Session Information 

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Speaker: Dea Auray

Session 📣:Transforming Your Writing Classroom, Gr. 2-8

Discover a proven approach to writing instruction that transforms classrooms with confidence and enthusiasm. In this dynamic workshop, you'll explore Empowering Writers Literacy Launch which enhances writing instruction by integrating literature as a springboard, direct instruction, hands-on application, and sharing. This practical approach uses reading experiences across content areas as pre-writing lessons, unlocking the power of literacy in your classroom. By learning to read like authors, identifying salient features of genres, and understanding genre organization and purpose, students become stronger writers and strategic readers, ready for text-based tasks. Walk away with ready-to-use lessons to enhance your writing instruction immediately.

About Dea Auray: Founder of Empowering Writers, LLC, Dea Paoletta Auray is a dedicated educator and author. She co-developed an innovative writing program that led to a significant increase in student test scores. Since 1997, Empowering Writers has been adopted by thousands of schools nationwide, transforming students into confident writers by training over 100,000 teachers across North America.  She has co-authored numerous educational resources, including professional books for Scholastic.

Speaker:  Dr. Kemen Holley

Session 📣: Supporting Multilingual Learners in CT Classrooms: Strategies for Differentiating Instruction Using LAS Links Reports and CT English Language Proficiency Standards, Gr. K-12

Explore how to support multilingual learners in Connecticut classrooms by using LAS Links Reports and CT English Language Proficiency Standards to differentiate instruction. Address common questions and discover strategies for fostering language development, supporting various proficiency levels, and promoting bilingualism, while highlighting the importance of tailored instruction and family engagement.

About Dr. Kemen Holley: As the K-12 Director of World Languages and Multilingual Learners at New Canaan Public Schools, Dr. Kemen Holley is driven by her passion for education and student success. Her experiences living in Spain and Mexico, and traveling extensively, have shown her the importance of embracing diverse cultures and perspectives. With a background as a Spanish teacher, curriculum specialist, and holding a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Sacred Heart University, an M.A. in Spanish, and a B.A. in English from the University of Connecticut, Dr. Holley recognizes the value of diverse perspectives in fostering student growth. Dr. Holley was recently selected to be the Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator for the Connecticut Council of Language Teachers (CT Colt) Board of Directors. She is committed to championing biliteracy, supporting multilingual learners, and advocating for all students on their educational journey.

Speaker:  Dr. Khary Fletcher

Session 📣: Beyond the Words: Weaving Language, Conventions, and Comprehension with Purpose, Gr. K-5

In the hustle of a packed school day, phonics instruction must be both purposeful and practical. This session, "Beyond the Words: Weaving Language, Conventions, and Comprehension with Purpose," focuses on centering students' needs by integrating phonics into authentic reading and writing experiences. Learn how to simplify instruction without sacrificing depth—ensuring students practice essential skills in meaningful ways. Walk away with strategies that fit seamlessly into your K-5 routine, making phonics instruction not just another task, but a powerful tool for building confident, capable readers and writers. Let’s keep it simple, effective, and student-centered!

About Dr. Khary Fletcher: Dr. Khary Fletcher is a dedicated educator with nearly two decades of experience spanning grades PK – 12.  He has served in multiple literacy and leadership roles. Receiving his Doctorate of Education in Curriculum Studies, Khary focuses his research on creating conditions for students to engage with the sociocultural context of reading comprehension and practical application of skills to real world reading.  Khary strives to create the structures and conditions for teachers and leaders to build their collective efficacy for all students to reach the fullest potential.

Speaker:  Patty McGee

Session 📣: Not Your Granny's Grammar: An Innovative Approach to Meaningful and Engaging Grammar Instruction, Gr. 2-8

Mid-century modern may work for furniture but not for grammar learning - there's a better way. Together, let's explore an irresistible design to Grammar Study and the language standards so that grammar takes its rightful place in literacy instruction. 

About Patty McGee: Patty is an author, educator, and consultant whose passion is creating learning environments where teachers and students discover their true potential and power.  Patty’s favorite moments are when she and groups of teachers are working with students collaboratively in the classroom.  She has served schools nationally and internationally to support literacy teaching and learning. Among a variety of publications, Patty is the author of Feedback that Moves Writers Forward: How to Escape Correcting Mode to Transform Student Writing (Corwin 2017) and Writers Workshop Made Simple: 7 Essentials for Every Classroom and Every Writer  (Benchmark 2020). Her upcoming book, Not Your Granny’s Grammar: An Innovative Approach to Meaningful and Engaging Grammar Instruction (Corwin), will be released in June 2025. Learn more about Patty and her work at pattymcgee.org.

Speaker: Dr. Dena Mortensen

Session 📣: Decoding Syntax: Building Language Skills Through Decodable Books, Gr. K-12 Core  for Instruction, Gr. 3-5 for Intervention

This workshop will present research-based activities to teach syntax using decodable books, emphasizing the connection between reading comprehension and writing in a structured literacy framework. Participants will also design their own activities, ready for immediate implementation with students. Decodable books will be provided, but participants should feel free to bring one they are currently using with students.

About Dena Mortensen: Dr. Dena Mortensen is an Assistant Professor of Literacy at Central Connecticut State University, where she teaches courses on the foundations of reading, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and writing instruction to undergraduate pre-service elementary teachers and graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in reading and language arts. Her research focuses on adult learning related to teaching reading. With 24 years of experience in K-12 education, Dr. Mortensen has served in various roles, most recently as the Elementary Reading and Language Arts Supervisor for Waterbury Public Schools. She has also worked as an elementary vice principal, literacy coach, reading teacher, and classroom teacher.  Dr. Mortensen is committed to supporting educators in developing their students as readers.

Speaker: Maggie Beattie Roberts

Session 📣: The Science of Foundational Writing: Brain-based Building Blocks of Strong, Proficient Writing, Gr. 1-8

Writing is one of the most cognitively complex tasks the human brain can engage in, and children spend nearly 60% of the school day writing. This workshop tackles why students might cognitively or physically struggle while writing and what we, as teachers, can do about it. Maggie will present research-based strategies and activities that strengthen the foundational skills of writing - handwriting, spelling, sentence structure to name a few - and build automaticity so that students can use their cognitive energy for planning, drafting, and revising.

Session 📣: Unboxing the Curriculum: Centering Our Students and Good Teaching with Any Program, Gr. K-8

In this workshop, Maggie will take you through a process for using the curriculum in front of you as a starting point, and your students – their dreams and strengths and needs – as the map. This curriculum clinic will help you clarify what really matters in any given unit you teach, ensure you know how to respond to students who don’t fit the rapid sequence of teaching in most pre-made units, and create a unit plan that allows for students' humanity while confidently and effectively reaching towards the important goals set forth for your students.

About Maggie Beattie Roberts: Maggie Beattie Roberts began her teaching career in the heart of Chicago before moving to New York City and completing graduate studies as a Literacy Specialist at Columbia University. Today, she is a national literacy consultant, author, and highly sought-after professional learning facilitator. Known for her ability to build strong relationships with teachers and school leaders, Maggie thrives when working side-by-side with educators, supporting them in real-time during classroom instruction. Her expertise extends beyond literacy, as she has earned post-baccalaureate certifications in Learning Differences and Neurodiversity with a specialization in Executive Functioning from Landmark College. Maggie's recent work includes helping educators analyze and apply literacy data in practical, impactful ways, as well as supporting neurodiverse learners and students with learning differences through Tier 1 and Tier II instruction and curriculum design. She is passionate about supporting teachers in creating inclusive, differentiated classrooms that meet the needs of students. As co-author of DIY Literacy: Teaching Tools for Differentiation, Rigot, and Independence (with Katie Roberts), Maggie continues to empower educators with tools that enhance student learning and independence. In addition to her work with schools, Maggie enjoys connecting with fellow small business owners, continually learning from those carving their own unique paths.

Speaker: Dr. Jen Scoggin

Session 📣: Teaching Reading and Readers: Broadening Reading Growth, Trusting Independence and Nurturing Reading Identity, Gr. K-6

Regardless of your approach to reading instruction, how a student develops and changes as a reader under the expert guidance of a teacher isn’t quantifiable. To broaden the perspective on reading growth, this session encourages teachers to think beyond skills and strategies alone to embrace both the cognitive and affective aspects of effective literacy instruction, addressing what is needed to teach reading and readers. In order to teach reading, we need to let students read. In this session, we explore the research behind independent reading, discuss a comprehensive definition, and collaborate to find spaces to center this essential practice.  In order to teach readers, we need to know them. Jen will share an expanded definition of reading identity and explore practical ways to learn about the readers in your classroom. We will distinguish between giving feedback about reading and readers, both of which are necessary for student growth. Together, we will look at specific language and moves for teachers to provide skillful feedback.

About Dr. Jen Scoggin: Dr. Jennifer Scoggin collaborates with teachers to create engaging literacy opportunities for children in elementary classrooms. Jen began her career teaching first and second grades in Harlem, NY.  She holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Teachers College, Columbia University and has previously published two books about literacy instruction and life in the classroom. Jen is the co-author of Trusting Readers: Powerful Practices for Independent Reading (Heinemann) and is the co-creator of Trusting Readers LLC, a group dedicated to collaborating with teachers to design literacy opportunities that invite all students to be engaged and to thrive as readers and writers. Jen is a proud advocate of teachers as professionals and decision makers.  She is working on a new book about the central role of reading identity and teacher agency in the literacy classroom.

Speaker: Melissa Stewart

Session  : 5 Kinds of Non-Fiction: Enriching Reading and Writing Instruction with Children's Books, Gr. K-12

Most educators currently center informational reading and writing lessons around all-about books—traditional nonfiction titles that provide a general overview of a broad topic. But these books are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the diverse array of children’s nonfiction books being published today. In addition, most classroom libraries are fiction focused, even though research shows that up to 75 percent of young readers enjoy nonfiction as much as or more than fiction, and these info-loving kids are significantly more likely to thrive as readers if they have access to a rich array of nonfiction. In this interactive session, award-winning children’s nonfiction author Melissa Stewart introduces the 5 Kinds of Nonfiction classification system and explains how each category is best used in a school setting. She also shares a wide range of activities for incorporating nonfiction into existing curriculum and promoting nonfiction joy at your school.

Session  : The Role of Children's Literature in the Science of Reading Landscape, Gr. K-8

As the Science of Reading sweeps the nation, most schools are adopting a new ELA curriculum. Discover how a wide range of high-quality children's nonfiction books can enrich these lessons by supporting knowledge building, providing critical context, and inspiring the joy of exploration. Melissa will also share a range of engaging classroom, grade level, and whole school activities that link what students are learning in language arts to content-area curriculum.

Author Luncheon Session  : Tips and Tools for Non-Fiction Read Alouds, Gr. K-8

Research shows that reading aloud has a powerful positive effect on student engagement, thinking, and reading achievement. It also shows that many students enjoy nonfiction as much as or more than fiction, and yet, many teachers and librarians are hesitant to read nonfiction aloud. To help change that, this session provides tips and tools for (1) locating appropriate nonfiction titles, (2) reading nonfiction in a way that engages students in online as well as school settings, and (3) encouraging and facilitating student responses to nonfiction texts.

About Melissa Stewart: Melissa Stewart has written more than 200 science books for children, garnering such awards as the Sibert Honor, AAAS/Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books, eighteen NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students, two Green Earth Book Awards, and three ALA Notables. She co-wrote 5 Kinds of Nonfiction: Enriching Reading and Writing Instruction with Children’s Books and edited the anthology Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep: 50 Award-winning Authors Share the Secret of Engaging Writing. Melissa’s highly-regarded website features a rich array of nonfiction reading and writing resources.

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