honer

Saturday March 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Grand Gallery F (DeVos Place)

Elementary (K-5) Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Foundational Reading Skills, Language Comprehension, Writing in the Content Areas

1:00pm EST

We Like Big Words and We Cannot Lie: Supporting Grades K-5 Students through Word Study, Decoding, and the English Language LIMITED

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

Grand Gallery E (DeVos Place)

Find success in word study! This session will highlight practices and strategies for supporting all students with their decoding and morphological awareness across kindergarten through 5th grade. Tips and tricks will be shared from Mesmer’s “Big Words for Young Readers” and Michigan’s Literacy Essentials K-3 & 4-5 documents.

Speakers

Meghan Block

Chad Waldron

Marie Berrell Endowed Professor of Literacy, Central Michigan University

Andy J. Schoenborn

Saturday March 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Grand Gallery E (DeVos Place)

Elementary (K-5) Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Early Language and Literacy, Foundational Reading Skills, Foundational Writing Skills

1:00pm EST

Writing from Scratch: Whip Up Delicious Writing Lessons Your Students Will Eat Up! LIMITED

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

River Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)

Motivating our young writers to take creative "whisks" can be tricky at the elementary level. In this practical, you-can-do-it session, you will learn strategies for young writers to add some flavor to their writing. Through demonstrations, video clips, and oodles of ideas, you’ll be excited to go back to the classroom and try some of these writing recipes with just the right dash of fun.

Speakers

Shannon Anderson

Author, Brain Coach, Professor, Motivational Speaker, www.shannonisteaching.com

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

Elementary (K-5) Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Foundational Writing Skills, Writing in the Content Areas, Written Expression

1:00pm EST

The Path to Fluency for ALL Readers: The Essential Components for Developing Struggling Readers FULL

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

Grand Gallery D (DeVos Place)

"Do you want me to do real reading or just read fast?" was the question from a student that stopped me in my tracks. I will tell the story of our journey in searching for a way to help our students become fluent and confident readers that supported "real reading".

Speakers

Angi Hoyer

Partner Success & Professional Learning Lead, Foundations In Learning

Saturday March 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Grand Gallery D (DeVos Place)

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

Strand(s) Assessment and Evaluation, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ), Foundational Reading Skills, Literacy Educator Preparation

1:00pm EST

Unlocking the Power of Morphology for Multilingual Learners FILLING

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

Gallery Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)

Explore the critical role of morphology in literacy development and its impact on reading and writing. Learn about how multilingual learners’ languages interact to support literacy. Gain resources to foster an inclusive learning environment. Learn strategies to integrate morphology instruction into your classroom. Discover how morphology can transform your reading instruction for ALL students!

Speakers

Angela Massey

Instruction Team Specialist, Institute of Multi-Sensory Education

Ms. Rachel Eggleston

Doctoral Candidate, University of Michigan

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

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

Strand(s) Foundational Reading Skills, Foundational Writing Skills, Multilingual and Multidialectal Literacy

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

1:00pm EST

Stories of Leadership & Liberation LIMITED

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

Grand Gallery C (DeVos Place)

This session will introduce participants to “Stories of Leadership & Liberation,” an innovative curriculum that uses select picture books to affirm, challenge, and deepen notions of leadership for children and adult learners. The liberatory texts center themes of communication, trust, and decision making. Participants will engage in dialogue, interactive read-aloud, and critical text analysis. Maren Oberman is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan Marsal Family School of Education in Ann Arbor, MI. She teaches in both undergraduate- and graduate- teacher- and leader-preparation programs. Her work uses both literature and history to support students' growth and development, advance justice-oriented education, interrogate white supremacy, and de-center whiteness, through the teaching of courses such as Stories of Leadership & Liberation, Exploring Whiteness, Introduction to Leadership Development, and Teaching to Transgress. Oberman also provides consultation and professional development to individuals, teams, schools, and organizations in the areas of racial identity development, intergroup dialogue, and justice aims.

Speakers

Dr. Maren Oberman

Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Michigan Marsal Family School of Education

Saturday March 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Grand Gallery C (DeVos Place)

Literacy Coaching

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

1:00pm EST

Transformative Literacy Teaching and Learning: A Community-Based Reading Initiative LIMITED

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

River Overlook F (Devos Place - Upper Level)

Educators will learn the importance of utilizing powerful community connections as a resource to foster literacy and language growth in their classrooms, schools, and/or districts. Using both statistical and anecdotal data, the presenters will discuss the results of a summer reading intervention and discuss strengths and challenges of community-based in-school and out-of-school interventions.

Speakers

Gwendolyn Thompson McMillon

Professor of Literacy, Oakland University

Danielle Alexander

Doctoral Student and Graduate Assistant, Oakland University

A former high school English/journalism teacher and university composition instructor, I am interested in the teaching and assessing of secondary and postsecondary student writing.

Qingxian Wang

Yujie Mao

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

Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Community and Family Literacy, Culturally Responsive Instruction, Foundational Reading Skills

1:00pm EST

We Are All Learners and We Are All Teachers: A Community of Practice for "Teaching for Black Lives" LIMITED

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

Gallery Overlook B (DeVos Place - Upper Level)

In this interactive session we will explore together how literacy communities can be reimagined as more just and transformative spaces by: 1) building collective professional learning opportunities in liberatory education; and 2) centering community-based literacy educators as equal partners alongside school-based educators.

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 →

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

Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Community and Family Literacy, Culturally Responsive Instruction, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ)

1:00pm EST

Independent Reading in High School That Honors Choice and Creativity and Doesn’t Kill the Love of Reading LIMITED

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

River Overlook D (DeVos Place - Upper Level)

How do you assess independent reading when you can’t read every book? How do you know if students are fake reading? How can you improve reading skills and practice important writing skills? How do you repair students’ relationships with reading? This session will tackle all this and provide adaptable solutions/ideas that can be taken from this session and used in classrooms.

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 →

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

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

Strand(s) Assessment and Evaluation, Diverse Literature for Children and Young Adults

1:00pm EST

Using Multicultural Poems to Get Students to Write LIMITED

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

Gallery Overlook A (DeVos Place - Upper Level)

Diverse works inspire empathy and good student writing. We will analyze poems by women, Hispanic, Native-American, Black, Arab-American, and Asian-American poets: Alberto Ríos, Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, Mong-Lan, Joy Harjo, Naomi Shihab Nye, Robert Hayden, etc. We will discuss what makes a poem outstanding. Participants will get handouts with poems, lesson plans, and a bibliography.

Speakers

Janet Ruth Heller

Past President, Michigan College English Association

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

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

Strand(s) Disciplinary Literacy, Diverse Literature for Children and Young Adults, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ)

2:30pm EST

Word Wizard: Casting Spells with Elementary Vocabulary FILLING

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

Grand Gallery B (DeVos Place)

Do your students have foundational reading skills but struggle with comprehension? Are you a preschool teacher and want to set up your students for success? This session will explain the significant role that vocabulary plays in reading comprehension, offer protocols to follow for explicitly teaching vocabulary, and how you can improve your day to day word choice in your classroom.

Speakers

Karen Roys

Literacy Coach / Early Math Specialist, Dryden Community Schools

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

Early Childhood (Birth-K) Elementary (K-5) Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Early Language and Literacy, Language Comprehension

2:30pm EST

40 Ways to Spark a Love of Reading FULL

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

River Overlook C (DeVos Place - Upper Level)

Inspire your students to enjoy reading with these 40 creative ideas you can use for years to come in your classroom, library, or school! Reading for pleasure leads to improved reading comprehension, writing skills, vocabulary, spelling, and grammatical development. Most importantly, reading for pleasure is crucial for developing life-long, avid readers.

Speakers

Shannon Anderson

Author, Brain Coach, Professor, Motivational Speaker, www.shannonisteaching.com

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

Elementary (K-5) Literacy Coaching

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

From the Author Toolbox - Using Mentor Texts for Reading It In and Writing It Out LIMITED

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

Gallery Overlook A (DeVos Place - Upper Level)

Help students enjoy ‘reading it in and writing it out’ by embracing their author mojo. Hear how a former classroom teacher and published picture book author uses mentor texts to mine ideas, format stories, and hone craft. Explore lessons, games, and activities that provide the space and opportunity for students to have their voices heard and to represent their own communities.

Speakers

Cindy Williams Schrauben

Author, Cindy Williams Schrauben Books

Cindy Williams Schrauben lives in west Michigan where she writes books for children that range from the truly serious to the seriously silly. When not writing or sharing her books, this award-winning author might be found dissecting her grandsons’ shenanigans for story ideas, reading... Read More →

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

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

Strand(s) Culturally Responsive Instruction, Early Language and Literacy, Foundational Writing Skills

2:30pm EST

Growing Together: Writing into Social Emotional Learning LIMITED

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

Grand Gallery D (DeVos Place)

In this session, educators will explore approaches to integrating social emotional learning (SEL) within daily writing opportunities. The presenters will share research-based strategies to embed SEL within writing practices alongside real-world examples including connecting to students’ funds of knowledge, fostering positive environments, and promoting self-awareness and self-regulation.

Speakers

Lindsay Stoetzel

Professor, Grand Valley State University

Matilyn Mumm

Angela Gonzalez-Urbina

I am a third grade TWBI teacher for Holland Language Academy for the last 5 years. I love being able to teach in Spanish and to share the love for the culture and language. In my free time I teach ballet folklorico for Ballet Folklorico Sol Azteca. I also love to spend time with... Read More →

Lexi Marzolf

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

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

Strand(s) Culturally Responsive Instruction, Social-Emotional Learning and Wellness, Written Expression

2:30pm EST

High-Impact Literacy Tutoring: Interventions and Strategies to Move Under-Performing Students Forward FULL

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

River Overlook A (DeVos Place - Upper Level)

This session will report on a university partnership that entails tutors working in schools with under performing students. There will be audience participation that highlights specifically promoting love, joy and passion for reading. Further, high-impact tutoring strategies and interventions will be featured that include: Getting to know our students as the heart of differentiating tutoring.

Speakers

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 →

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

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

Strand(s) Advocacy, Early Language and Literacy, Foundational Reading Skills

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

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

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

Dr. Leah van Belle

Senior Consultant, Learning and Impact, Detroit Parent Network

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

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

Jessica Crawford

District Literacy Coach, Fitzgerald Public Schools

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

Strand(s) Assessment and Evaluation

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

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

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

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

Strand(s) Digital Literacy, Social-Emotional Learning and Wellness

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

Empowering Student Voices: Composing and Communicating in a Digital Age LIMITED

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

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

Strand(s) Assessment and Evaluation, Digital Literacy, Diverse Literature for Children and Young Adults, Written Expression

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

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

Strand(s) Culturally Responsive Instruction, Multilingual and Multidialectal Literacy

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

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

Patti Skinner

Director of Library Services, West Shore Community College

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

Strand(s) Community and Family Literacy, Diverse Literature for Children and Young Adults, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ)

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

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.

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

Strand(s) Advocacy, Foundational Reading Skills, Literacy Educator Preparation

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

Margaret Policastro

Department Chair, Professor and Director of Language and Literacy, Roosevelt University

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+)

Strand(s) Culturally Responsive Instruction, Diverse Literature for Children and Young Adults, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ), Early Language and Literacy, Literacy Educator Preparation, Literacy Policy for Equity and Justice, Writing for Equity a

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

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

Strand(s) Diverse Literature for Children and Young Adults, Early Language and Literacy

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

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

Stephanie Howay

Literacy Specialist and Coach, St. Mary Mt. Clemens

Jennifer Smart

Andrea Korotko

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

Literacy Coaching

Strand(s) Foundational Reading Skills, Foundational Writing Skills

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

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

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

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

Strand(s) Assessment and Evaluation, Writing in the Content Areas, Written Expression