Literacy

Whitney K. Freije is an elementary school principal at A.F. Palmer Elementary, a Model PLC at Work® school in the Windsor Central School District, located in upstate New York. She specializes in empowering teachers with effective instructional practices to promote high levels of literacy and mathematics.

Peg Grafwallner is an instructional coach and reading specialist at Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With over 25 years of experience in the field of education, Peg has also served as an English teacher and an alternative education teacher.

Heather Babb has served in education for almost 20 years. Through her leadership, she guided her department, school, and district through the transition to a professional learning community (PLC), ultimately resulting in being recognized as a Model PLC at Work® school.

Angela Hanlin is a passionate leader committed to driving change in schools and classrooms. Under her guidance, Matthews Elementary achieved remarkable success, reaching a 100 percent proficiency level.

Pati Montgomery is the founder of Schools Cubed, a school consulting firm that specializes in collaborating with school and district leadership to increase reading and educational outcomes for all students.

Hollye Wright, PhD, has 18 years’ worth of experience in literacy education. Dr. Wright works with first-year writing students in transitioning to college-level writing and assists current and pre-service teachers in planning and delivering high-quality, research-based literacy instruction.

Susan B. Katz is a National Board Certified Teacher and award-winning, best-selling bilingual children’s author, known for her expertise in curriculum development for English learners. She’s also an internationally respected keynote speaker, professional development facilitator, and literacy coach.

Educators will learn research-based strategies in small-group instruction based on Linnea Ehri's five developmental reading phases. In this one-hour webinar, educators will learn how to accommodate individual learning needs and design laser-targeted lessons to help promote equitable learning.

Mary K. Gove, PhD, is professor emeritus at Cleveland State University and specializes in promoting a balanced approach to literacy education. Dr. Gove formerly taught grades K–6 and worked in an urban district as a full-time professional developer.

Jen Cullerton Johnson is an award-winning children’s author, educator, and environmental advocate. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she’s worked with incarcerated youth and urban classrooms; taught abroad in Japan, Ecuador, and Argentina; and led nature-writing workshops in outdoor settings.