Instruction

Sam Futrell is a middle school social studies teacher at St. Michael’s Episcopal School in Richmond, Virginia. With over a decade of experience, she advocates for diversity, equity, and professional development in education.

This session explores the Big 5 components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Educators will gain practical, evidence-based strategies, examine how neuroscience informs instruction, and learn how to apply these practices within a response to intervention (RTI) framework to support all learners.

Beth Pandolpho is an instructional coach for grades 6–12, and she has taught English at the high school and college level for over 20 years. She is passionate about engaging in work that promotes equity and access for both teachers and students.

Emily Feltner, EdD, has over 30 years of experience at all levels in education. She works with schools and districts in the areas of leadership, literacy, and school improvement.

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.

How can we harness the power of reading in our classrooms to inspire students to write and share meaningful stories from their own lives? Join Kourtney Hake and Paige Timmerman in this insightful webinar, where they will explore the essential role mentor texts play in shaping and motivating student writers.

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.