Authors & Presenters

Allyson J. Burnett is an author, a consultant, a facilitator, and a trainer specializing in developing a schoolwide interdisciplinary approach to meet the Common Core Standards for literacy at the secondary level.

Brad Cawn is a teacher educator, author, researcher, and trainer who specializes in helping schools and teachers integrate ambitious teaching and learning—inquiry-based instruction, disciplinary literacy, project-based learning, etc.—across the content areas.

James W. Cunningham, PhD, is professor emeritus of literacy studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has taught at the elementary and secondary levels and served as a consultant in 25 states.

Patricia M. Cunningham, PhD, is a professor of education at Wake Forest University. She has been an elementary school teacher, a reading specialist, and director of reading for a county school system.

Nancy Frey, PhD, is a professor of literacy in the Department of Educational Leadership at San Diego State University. She is also a teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College in San Diego.

Maria C. Grant, EdD, is a professor in secondary education at California State University, Fullerton. She has authored numerous publications centered on science literacy, formative assessment, and reading.

Diane Lapp, EdD, is a distinguished professor of education at San Diego State University and an English teacher and literacy coach at Health Sciences High and Middle College.

LeAnn Nickelsen, an author and a former teacher, is an expert on brain research strategies, best practices in literacy, and other high-impact tools that close and prevent gaps in high-poverty schools.

Brian M. Pete comes from a family of educators—college professors, school superintendents, teachers, and teachers of teachers. He has a rich background in professional development and has worked with adult learners.

Carol Rothenberg has worked with elementary and secondary schools through the New Arrival Center for the San Diego Unified School District, training teachers and administrators on effective programs and instruction for English learners.