Literacy

Jennifer McCarty Plucker, EdD, is the director of learning and development and a literacy consultant at Mackin Educational Resources in Burnsville, Minnesota. Her current work with educators is grounded in an inquiry approach that puts students in the driver’s seat for learning.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Katherine Gillies is the lead architect of districtwide literacy improvement at Niles North High School in Illinois. Her work includes building a comprehensive system of intervention and support for struggling readers and developing a research-based curriculum to ensure continued literacy growth for all students. She is currently a doctoral candidate at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education in Nashville, Tennessee.

Maureen M. Rubenstein is a literacy coach and special education instructor in Lincolnshire, Illinois. She works with other literacy coaches to coordinate and implement book clubs, PD sessions, and coaching sessions.

Beth Pandolpho is an instructional coach for grades 6–12, and she has taught English at the high school and college level for over 20 years. She is passionate about engaging in work that promotes equity and access for both teachers and students.

Emily Feltner, EdD, has over 30 years of experience at all levels in education. She works with schools and districts in the areas of leadership, literacy, and school improvement.

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.