Literacy

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.

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.

Lisa Cebelak is a national leader in education who is passionate about literacy as the heart of student learning. Lisa specializes in the areas of literacy, instructional coaching, and curriculum design.

Dawn Caruso, EdD, is a former district administrator of assessment and accountability in Florida. She also served as a virtual school administrator as well as a literacy coach at the state and school level.

Norene A. Bunt, EdD, is an author and former teacher, administrator, and college instructor. She is an expert on integrating the science of reading into sound high-impact literacy instruction.

Analexis Kennedy, EdD, is a lecturer of reading at the University of Central Florida. She spent 15 years working with K–12 students, teachers, and administrators as a classroom teacher, literacy coach, district reading specialist, and professional development coordinator.

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.