Authors & Presenters

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.

Angela Williams has more than 15 years of experience in Broward County Schools, Florida. She has designed curriculum, served as a professional learning facilitator, and implemented professional learning community (PLC) plans that guide teachers in using data effectively to plan instruction.

Brian Wise is an English Department chair at Deerfield High School in the suburbs of Chicago. Previously, he spent 16 years as a teacher and literacy coach at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois.