Embracing Literacy 2025 Events: Full Schedule

We’re excited you’ll be joining us for these upcoming professional learning opportunities! June 9th sessions are available exclusively to registered participants of the Language and Literacy Symposium. From June 10th –12th, all registrants of the Embracing Literacy: Soaring with Language and Literacy Conference are welcome to attend a wide range of engaging sessions designed to elevate language and literacy practices across our communities.

We look forward to learning and growing together!

Add sessions to your personal schedule to register your attendance (Check-In).

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8:45am MDT

Teacher Leaders as Agile Thinkers: Connecting Classrooms to Systems-Level Change

Tuesday June 10, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MDT

Main Ballroom

Introduction

You don’t need a title to be a leader, but you do need skill. Today’s teacher leaders are not just content experts; they’re agile thinkers, system-aware collaborators, and trusted influencers who know how to lead up, across, and within their schools. In this session, you’ll sharpen the mindset and tools needed to navigate complexity, read the room, and move ideas forward, even when you don’t have formal authority. Learn how to advocate for what matters, build trust with decision-makers, and become the kind of leader your school system needs, right from where you are.

Session Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Define the characteristics of agile teacher leadership and explore how influence can be exercised without formal authority.
Apply strategies for navigating complex school systems, including how to read organizational dynamics and lead from the middle.
Develop approaches to effectively advocate for instructional priorities, build trust with decision-makers, and contribute to systems-level change from the classroom.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

Speakers

Dr. Terrie Noland

The Transformative Reading Teacher Group

For 25 years, Dr. Terrie Noland has put her energy into education and literacy; first as a teacher and administrator, and now as V.P. of Educator Initiatives for Learning Ally, a nonprofit dedicated to "Literacy for All." Terrie's mission is to spark a flame of enthusiasm in others... Read More →

Dr. Danielle ‘Nell’ Thompson

President and Founder, The Transformative Reading Teacher Group

Danielle ‘Nell’ Thompson, PhD CCC-SLP, is a coach, influencer, literacy leader, teacher of teachers and, insatiably curious about all things that make people’s lives better. She is an agent of positive change working to help leaders and educators re-think, unlearn, and up-level... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MDT
Main Ballroom

10:00am MDT

Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Salon 5

Introduction:

The term “science of reading” is often used only to highlight problems with phonics instruction. But that overlooks the abundant scientific evidence indicating that standard reading comprehension instruction, which focuses on isolated skills, is also problematic. Science also tells us we need to break down the artificial walls separating reading and writing instruction since the two are closely connected. And fundamentally, we need to see both reading and writing as aspects of learning, to take advantage of practices backed by cognitive science that can make teachers more effective and boost student achievement.

Objectives:

Experience the challenges that students with dyslexia face through immersive, simulation-based activities that reflect real classroom tasks in reading, writing, and language processing.
Examine how misconceptions about the science of reading—especially the overemphasis on phonics alone—can limit comprehensive instructional approaches for students with dyslexia.
Explore the cognitive science behind effective reading and writing instruction, including the importance of integrating comprehension, decoding, vocabulary, and written expression.
Reflect on current classroom practices and identify areas where reading and writing instruction can be more deeply connected to improve outcomes for all students, particularly those with dyslexia.
Apply research-informed strategies from the science of reading and writing to create more inclusive, effective learning environments that support language and literacy development for diverse learners.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

Speakers

Natalie Wexler

Author/speaker, Self-employed

Natalie Wexler is the author of The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America’s Broken Education System—and How to Fix It (Avery 2019) and the co-author, with Judith C. Hochman, of The Writing Revolution: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grad... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Salon 5

10:00am MDT

Bridging Research and Practice in Literacy Education

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Salon 3 & 4

Session Description
The gap between research and classroom practice doesn’t have to be a divide—it can be a bridge. In this session, participants will explore how to translate the latest findings from literacy research into meaningful, evidence-aligned practices that improve student outcomes. Designed for both teachers and administrators, this session offers tools to critically evaluate research, align strategies with the science of reading, and implement change in ways that are practical, scalable, and sustainable. Together, we’ll connect theory to action and empower educators to lead with evidence.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Interpret key findings from current literacy research and understand their implications for instruction and leadership.
Apply research-aligned strategies to classroom practice and school-wide literacy efforts.
Develop systems and supports that enable teachers and leaders to implement and sustain evidence-based literacy practices with fidelity.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

Speakers

Dr. Pam Kastner

State Lead, Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Salon 3 & 4

10:00am MDT

Leading With Literacy at Every Level: Empowering Teams, Classrooms, and Schools for Secondary Success

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Salon 6

Introduction:
Welcome to "Leading With Literacy at Every Level: Empowering Teachers, Classrooms, and Schools for Secondary Success." As educators, we know that literacy is fundamental to students' academic success and personal development. This session invites you to explore the vital role that teachers play in advancing literacy initiatives and fostering a culture that prioritizes reading and writing across all subjects and grade levels.
Together, we will examine how, as educators, we can empower ourselves and our colleagues to lead within our classrooms and schools effectively. You will learn practical strategies to create a literacy-rich environment that engages students and supports their diverse learning needs. We'll discuss how to set clear literacy goals that align with our teaching practices and improve student outcomes.
Throughout our time together, we will highlight collaborative approaches that encourage teamwork among educators, enabling us to share insights, resources, and effective practices. You will gain valuable tools to enhance your instructional techniques through coaching, data analysis, and continuous improvement, all aimed at elevating literacy instruction.
Join us as we delve into the powerful impact of literacy leadership from a teacher's perspective. By embracing our roles as literacy advocates, we can inspire our students to reach their full potential and achieve lasting academic success together. Let’s work collectively to lead with literacy at every level!

Objectives:

Role of Literacy in Teaching: Understand the critical role of effective literacy instruction in promoting student engagement and academic success at the secondary level.
Setting Instructional Goals: Learn to establish clear, actionable literacy goals that align with curriculum standards and are informed by student performance data.
Collaborative Teaching Practices: Explore methods for fostering collaboration among educators to enhance literacy instruction and support diverse learning needs through shared resources and strategies.
Empowering Student Learning: Gain practical techniques and strategies to empower students in their literacy development, ensuring they build the necessary skills for academic achievement and lifelong learning.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

Speakers

Jeanne Schopf

Independent Consultant

For over three decades, Jeanne Schopf, M.Ed, NBCT, C-SLDI has devoted herself to enriching the lives of children as an educator and a prominent figure in state and national literacy. With a wealth of experience as a K-9 teacher, Literacy Coach, Reading Specialist, and Certified Dyslexia... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Salon 6

10:00am MDT

The Courage to Lead: Transforming Literacy Outcomes Through Bold Leadership

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Aspen/Birch

Introduction
Soaring with Language and Literacy Conference

In the world of education, bold leaders can be found at all levels, from district and building administrators to instructional coaches to classroom teachers and paraprofessionals. They are leaders who understand deeply what children need to thrive in our complex, interconnected world. They understand that literacy is the gateway, not only to students’ academic success, but to their ability to thrive and flourish in school and beyond. They understand that literacy is a human right that can—and should-- be guaranteed to ALL our students. They lead with a relentless focus on literacy for all, and know that if we don’t get literacy right, we don’t get anything right.

These are transformational literacy leaders who are courageously blazing the path to help others understand how to bring the research into action, and to share a bold and common vision for the future: to ensure that all children have the opportunities to reach their full potential.

This session will explore:
• What it means to be a transformational literacy leader by cultivating a vision and setting a culture for collective problem-solving;
• What the Implementation Science teaches us about key factors in an effective implementation;
• The phases of implementation from exploration through sustainability and the bold leader moves throughout those phases;
• The courageous conversations that leaders must have in order to lead through a literacy transformation.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

Speakers

Laura Stewart

Chief Academic Officer, 95 Percent Group

I am an educator and organizational leader. I have proudly served as a classroom teacher, building and district administrator, adjunct professor, and director of numerous professional development initiatives around the country. Before joining 95% Group, I was the Chief Innovation... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Aspen/Birch

11:15am MDT

Dyslexia & the Brain: Facts, Experiences, and Impact to Strengthen Instructional Decision-Making

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Salon 6

Introduction
Understanding dyslexia is essential for designing equitable and effective instruction. This session explores the intersection of science, lived experience, and practical classroom application. Participants will explore how the brain processes language and examine current research findings on dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Through challenging vignettes and real-world examples, we will illuminate the unique experiences of individuals with dyslexia. By connecting neuroscience to instructional strategies, participants will be equipped to make informed decisions that support all learners, especially those with language and literacy differences.

Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will gain insights into the following:

Describe the neurological foundations of reading and how the brain functions differently in individuals with dyslexia.
Identify key signs and symptoms of dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
Analyze real-life vignettes to deepen understanding of the lived experiences of students with dyslexia.
Apply evidence-based interventions and accommodations to strengthen instruction and support students with dyslexia.
Make informed instructional decisions based on current research and a deeper understanding of how dyslexia impacts learning.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

Speakers

IDA-RMB Board of Directors

Lynn Kuhn, M.A. CCC-SLP

Independent Consultant, Language Literacy Links

Lynn Kuhn, M.A. CCC-SLP is an educational language and literacy professional with a strong background in preschool through secondary teacher training, coaching, and consulting with building and leadership systems. Her 23 years in public education included being a speech language pathologist... Read More →

Kari Roden

Kari Roden is passionate about ensuring ALL students learn to read.

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon 6

11:15am MDT

I Screen, You Screen, We All Screen our Students...Now What?!

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Aspen/Birch

How do teachers meet the foundational skill instructional needs of all students effectively? Universal screener assessments are designed as a temperature check only, yet teachers are often tasked with trying to use screener data to group students without knowing which specific skills are needed for instruction. In this session, instructional leaders and educators will learn how to use an often missing piece of the puzzle - diagnostic assessment data - to support teachers in planning skill-based small-group instruction.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

The Rollins Center & Cox Campus

Speakers

Rebecca Loera

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Aspen/Birch

11:15am MDT

Leading With Literacy at Every Level: Empowering Teams, Classrooms, and Schools for Secondary Success

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Salon A & B

Strong literacy leadership is essential for secondary academic success. This workshop supports school leaders, instructional coaches, and teacher leaders in driving impactful literacy improvement across classrooms and teams. Participants will explore strategies to cultivate a literacy-centered culture, establish clear and measurable goals, and foster collaboration among educators.

Key focus areas include developing instructional influence by prioritizing literacy across all content areas, leading with intentionality through goal-setting and shared accountability, and aligning literacy efforts with school improvement priorities. Teacher leaders will gain tools to support their peers through collaborative planning, modeling, and data-informed instruction at the team and classroom levels. Leaders at all levels will learn how to build educator capacity through professional learning, coaching, and reflective practice.
This session offers a practical roadmap to strengthen instructional practices, promote collective efficacy, and empower students to reach their full potential. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to implement and sustain effective, school-wide, and team-level literacy initiatives.

Objectives:

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

Speakers

Jeanne Schopf

Independent Consultant

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon A & B

11:15am MDT

Making Intentional Leader Moves That Create Change in Literacy Outcomes

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Salon 1 & 2

Introduction
Effective and informed leadership is essential for driving literacy initiatives and fostering the daily motivation needed to be the chief reminding officer and casting the vision, meeting the discrete mission goals, and transforming a system. In this session, we explore leadership moves that promote literacy excellence, from setting a vision to providing ongoing support and professional development. Participants will gain practical strategies for leading literacy improvement efforts within their schools or districts. The learning experience in this session comes from a six-day literacy leadership course.
Session Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Identify key leadership moves that drive literacy improvement, including vision-setting, strategic alignment, and consistent messaging.
Examine how leaders can serve as motivators, vision-casters, and chief reminding officers to sustain momentum in literacy initiatives.
Apply practical strategies from a research-based literacy leadership framework to support ongoing professional development and system-wide transformation.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

Speakers

Dr. Terrie Noland

The Transformative Reading Teacher Group

Dr. Danielle ‘Nell’ Thompson

President and Founder, The Transformative Reading Teacher Group

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon 1 & 2

11:15am MDT

Making Structured Literacy Work for Language-Diverse Classrooms

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Salon 5

Making Structured Literacy Work for Language-Diverse Classrooms

Introduction
Some believe Structured Literacy doesn’t work in language-diverse classrooms, but Maya Goodall and Dr. Dale Webster of CORE Learning will show you why that’s a misconception. Literacy and language are deeply connected for every learner. For students from language-diverse backgrounds, effective reading instruction requires more explicit attention to oral language, but all students benefit from approaches that integrate both language and literacy development.

This session will demonstrate how Structured Literacy principles can be adapted to support students from language-diverse backgrounds by leveraging their linguistic diversity as a strength. You’ll gain practical insights into how understanding the relationship between oral language and literacy leads to instruction that is equitable, effective, and accessible for Multilingual Learners, English variety speakers, and students with dyslexia.

Learning Objectives

1. Connect Structured Literacy principles with second language acquisition and oral language development,
2. Adapt Structured Literacy instruction to build on students' existing linguistic knowledge and strengths,
3. Implement specific strategies that support Multilingual Learners, English variety speakers, and students with dyslexia,
4. Bridge the gap between students' oral language skills and literacy development using Structured Literacy approaches.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

Speakers

Maya Goodall

Dr. Dale Webster

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon 5

11:15am MDT

What Educators in Schools and Classrooms Need to Know about Research That Must Guide How We Teach English Learners to Read

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Salon 3 & 4

Introduction:

What’s “reading science” got to do with English Learners? The short answer to this question is, “A lot.” A more informative answer requires answers to these questions, which this presentation targeted to educators in schools and classrooms will address: What’s the "science of reading”? How is it relevant for English Learners? What about bilingual education? When teaching reading to students simultaneously learning to speak and understand the language as they learn to read and write it, what’s the same and what’s different compared to teaching students to read who already know the language? What are some things that do and don’t work for teaching English reading to ELs? What about beginning and early literacy? Do foundational skill still matter?

Objectives:

Define the “science of reading” and explain its relevance to English Learners (ELs).
Differentiate between effective practices for teaching reading to native English speakers and ELs, identifying what remains consistent and what must be adapted.
Explain the role of foundational skills in early literacy instruction for English Learners, including phonemic awareness, phonics, and oral language development.
Describe key considerations in bilingual education and how reading science intersects with dual-language or multilingual approaches.
Evaluate common misconceptions and ineffective practices in reading instruction for ELs and identify evidence-based strategies that support language and literacy development.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

Speakers

Dr. Claude Goldenberg

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon 3 & 4

12:15pm MDT

Great Minds Lunch and Learn

Tuesday June 10, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT

Salon 2

Speakers

Kelly Stewart

Great Minds

Tuesday June 10, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT
Salon 2

1:15pm MDT

Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT

Salon 5

Experience the challenges that students with dyslexia face through immersive, simulation-based activities that reflect real classroom tasks in reading, writing, and language processing.
Examine how misconceptions about the science of reading—especially the overemphasis on phonics alone—can limit comprehensive instructional approaches for students with dyslexia.
Explore the cognitive science behind effective reading and writing instruction, including the importance of integrating comprehension, decoding, vocabulary, and written expression.
Reflect on current classroom practices and identify areas where reading and writing instruction can be more deeply connected to improve outcomes for all students, particularly those with dyslexia.
Apply research-informed strategies from the science of reading and writing to create more inclusive, effective learning environments that support language and literacy development for diverse learners.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

Speakers

Natalie Wexler

Author/speaker, Self-employed

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT
Salon 5

1:15pm MDT

Bridging Research and Practice in Literacy Education

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT

Salon 1 & 2

Introduction
High-impact literacy instruction begins when research moves off the page and into practice. This session empowers educators and leaders to close the gap between theory and action by translating the latest findings from literacy research into strategies that work in real classrooms. Participants will explore key research insights, learn how to critically evaluate evidence, and discover how to implement practices aligned with the science of reading. Designed for teachers, instructional leaders, and administrators, this session offers tools for making research-informed decisions that lead to better outcomes for all students.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Interpret current literacy research and identify its relevance to classroom instruction and system-level decision-making.
Evaluate evidence-based practices aligned with the science of reading for application in school or district settings.
Develop plans to integrate research-aligned strategies into ongoing instructional improvement efforts with fidelity and sustainability.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT
Salon 1 & 2

1:15pm MDT

Dyslexia Screening and Early Literacy Intervention

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT

Salon 3 & 4

Session Description
Early identification and intervention are critical to supporting students at risk for reading difficulties, including dyslexia. This session highlights key lessons from Pennsylvania’s Dyslexia Screening Pilot Program and explores how those insights can inform early literacy practices across schools and districts. Participants will learn about effective screening tools, instructional responses, and system-level supports that ensure all students—especially those most at risk—receive timely, evidence-based interventions. Grounded in real-world implementation, this session offers practical guidance for educators, administrators, and policymakers.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Describe the structure, goals, and outcomes of Pennsylvania’s Dyslexia Screening Pilot Program.
Identify effective tools and processes for early screening and intervention for students at risk for dyslexia.
Apply lessons learned to strengthen early literacy systems and ensure timely, evidence-based support for struggling readers.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

Speakers

Dr. Pam Kastner

State Lead, Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT
Salon 3 & 4

1:15pm MDT

The Courage to Lead: Transforming Literacy Outcomes Through Bold Leadership

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT

Aspen/Birch

Introduction
Soaring with Language and Literacy Conference

In the world of education, bold leaders can be found at all levels, from district and building administrators to instructional coaches to classroom teachers and paraprofessionals. They are leaders who understand deeply what children need to thrive in our complex, interconnected world. They understand that literacy is the gateway, not only to students’ academic success, but to their ability to thrive and flourish in school and beyond. They understand that literacy is a human right that can—and should-- be guaranteed to ALL our students. They lead with a relentless focus on literacy for all, and know that if we don’t get literacy right, we don’t get anything right.

These are transformational literacy leaders who are courageously blazing the path to help others understand how to bring the research into action, and to share a bold and common vision for the future: to ensure that all children have the opportunities to reach their full potential.

This session will explore:
• What it means to be a transformational literacy leader by cultivating a vision and setting a culture for collective problem-solving;
• What Implementation Science teaches us about key factors in an effective implementation;
• The phases of implementation from exploration through sustainability and the bold leader moves throughout those phases;
• The courageous conversations that leaders must have in order to lead through a literacy transformation.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

Speakers

Laura Stewart

Chief Academic Officer, 95 Percent Group

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT
Aspen/Birch

2:30pm MDT

Dyslexia & the Brain: Facts, Experiences, and Impact to Strengthen Instructional Decision-Making

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Salon 2

Describe the neurological foundations of reading and how the brain functions differently in individuals with dyslexia.
Identify key signs and symptoms of dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
Analyze real-life vignettes to deepen understanding of the lived experiences of students with dyslexia.
Apply evidence-based interventions and accommodations to strengthen instruction and support students with dyslexia.
Make informed instructional decisions based on current research and a deeper understanding of how dyslexia impacts learning.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

Speakers

IDA-RMB Board of Directors

Lynn Kuhn, M.A. CCC-SLP

Independent Consultant, Language Literacy Links

Kari Roden

Kari Roden is passionate about ensuring ALL students learn to read.

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Salon 2

2:30pm MDT

I Screen, You Screen, We All Screen our Students...Now What?!

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Aspen/Birch

How do teachers meet the foundational skill instructional needs of all students effectively? Universal screener assessments are designed as a temperature check only, yet teachers are often tasked with trying to use screener data to group students without knowing which specific skills are needed for instruction. In this session, instructional leaders and educators will learn how to use an often missing piece of the puzzle - diagnostic assessment data - to support teachers in planning skill-based small group instruction.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

The Rollins Center & Cox Campus

Speakers

Rebecca Loera

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Aspen/Birch

2:30pm MDT

Making Intentional Leader Moves That Create Change in Literacy Outcomes

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Salon 1 & 2

Identify key leadership moves that drive literacy improvement, including vision-setting, strategic alignment, and consistent messaging.
Examine how leaders can serve as motivators, vision-casters, and chief reminding officers to sustain momentum in literacy initiatives.
Apply practical strategies from a research-based literacy leadership framework to support ongoing professional development and system-wide transformation.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

Speakers

Dr. Danielle ‘Nell’ Thompson

President and Founder, The Transformative Reading Teacher Group

Dr. Terrie Noland

The Transformative Reading Teacher Group

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Salon 1 & 2

2:30pm MDT

Making Structured Literacy Work for Language-Diverse Classrooms

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Salon 5

What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

Speakers

Dr. Dale Webster

Maya Goodall

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Salon 5

2:30pm MDT

What Educators in Schools and Classrooms Need to Know about Research That Must Guide How We Teach English Learners to Read

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Salon 1 & 2

Define the “science of reading” and explain its relevance to English Learners (ELs).
Differentiate between effective practices for teaching reading to native English speakers and ELs, identifying what remains consistent and what must be adapted.
Explain the role of foundational skills in early literacy instruction for English Learners, including phonemic awareness, phonics, and oral language development.
Describe key considerations in bilingual education and how reading science intersects with dual-language or multilingual approaches.
Evaluate common misconceptions and ineffective practices in reading instruction for ELs and identify evidence-based strategies that support language and literacy development.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

Speakers

Dr. Claude Goldenberg

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Salon 1 & 2

3:45pm MDT

Empowering Practice: A Language and Literacy Keynote Panel

Tuesday June 10, 2025 3:45pm - 5:30pm MDT

Main Ballroom

Tuesday June 10, 2025 3:45pm - 5:30pm MDT
Main Ballroom

3:45pm MDT

Keynote. Empowering Practice: A Language and Literacy Panel

Tuesday June 10, 2025 3:45pm - 5:30pm MDT

Main Ballroom

Introduction
Join this dynamic keynote panel as national leaders in language and literacy come together to explore the transformative practices shaping the future of education. Through the lens of research, implementation, and equity, panelists will share actionable insights and innovative strategies that elevate instruction and strengthen outcomes for students across the language and literacy continuum. From early language development to adolescent literacy acceleration, this conversation will highlight the critical components of high-quality instructional practices, professional learning, and system-wide alignment. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to translate evidence into action, support sustainable change, and empower educators at every level to meet the diverse needs of students.
This robust discussion is designed to energize and inspire the work ahead in Wyoming as we continue to build a strong, evidence-based foundation for student success statewide.

Tuesday June 10, 2025 3:45pm - 5:30pm MDT
Main Ballroom