Literacy

Explore how teacher teams can ensure equitable literacy learning so that every student masters essential reading standards. Jacqueline Heller and Paula Maeker, authors of Literacy in a PLC at Work®: Guiding Teams to Get Going and Get Better in K–6 Reading, will help literacy educators navigate the teaching, learning, assessment, and feedback cycle of reading through the lens of Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work.

This intensive 2-day workshop (12 hours total) will guide school leaders, instructional coaches, and educators through the essential components of implementing a research-aligned, system-level Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to drive substantial reading improvement in their elementary and middle schools. Grounded in the science of reading and system-level change, participants will learn how to make data-driven decisions and build collaborative teams that sustain improvement over time.

Attendees will learn practical ways to involve multiple stakeholders in developing a productive and celebratory reading culture in schools and classrooms.

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.

Join award-winning author and educator Susan B. Katz for a dynamic webinar on supporting multilingual learners across the five core language competencies: speaking, writing, interacting, reading, and listening (SWIRL). With over 30 years of experience and as a National Board Certified Teacher, Katz shares practical, research-based strategies to help students develop English language skills while fostering confidence and engagement.

Paula Maeker is an educator, presenter, and advocate for learner-centered education. She has more than 23 years’ experience as an elementary teacher, literacy specialist, instructional coach, Title 1 program coordinator, campus administrator, director of elementary literacy, and director of instructional design.

Daniel M. Argentar is a literacy coach and communication arts teacher at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. He works with instructors from all divisions to increase disciplinary literacy for students.

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.

Dr. Melisha Y. Plummer is assistant principal at an urban high school in the Atlanta Public School District. With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Plummer brings a wealth of knowledge about practical ways schools can infuse and ensure that literacy is embedded in the fabric of urban education.