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).

10:00am MDT

Systems Leader Symposium. Navigating Rough Waters: How Leaders Can Effectively Steer the Ship Towards Improved Student Literacy Outcomes

Monday June 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Salon 2

Introduction:
This session empowers leaders to drive sustainable, equitable literacy outcomes through the Science of Reading and Learning. Participants will gain actionable strategies and a framework for systemic change, addressing professional learning, coaching, materials, cultural responsiveness, data analysis, and MTSS implementation at both school and district levels.

Objectives:
Describe a systems-level framework for implementing the Science of Reading and Learning to drive sustainable literacy outcomes.

Identify strategies for integrating high-quality professional learning, coaching, and materials into a cohesive literacy improvement plan.
Analyze the role of cultural responsiveness in achieving equitable literacy instruction and outcomes for all learners.
Apply data-driven decision-making to inform instruction, monitor progress, and guide school and district-level literacy goals.
Evaluate how to implement and strengthen Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to address the full range of student needs.

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

Rebecca Loera

Monday June 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Salon 2

11:15am MDT

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

Monday June 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Salon 2

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

Kari Roden

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

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 →

Monday June 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon 2

1:15pm MDT

Invitational Leader Symposium: Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning

Monday June 9, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT

Salon 2

Introduction:

Systems Leaders, 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 →

Monday June 9, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT
Salon 2

1:15pm MDT

Invitational Leader Symposium: Navigating Rough Waters: How Leaders Can Effectively Steer the Ship Towards Improved Student Literacy Outcomes

Monday June 9, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT

Salon 2

Introduction:

This session empowers leaders to drive sustainable, equitable literacy outcomes through the Science of Reading and Learning. Participants will gain actionable strategies and a framework for systemic change, addressing professional learning, coaching, materials, cultural responsiveness, data analysis, and MTSS implementation at both school and district levels.

Objectives:

Describe a systems-level framework for implementing the Science of Reading and Learning to drive sustainable literacy outcomes.
Identify strategies for integrating high-quality professional learning, coaching, and materials into a cohesive literacy improvement plan.
Analyze the role of cultural responsiveness in achieving equitable literacy instruction and outcomes for all learners.
Apply data-driven decision-making to inform instruction, monitor progress, and guide school and district-level literacy goals.
Evaluate how to implement and strengthen Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to address the full range of student needs.

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

Rebecca Loera

Monday June 9, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT
Salon 2

2:30pm MDT

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

Monday June 9, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Salon 2

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

Kari Roden

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

Monday June 9, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Salon 2

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

2:30pm MDT

PART 2: Unraveling the Mysteries of Dyslexia: Empowering Educators with the Facts and Their Impact on Enhancing 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

10:00am MDT

Partner Reading and Paragraph Shrinking: Simultaneous Strategies for Building Fluency and Comprehension

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

Salon 2

Introduction:
Ready to take your students' reading skills to the next level while also building student independence? Fluency and comprehension are critical components of successful reading instruction, and in this session, we will explore two evidence-based strategies—partner reading and paragraph shrinking—that support both skills. Participants will leave with clear, actionable routines for implementing these strategies to foster student independence, increase fluency and improve comprehension. Applicable as a whole-class strategy in grades 1-5 and intervention technique in 6-12.

Objectives:
1. Discover the research behind partner reading and paragraph shrinking as effective strategies for building fluency and increasing comprehension
2. Learn actionable routines to implement partner reading and paragraph shrinking in the classroom
3. Practice using paragraph shrinking to teach students a metacognitive strategy for text summarization.

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

Carrie Cole

President, Side-by-Side Educational Consulting

Carrie Cole is president of Side-by-Side Educational Consulting, leading a team of professionals dedicated to working side-by-side with educators to increase literacy outcomes for all students. She is passionate about working with districts, schools, and teachers to successfully... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Salon 2

11:15am MDT

Fostering Literacy Success for Teachers and Students: Key Strategies for Effective Coaching

Wednesday June 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Salon 2

Introduction:
Literacy coaching plays a crucial role in driving student achievement, and effective coaching requires a thoughtful, relationship-driven approach. In this interactive session, participants will explore the essential elements of successful literacy coaching: setting clear goals, building strong partnerships, and implementing differentiated coaching cycles that lead to meaningful teacher growth and improved literacy outcomes for students. Participants will leave empowered with practical strategies to elevate their coaching in order to better support teachers and drive literacy success for all students.

Objectives:
1. Explore strategies to collaborate with teachers to set data-driven, actionable goals that guide coaching cycles
2. How to build trust and rapport to foster a collaborative coaching environment
3. Explore key elements of a coaching cycle including preconference goal setting, in-class coaching that is differentiated by need, and post-observation debriefing.

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

Carrie Cole

President, Side-by-Side Educational Consulting

Wednesday June 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon 2

1:15pm MDT

Building Capacity for Early Literacy Leadership

Wednesday June 11, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT

Salon 2

Introduction:
When it comes to early literacy, we focus a lot of our time, energy, and resources on professional learning and coaching teachers, and our teachers deserve it! However, we don't always consider the professional growth needs of our school leaders, who are key players in student literacy learning. In this session, participants will learn the key instructional leadership practices necessary for district leaders, principals/assistant principals, and coaches to effectively support teachers in delivering research-based early literacy instruction driven by high-quality instructional materials. Participants will hear video testimonials from school leaders who have participated in targeted early literacy leadership training, gain helpful tools & resources for literacy leadership (including free professional learning modules focused on the science of reading), and reflect on their literacy leadership practices. The session will be presented by SchoolKit, a national professional learning partner organization that has worked with 10+ states and over 80 districts to help them increase the quality of literacy instruction.

Objectives:
Understand and reflect on specific instructional leadership moves that leaders can make to strengthen early literacy 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?

Speakers

Ethan Mitnick

President and Founder, SchoolKit

Ethan is the President and founder of SchoolKit. He leads the 40-member SchoolKit team and provides strategic leadership and guidance for several of SchoolKit’s state and district partnerships. Ethan constantly works to ensure the close connection between SchoolKit's services and... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT
Salon 2

2:30pm MDT

Building Teacher Content Knowledge to Generate Buy-In Before HQIM Adoption

Wednesday June 11, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Salon 2

Introduction:
Districts nationwide are adopting new HQIM to support literacy outcomes. However, many educators are still growing their content knowledge of the reading science that provides the rationale for these changes. This session provides a case-study of a district that sought to enhance teacher literacy content knowledge prior to the curriculum adoption process. This session unpacks the resulting structures, professional learning experiences, and growth in teacher knowledge, skills, and dispositions in order to support Wyoming leaders as they consider their own context.

Objectives:
1. Understand the context, organizational structures, and professional learning experiences that were designed to support outcomes in teachers literacy knowledge and instructional practice.
2. Articulate the lessons learned from building teachers content knowledge prior to an HQIM adoption, including what worked and what might be adapted for continuous improvement.
3. Apply this learning to their own context in order to determine teacher content knowledge and readiness for this work.

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

Rebecca Ward

Associate Director, Partnership Development, Teaching & Learning Alliance

Wednesday June 11, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Salon 2

9:30am MDT

Building Bridges: Creating a Family Literacy Night

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am MDT

Salon 2

Introduction:
Family engagement plays a vital role in student success, particularly in literacy. This workshop equips educators and district administrators with the tools and plans to host their own Family Literacy Night. Using free resources from the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE), participants will explore strategies to engage families, demonstrate structured literacy practices, and create interactive, hands-on activities. The session provides practical ideas and take-home resources to help families understand and support their child's literacy development at home.

Objectives:
Gain actionable ideas for hosting their own Family Literacy Night, fostering meanginful school-to-home literacy connections

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

Kathleen Law

IMSE

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Salon 2

10:45am MDT

Intensive Reading Intervention Training

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

Salon 2

Session Description
This session details how we used embedded, ongoing professional development for
special and general education interventionists in our school district to enhance reading
intervention instruction. We will detail the impetus and conception of the training and
how the training has supported a variety of school district employees including special
education teachers, general education interventionists, and administrators. Participants
will leave with ideas for how to incorporate an intensive reading intervention training
program for their school district.

Objectives:
Understand how phased professional development can enhance intensive reading
intervention training.

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

Taren Hendricks

K-5 Literacy Coach, Goshen County School District

Kelsey Walker

Secondary Literacy Coach & MTSS Coach, Goshen County School District #1

Dr. Kelsey Walker is a CERI-certified structured literacy dyslexia specialist and a secondary literacy coach and MTSS coach at Goshen County School District in Torrington, Wyoming. She earned her Ed.D. at the University of Nebraska. Kelsey is interested in interdisciplinary literacy... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Salon 2