Authors & Presenters

Lisa Tartaglia is a high school assistant principal in Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia. She has been an educator since 1994 and has experience as an elementary classroom teacher, reading specialist, and high school literacy coach.

Julie A. Taylor, PhD, is an education and curriculum consultant providing professional development, training, and coaching to educators, administrators, and leaders in nonprofit organizations and state education agencies nationwide and internationally.

Marisol Thayre is a teacher at Health Sciences High and Middle College in California. She teaches American literature and expository writing to upper division students of varying abilities and levels.

Jennifer Throndsen, PhD, is an education advisor and former director of teaching and learning for the Utah State Board of Education. With over 20 years of experience, she has served as a teacher, district office specialist, instructional coach, and state literacy coordinator.

Paige Timmerman is a high school English teacher at Salem Community High School in Salem, Illinois and a National Board Certified Teacher member since 2019. She strives to provide authentic, real-world writing opportunities that meet her students’ skills and interests.

Julia E. Torres is a librarian, veteran language arts teacher, and teen programs administrator in Denver, Colorado. Recognized across the United States for her work, Julia focuses on culturally inclusive literacy instruction and incorporating best practices within language arts.

Renee Tristan is an English language arts content specialist for Tomball Independent School District in Northwest Houston, TX. As an instructional leader and literacy coach, her work focuses on the implementation of standards-aligned teaching and higher levels of literacy for all students.

Kristen Hawley Turner is a professor and chair of education at the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies at Drew University, New Jersey. Her research focuses on the intersection between technology and literacy.

Javier Vaca is a teacher and instructional coach at Health Sciences High and Middle School in California. He previously served as an elementary school teacher and a reading intervention specialist.

Aimee Volk, PhD, is an assistant principal who specializes in ELA curriculum development and implementation, evidence-based and authentic literacy practices, instructional coaching, and empowering educators and learners by fostering self-efficacy and agency.