NM PED 2026 Literacy and Humanities Summer Conference

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 08 - Cochiti

Limited Capacity seats available

TBA

Presenters

NM PED Literacy & Humanities Bureau

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 08 - Cochiti

9:35am MDT

Secondary Literacy Leadership: Leading with Impact, Driving Change, and Inspiring Growth

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 03 - San Miguel

Limited Capacity seats available

Strong literacy leadership is the foundation for academic success at the secondary level. In this dynamic workshop, you will explore the critical role of leaders in shaping school-wide literacy initiatives, fostering collaboration among educators, and supporting diverse student needs. You will dive into key focus areas, including building influence, leading intentionally, strategic planning, and modeling professional growth.

You will leave with practical tools to lead literacy initiatives with purpose, allowing you to elevate instructional practices and empower students to achieve their highest potential. Whether you are managing a department or leading an entire building, this session provides the framework needed to inspire your staff and create a sustainable culture of literacy. You will gain the clarity and confidence to drive meaningful change that directly impacts student outcomes across all content areas

Presenters

Jeanne Schopf

Founder & Lead Consultant, Pathways Towards Literacy

Jeanne Schopf is the founder of Pathways Towards Literacy and a highly sought-after motivational keynote speaker with over 30 years of experience in the field of education. As a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), Certified Dyslexia Interventionist (C-SLDI), and Certified Explicit... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 03 - San Miguel

6–12 Administrators & Leaders, Leadership and Systems Disciplinary Literacy

9:35am MDT

Disciplinary Literacy: Why, What, How

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 06 - Mesilla

Limited Capacity seats available

Disciplinary literacy is the ability to think, read, write, and communicate in ways that align with the unique practices of a specific field. In this interactive session designed for middle and secondary teachers, you will move beyond generic comprehension strategies and focus on the discipline-specific ways of thinking that help students truly make sense of complex texts.

Drawing on the research of Shanahan and Shanahan, you will examine how mathematicians, historians, scientists, and literary scholars engage with texts and how these expert moves can be translated into effective classroom instruction. Together, you will unpack why disciplinary literacy is distinct from general reading strategies and identify practical approaches you can incorporate into your teaching tomorrow. You will leave with a clearer understanding of how to mentor your students as they navigate the specialized language and unique inquiry methods of your specific subject area.

Presenters

Dr. Megan Gierka

Member, U.S. Department of Education’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Advisory Committee

Dr. Megan Gierka is a nationally recognized leader in literacy education and implementation science, dedicated to ensuring every child has access to evidence-based reading instruction. She specializes in bridging the gap between research and practice, helping schools, districts, and... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 06 - Mesilla

6–12 Educators & Administrators, Disciplinary Literacy

9:35am MDT

"Cultivating Readers: Pulling Weeds and Planting Flowers: How Teachers Can Make Room for What Works in Literacy Instruction"

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 04 - Ruidoso

Limited Capacity filling up

As schools shift toward evidence-based literacy instruction, you are likely balancing high expectations with an already full plate. Meaningful improvements do not come from adding more to your workload; they come from identifying what you can remove to make space for practices that truly support student learning.

In this session, you will learn how to intentionally let go of routines, materials, or programs that aren't supported by research or data. Using the analogy of "pulling weeds and planting flowers," you will explore how clearing away less effective practices allows evidence-based instruction to take root and thrive in your classroom. Together, we will reflect on what is working, what may be crowding your "garden," and how to use student data to guide your next steps. You will leave with practical strategies based on implementation science and reflective tools to help you focus instruction, strengthen classroom practices, and improve student outcomes.h.

Presenters

Allison Caldwell

Coaching Success Lead / Instruction Team Lead and President, Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) and The Reading League New Mexic

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 04 - Ruidoso

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Oral Language Leadership and Systems Instructional Materials

9:35am MDT

Critical Friends, Real Growth: Transforming PLCs into Powerful Learning Communities

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 13 - Tesuque

Limited Capacity seats available

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are intended to strengthen instruction and improve student outcomes, yet many schools experience them as routine meetings rather than meaningful professional learning. In this session, you will explore how to transform PLCs into authentic spaces for reflection, collaboration, and instructional growth through the use of Critical Friends Group protocols.

You will learn how structured dialogue, inquiry-based protocols, and a culture of trust can move your meetings beyond updates and logistics toward deep professional learning focused on teaching and student success. The session highlights practical strategies for facilitating productive conversations, analyzing instructional practice, and creating PLC structures that are truly worth your time. Through examples and interactive discussion, you will leave with the tools to implement Critical Friends approaches in your own school, fostering a collaborative environment where educators challenge, support, and learn from one another to drive lasting instructional improvement.

Presenters

Melani Buchanan Farmer, PhD

Structured Literacy Coach, Central Region Educational Cooperative (CREC)

Dr. Buchanan Farmer is an instructional leader, educator, and Structured Literacy Coach with more than 26 years of experience supporting teachers and schools in strengthening instructional practice and collaborative professional learning. She is deeply passionate about building school... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 13 - Tesuque

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Leadership and Systems Assessment and Data

9:35am MDT

Making Thinking Visible through Making Meaning Maps

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 11 - Santo Domingo

Limited Capacity seats available

In this interactive session, you will explore Making Thinking Visible (MTV) Making Meaning Maps through a hands-on opportunity to create a "culture of thinking." Based on the work of researchers Ron Ritchhart and Mark Church of Harvard’s Project Zero, this engaging process utilizes all four domains of language to reach every learner.

You will engage in the process of creating Making Meaning Maps around the central topic of MLSS. You will discover how these routines can be used to explore any subject area and how to successfully bring this practice into your own classroom, regardless of the grade level you teach. By the end of the session, you will understand how to use Making Meaning Maps to deepen student comprehension and foster a more reflective, collaborative learning environment.

Presenters

Darlene Fortier

MLSS Coordinator, Santa Fe Public Schools

Darlene Fortier is the MLSS Coordinator for Santa Fe Public Schools and a highly qualified educator dedicated to student-centered learning. She holds multiple degrees in education and is a Level III K-8 licensed teacher with endorsements in TESOL and Language Arts.

Throughout her career, Darlene Fortier has championed the philosophy that children are the heavy lifters while she facilitates the instructional process. When in a classroom, she teaches with a growth mindset, guiding students toward the common goals of social-emotional wellbeing... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 11 - Santo Domingo

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Oral Language Writing Equity and Inclusion Student Engagement English Learners

9:35am MDT

Mindfulness and Art

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 09 - Zuni

Limited Capacity filling up

Rejuvenate your spirit in this experiential workshop that introduces simple, accessible art-making practices grounded in mindfulness. You will engage in creative activities designed to restore focus, reduce stress, and cultivate presence for both yourself and your students. Because the emphasis is entirely on process and reflection, no prior artistic experience is required.

During the session, you will have the opportunity to participate in several mindfulness art activities, including drawing, beading, and sculpting. You will also be invited to engage in guided reflection and mindful movement. You will leave this workshop with a personal sense of calm and a variety of creative tools to help foster a mindful, focused atmosphere in your own classroom.

Presenters

Carla Ashley

Middle School Art Teacher, Las Cruces Public Schools

Carla Ashley is a middle school art teacher with 34 years of experience in education, including extensive work teaching internationally. She is deeply passionate about integrating creativity with whole-child development, ensuring that the arts serve as a powerful vehicle for student... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 09 - Zuni

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Humanities Student Engagement

9:35am MDT

Never Give Up, Never Surrender! What Does it Take to Get Results When Implementation Gets Difficult?

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Implementing meaningful literacy change is rarely easy. When challenges arise, competing priorities, limited resources, staff turnover, or implementation fatigue, schools need more than commitment. They need systems, structures, and a clear framework for sustaining improvement.

This session introduces school, district, and state leaders to the research-based systems, infrastructures, and principles of implementation science required to build and sustain a successful Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) for literacy. Participants will explore the critical components that move initiatives from intention to impact, even in the most challenging contexts.

Through three compelling vignettes drawn from real elementary schools facing significant obstacles, participants will see how strong implementation systems led to measurable improvements in reading and writing outcomes. These stories demonstrate what is possible when leadership, structure, and persistence come together to support effective practice. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to persevere through implementation hurdles and the confidence that meaningful, lasting literacy improvement is achievable.

Presenters

Melody Ilk

National Literacy Consultant, Literacy Transformations, LLC

Melody Ilk is a prominent National Literacy Consultant and the lead author of LETRS for Administrators. With a career spanning decades, she has served in nearly every facet of the educational system—including roles as a classroom teacher, special educator, interventionist, instructional... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 02 - Ballroom/General Session PRESENTATIONS

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Leadership and Systems

9:35am MDT

The Power of I (Invite, Inspire, Include): Relational Mindet Shifts that Stregthen Structured Literacy Instruction

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 10 - Acoma

Limited Capacity seats available

Learning to read requires courage. Structured literacy asks students to respond often, take risks, and learn from mistakes—and that kind of learning only thrives in classrooms built on trust and belonging. In this session, teachers will explore The Power of I: Invite, Inspire, Include as a mindset shift that enhances structured literacy instruction through relational teaching.

Through reflection, discussion, and practical application, participants will learn how small shifts in language, routines, and connection can dramatically impact student engagement and confidence. By bridging the gap between social-emotional well-being and cognitive load, educators will learn to create an environment where students feel safe enough to tackle the rigors of decoding and complex text.

Educators will leave feeling empowered to deliver explicit instruction in ways that honor both the science of reading and the humanity of learners. This session proves that high-stakes academic instruction and high-quality human connection aren't just compatible—they are inseparable.

Presenters

Sheryl Barham

Literacy Specialist and Educational Consultant, J Paul Taylor Academy

Sheryl Barham is a literacy specialist, educational leader, and yoga instructor with 22 years of experience dedicated to creating inclusive, high-impact learning environments. For nearly a decade, she has focused on the intersection of academic rigor and student well-being, serving... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 10 - Acoma

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Student Engagement Equity and Inclusion Diverse Learners

9:35am MDT

Understanding Text Complexity: Moving Beyond the Numbers to Support ALL Readers

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 12 - Taos

Limited Capacity seats available

Text complexity remains one of the most misunderstood aspects of literacy instruction, as many educators rely solely on Lexile levels to determine appropriate texts for students. Because this limited approach often restricts access to grade-level content and perpetuates achievement gaps, understanding how to comprehensively evaluate text is essential for college and career readiness.

In this session, Student Achievement Partners will share the research base for text complexity analysis. You will explore the three-dimensional framework that evaluates quantitative measures, qualitative features, and reader and task considerations. Using practical tools and rubrics, you will examine how structure, language, knowledge demands, and meaning interact to create complexity. You will partner with colleagues to practice using qualitative analysis tools on authentic instructional materials and leave with strategies for designing scaffolds that provide all students access to grade-level complex texts. By the end of the session, you will be equipped to build student capacity through the thoughtful selection and support of challenging, high-quality texts.

Presenters

Dr. Katie Keown

Literacy Director, Student Achievement Partners

Katie Keown, EdD, MA, serves as a Literacy Director at Student Achievement Partners, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving student outcomes by ensuring all children receive equitable and essential instruction. She is a specialist in secondary literacy initiatives, focusing... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 12 - Taos

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Comprehension Oral Language Vocabulary

9:35am MDT

From Assessment to Action: Spelling Instruction That Sticks

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 05 -Pecos

Limited Capacity seats available

This engaging session bridges the gap between spelling assessment and high-impact instruction that leads to lasting student learning. You will explore how to use screening, diagnostic, and formative assessments to uncover student spelling strengths, analyze errors, and plan targeted instruction.

The session features real classroom examples demonstrating how to move from data analysis to informing your instructional decisions. You will discover strategies for creating a responsive instructional cycle where ongoing assessment informs your daily teaching and accelerates student progress. You will walk away with research-backed practices that ensure spelling instruction sticks with your students, transforming assessment from a periodic task into a powerful tool for academic success.

Presenters

Carla Burrell Stanford

Director of Instructional Design, Reading Universe

Carla Burrell Stanford is the Director of Instructional Design at ReadingUniverse.org, where she specializes in translating complex literacy research into practical, classroom-ready tools for daily use. With over 30 years of experience in education, her mission is grounded in the... Read More →

Sarah Martin

Senior Instructional Designer & Writer, Reading Universe

Sarah Martin is a Senior Instructional Designer and Writer for Reading Universe, where she applies her deep expertise in literacy to create high-quality educational resources. Her career in education began in the classroom, where she gained diverse experience teaching kindergarten... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 05 -Pecos

K–5 Educators & Administrators, Comprehension Phonics Fluency Writing Assessment and Data

9:35am MDT

Scaffolding Phonics Instruction for Multilingual Learners

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 07 - La Cienega

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, you will explore practical, evidence-based practices that ensure all students successfully access and learn from grade-level text. You will learn how to plan effective scaffolds that maintain appropriate rigor while challenging your students and encouraging meaningful growth.

The session highlights a versatile array of before, during, and after reading strategies that promote active engagement, deepen comprehension, and increase student learning. You will also explore how to adapt these research-based strategies to meet both individual and classwide needs, helping you ensure all students progress toward and achieve the established literacy standards for their grade level. You will leave with a robust toolkit of adaptable routines that allow you to support diverse learners without lowering the bar for excellence.

Presenters

Dr. Jennifer Throndsen

Educational Consultant, Impactful Learning Designs

With over 20 years of experience in education, Jennifer Throndsen, PhD, has served in various roles across the classroom, school, district, and state levels. Her career includes positions as an elementary and middle school teacher, instructional coach, adjunct faculty, district office... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 07 - La Cienega

K–5 Educators & Administrators, Phonics Comprehension English Learners

9:35am MDT

Understanding NM MSSA Writing Assessment

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:50am MDT

Room 14 - Tijeras

Limited Capacity seats available

Each year, students in grades 3–8 participate in the New Mexico Measures of Student Success and Achievement (NM-MSSA). As part of this assessment, students are required to complete an on-demand writing task. This session will demystify the writing prompt component by examining what students are asked to do and exploring how teachers can provide instruction that helps students develop effective strategies for crafting strong responses.

Participants will engage in activities and conversations that will allow them to develop action plans for how to better support students with on-demand writing.

Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:50am MDT
Room 14 - Tijeras

K–12 Administrators & Leaders, Assessment and Data Leadership and Systems Instructional Materials

10:55am MDT

Indigenous Languages Focus Group (Part 2)

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 08 - Cochiti

Limited Capacity seats available

TBA

Presenters

NM PED Literacy & Humanities Bureau

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 08 - Cochiti

10:55am MDT

Driving Change with Disciplinary Literacy: Gadsden Middle School's Success Story

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 07 - La Cienega

Limited Capacity seats available

TBA

Presenters

Shannon Davis

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 07 - La Cienega

6–12 Educators & Administrators, Disciplinary Literacy Leadership and Systems

10:55am MDT

Fluency as a Key Accelerator in the Secondary Classroom

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 06 - Mesilla

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, you will explore the why, the what, and the how of strong fluency instruction specifically for the secondary grades. You will discover how science-based instructional routines can provide middle and high school students with the necessary support to access and succeed with grade-level complex texts.

Designed for teachers, coaches, and instructional leaders, this session provides you with research-based, ready-to-implement fluency routines that fit the unique needs of the secondary classroom. You will walk away with practical strategies to help your students build the automaticity required for deeper comprehension, ensuring they have the tools to navigate challenging content across all subject areas.

Presenters

Allison Wilson

Founder and Lead Consultant and Consultant, Teachability LLC and SchoolKit

Dr. Ali Wilson is a seasoned educational consultant with over 19 years of experience in K-12 literacy and special education. Actively engaged in academia, Dr. Wilson serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy and has been published in the Journal of Teacher... Read More →

Kate V. Crist

Director and Steering Committee Member, Education 4500 and Project for Adolescent Literacy

Kate V. Crist
Kate V. Crist is a dedicated educator who has spent over two decades focused on improving literacy outcomes for secondary students. She currently serves as the Director of Education 4500, where she supports teachers and leaders in designing and implementing equitable literacy instruction... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 06 - Mesilla

6–12 Educators & Administrators, Disciplinary Literacy Fluency

10:55am MDT

Words that Stick: Explicit Vocabulary Instruction with AI

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 03 - San Miguel

Limited Capacity seats available

Explicit vocabulary instruction is critical for your secondary students to access complex texts, express ideas effectively, and succeed across all disciplines. In this session, you will examine how AI-powered tools can enhance your vocabulary instruction by facilitating high-impact word selection, offering adaptive learning experiences, and strengthening the language networks of the reading brain.

You will explore research-based strategies for direct vocabulary instruction, including how to select and teach high-utility words, integrate structured routines, and foster word consciousness in your classroom. Through practical examples and interactive discussions, you will learn how to integrate AI tools to deepen student comprehension and build robust academic language networks. You will leave with actionable strategies to create a language-rich environment that accelerates literacy development for all your secondary students, ensuring they have the linguistic tools necessary for academic success.

Presenters

Jeanne Schopf

Founder & Lead Consultant, Pathways Towards Literacy

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 03 - San Miguel

6–12 Educators & Administrators, Vocabulary Technology Disciplinary Literacy

10:55am MDT

From Vision to Lasting Results: Applying Implementation Science to Literacy

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 12 - Taos

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session designed for school and district leaders, participants will explore how to move beyond good intentions and into sustained, measurable impact. This presentation highlights the research-based principles of implementation science and the specific phases of implementation that help schools and districts turn literacy initiatives into consistent classroom practice.

Attendees will examine practical strategies for effectively rolling out literacy initiatives, building staff capacity, and supporting instructional fidelity. The session focuses on creating the organizational systems necessary to ensure literacy efforts lead to lasting student outcomes rather than becoming "just another initiative." Leaders will leave with a clearer understanding of how to navigate the shift from initial adoption to full, sustainable integration, ensuring that evidence-aligned practices reach every student in every classroom.

Presenters

Shannon Bowles

Education Consultant and Literacy Advocate, Reading Horizons

Shannon Bowles is an educator, literacy advocate, and education consultant dedicated to advancing literacy and learning outcomes for all students. With extensive experience as an ESL and foundational literacy teacher within the K–12 virtual classroom, she brings a specialized perspective... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 12 - Taos

K–12 Administrators & Leaders, Leadership Instructional Materials

10:55am MDT

AI Literacy: The New Foundation for Digital Citizenship

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 11 - Santo Domingo

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, you will explore the evolution of digital citizenship and how it must now align with the growing expectations of AI literacy. You will take a deep dive into New Mexico's AI Guidance Document, gaining a clear understanding of the state's framework for responsible and effective AI use in schools.

Throughout the workshop, you will interact with your peers and the presenter to discuss practical ways to integrate AI tools into your core curriculum. You will focus specifically on ensuring these tools are aligned with High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) to maintain academic rigor. You will leave with a modernized perspective on digital citizenship and a strategic plan for using AI to enhance, rather than replace, high-quality teaching and learning in your classroom.

Presenters

Jed Duggan

MLSS and AI Specialist, New Mexico Public Education Department (NM PED)

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 11 - Santo Domingo

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Technology

10:55am MDT

From Piggy Banks to Paychecks: Financial Literacy PreK–12

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 09 - Zuni

Limited Capacity seats available

Financial literacy is an essential life skill that should grow with students from early childhood through adulthood. This session showcases dynamic, free resources from the Federal Reserve designed to build economic knowledge and personal finance skills across grade levels.

Participants will explore classroom-ready resources and engaging activities that integrate easily into literacy, math, and career readiness instruction. Educators will leave with practical tools to help students build real-world financial understanding and make informed financial choices. Whether you are looking to enhance a math unit or find informational texts for literacy blocks, this session provides the high-quality materials needed to prepare students for a successful financial future.

Presenters

Liz Tran

Public Affairs Specialist, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City (Denver Branch)

Liz Tran is the Public Affairs Specialist at the Denver Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. In this capacity, she is responsible for the development and implementation of the branch’s public outreach programs, playing a key role in connecting the Federal Reserve with... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 09 - Zuni

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Humanities

10:55am MDT

Increasing Student "Lift" through the Use of Student Discourse

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 13 - Tesuque

Limited Capacity filling up

It is time to lift your students’ speaking and listening skills to new heights. In this high-energy, hands-on session, you will focus on strengthening oral language development through dynamic, student-centered discourse strategies that get every learner talking, thinking, and engaging. You will not just hear about these strategies; you will experience them in action and feel their impact firsthand.

From structured partner talk to collaborative group discussions and whole-class dialogue, you will walk away with practical, ready-to-use tools that can be implemented immediately. With examples tailored for both elementary and secondary classrooms, you will leave equipped and inspired to help your students truly soar. You will gain the confidence to facilitate rich academic conversations that build background knowledge, sharpen critical thinking, and ensure every student has a voice in the learning process.

Presenters

Dr. Toni Hull

Regional Instructional Specialist, Southwest Regional Educational Cooperative

Dr. Toni Hull is a dynamic educational leader with 33 years of experience serving students and educators in New York and New Mexico. She currently serves as a Regional Instructional Specialist with the Southwest Regional Educational Cooperative, where she supports eight districts... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 13 - Tesuque

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Oral Language Student Engagement

10:55am MDT

Introducing a Framework for Complex Text: Increasing Rigor through Effective Comprehension Instruction

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 04 - Ruidoso

Limited Capacity seats available

Designing instruction to support reading comprehension can be a daunting task. This session introduces a Comprehension Framework designed to support the planning and implementation of instruction that attends to the language strands of Dr. Scarborough’s Reading Rope.

Attendees will utilize a sample text to practice planning and implementing effective comprehension instruction using this structured approach. The framework enables diverse learners across all grades to access grade-level-appropriate text while strengthening vocabulary, background knowledge, syntax, and more. You will leave with a clear process for ensuring your instructional design aligns with the necessary components for skilled reading.

Presenters

Laura Sabido

Director of Instruction, Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE)

Laura Sabido is the Director of Instruction for the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) and an elite Level 5 Master Instructor. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, she has dedicated 23 years to the field of education, serving as a classroom teacher, school administrator... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 04 - Ruidoso

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Comprehension Vocabulary MLSS/Intervention English Learners

10:55am MDT

Write Every Day: Strengthening K–8 Literacy through Writing Across the Curriculum

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 05 -Pecos

Limited Capacity full

If you are ready to rediscover the joy of writing and make daily practice feel meaningful and manageable, this session is for you. In this session, you will explore practical and easy-to-use writing strategies designed to make writing across the curriculum clear, consistent, and meaningful in every subject area.

You will learn about a specific framework that aligns naturally with DOK levels, supports deeper comprehension, and elevates journal writing so it becomes a powerful part of learning rather than a task students rush through. This system is designed to be set up once and used all year long to provide you with a dependable structure from start to finish. You will also discover how this strategy makes it simple to pull small guided writing groups, target specific skills, and gather quick, authentic formative assessments that help you adjust instruction with confidence. You will leave with a writing tool that strengthens literacy, boosts student thinking, and makes daily writing a natural and joyful part of your classroom all year long.

Presenters

April Severino

Founder and Independent Consultant, Smart Schools

April Severino is a nationally recognized educator, literacy coach, principal, curriculum director, keynote speaker, and independent consultant specializing in literacy professional development. With decades of experience leading schools and empowering teachers, she is known for her... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 05 -Pecos

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Writing Foundational Skills in Secondary Fluency Vocabulary Comprehension

10:55am MDT

RTI/MLSS, Fluency, and Reading Comprehension

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

What is the relationship between RTI/MTSS, oral reading fluency, and reading comprehension? In this session, you will explore how an understanding of this intersection helps you build the knowledge, structures, and practices most likely to yield student reading success.

Designed specifically for educators, leaders, and administrators working with students in grades K through 5, this session provides a roadmap for aligning your school-wide systems with essential reading skills. You will examine how fluency acts as a bridge between foundational skills and deep comprehension within a multi-tiered framework. You will leave with a clearer vision of how to refine your instructional practices and support structures to ensure that every student reaches their full literacy potential.

Presenters

Dr. Heidi Beverine-Curry

Owner and Independent Consultant, HBC Literacy Consulting

Dr. Heidi Beverine-Curry is a thought and implementation leader for evidence-aligned literacy transformation, with a special interest in RTI/MTSS. She is a frequent guest speaker on the Science of Reading and has presented widely at conferences and events across the United States... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 02 - Ballroom/General Session PRESENTATIONS

K–5 Administrators & Leaders, MLSS/Intervention Fluency Reading Comprehension

10:55am MDT

Unlocking Every Voice: Dynamic Language Strategies for All Classrooms and Simple Shifts to Integrate Language Into Your Literacy Lessons

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 10 - Acoma

Limited Capacity full

This interactive workshop provides an understanding of the importance of intentional oral language development for literacy and learning success. This understanding will give you and your students a linguistic edge as they learn to read and write.

Language is the primary tool we use to make sense of the world around us. In the Reading is Language Model (Hulme and Snowling, 2025), there is a reciprocity between reading and language as literacy develops. Expanding upon the concepts of the Simple View of Reading (Gough and Tunmer, 1986), we will demonstrate that oral language skills are the essential precursor to the components of the SVR. As Dr. Charles Hulme suggests, the stagnation of NAEP scores highlights an urgent need for more robust language instruction.

During this session, we will discuss efficient assessments and programs that support the development of language skills critical for literacy. Additionally, you will experience concrete, brief instructional strategies designed to infuse language development throughout the school day. Language not only helps students improve their reading and writing skills; it provides a sense of belonging that supports learning in all areas. When we give language the emphasis it deserves, we provide students with the foundation necessary for lifelong academic achievement.

Presenters

Judi Dodson

National Literacy Consultant and Thought Leader, 95 Percent Group

Judi Dodson is a National Literacy Consultant and Thought Leader for the 95 Percent Group, where she specializes in the critical intersection of oral language, foundational literacy skills, and the neurological impact of trauma on learning. With over 20 years of experience as a special... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 10 - Acoma

K–5 Educators & Administrators, Oral Language Vocabulary

1:30pm MDT

Diverse Adolescent Learners: Instructional Priorities for Literacy

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

What does current research say about the literacy instructional needs of older students, including English language learners and students with disabilities? In this session, you will discover that while there is no one-size-fits-all approach, specific research findings can be integrated with your local context to drive student success.

You will explore how to combine individual study findings with your own student data and unique school structures to prioritize the practices that truly matter for literacy achievement. By examining the instructional needs of diverse adolescent learners through a research-based lens, you will gain a clearer understanding of how to focus your efforts. You will leave with a framework for making informed, high-impact instructional decisions that support the literacy growth of every student in your secondary classroom.

Presenters

Dr. Heidi Beverine-Curry

Owner and Independent Consultant, HBC Literacy Consulting

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room 02 - Ballroom/General Session PRESENTATIONS

6–12 Educators & Administrators, Disciplinary Literacy Diverse Learners Leadership and Systems

1:30pm MDT

Literacy Strategies in the Secondary Mathematics Classroom

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room 08 - Cochiti

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, participants will learn how to use Reading Apprenticeship strategies to facilitate student entry points to mathematical texts. Participants will learn how to increase student engagement with mathematical text, promote discussion around the texts, and facilitate reluctant learners in approaching complex texts they may encounter in secondary mathematics classes. Facilitated by a classroom teacher, this session is designed to provide quick, easy, effective strategies that incorporate well into day-to-day math lessons.

Presenters

Danica Newton

Lead Math Teacher TSA / NM Governor's STEM Challenge Advisor, Cloudcroft High School

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room 08 - Cochiti

6–12 Educators & Administrators, Disciplinary Literacy

1:30pm MDT

Paired Texts, Powerful Themes: Protocol for Literacy Analysis in Grades 6–12

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room 06 - Mesilla

Limited Capacity seats available

This session invites secondary educators to bridge the gap between reading and writing standards by embedding a high-impact protocol from WestEd’s Reading Apprenticeship into literary analysis instruction. Participants will unpack key Reading (6–12 RL/RI) and Writing (6–12 W.1 and W.2) standards to better understand their interconnected nature.

Through guided close-reading and evidence-gathering routines, attendees will collaboratively design lesson sequences that move students from initial textual interpretation to structured, argument-driven essays. Through hands-on modeling and peer collaboration, educators will leave with ready-to-implement strategies that weave reading comprehension and writing skills into a seamless instructional flow, ensuring students can effectively communicate their analysis of complex texts.

Presenters

Lauren Spenceley

Secondary English Language Arts Specialist, Arizona Department of Education

Lauren Spenceley is the Secondary English Language Arts Specialist at the Arizona Department of Education, where she oversees standards implementation, literacy leadership, and professional development for grades 6–12. With over 14 years of experience as a secondary ELA teacher... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room 06 - Mesilla

6–12 Educators & Administrators, Disciplinary Literacy Vocabulary Writing Comprehension Instructional Materials

1:30pm MDT

Strategies to Engage ALL Learning with Content Area Text

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room 12 - Taos

Limited Capacity seats available

Students must be given grade level appropriate lessons and text in content area instruction. However, we often have students who read well below grade level. Participants in this session will learn about and practice strategies and activities to use to better enable ALL students to engage with grade level text in the classroom.

Presenters

Valerie Brea

Executive Director, Southwest Regional Educational Cooperative (SWREC)

Valerie Brea is the Executive Director of the Southwest Regional Education Cooperative (SWREC), bringing three decades of multifaceted experience to the New Mexico educational landscape. Her career is characterized by a unique blend of specialized classroom instruction, school-site... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room 12 - Taos

6–12 Educators & Administrators, Disciplinary Literacy MLSS/Intervention Comprehension Oral Language

1:30pm MDT

Leading Literacy Transformation with Competence, Consistency, and Coherence

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room 03 - San Miguel

Limited Capacity seats available

TBA

Presenters

Melody Ilk

National Literacy Consultant, Literacy Transformations, LLC

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room 03 - San Miguel

K–12 Administrators & Leaders, Leadership and Systems

1:30pm MDT

AI in the Humanities Classroom: Ethical AI Use that Builds Civics Thinking

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room 09 - Zuni

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, you will explore real classroom scenarios involving AI use in civic learning, emphasizing that ethical decision-making around technology is an essential part of daily civic education. Together, we will analyze both effective and problematic uses of AI through a civic lens, focusing on the common good, transparency, bias awareness, and academic integrity.

Working in small groups, you will create a "Do’s and Don’ts of AI in Civic Education" guide tailored to your specific instructional context. This tool is designed for everyday classroom use rather than one-off conversations. You will also contribute to a shared resource bank of vetted prompts, discussion protocols, and student reflection tools that support ongoing civic thinking in an AI-rich world. By the end of the session, you will leave with a practical ethical AI checklist reflecting your local policies, sample AI-integrated civic lesson prompts, and student reflection templates for responsible use. You will learn how to help students practice critical evaluation and civic judgment, preparing them to engage responsibly in their communities and democracy on an ongoing basis.

Presenters

Christina Ross

Director of Business Development, iCivics

Christina joined the iCivics team in June of 2021 and serves as the Director of Business Development. She is a dedicated advocate for rigorous and inclusive civics education, an expertise that led her to speak on engaging young women in civics at President Obama’s United State of... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room 09 - Zuni

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Humanities Technology

1:30pm MDT

Morphology Moments: Empower Vocabulary through Structured Word Inquiry

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room 05 -Pecos

Limited Capacity seats available

You can empower your students’ academic language development by using morphology to support skilled reading comprehension. Vocabulary depth, breadth, and precision are essential components of the language strand in the Reading Rope, and in this session, you will learn to apply structural analysis using common affixes and Greek and Latin bases to expand student vocabulary.

You will explore how explicit and systematic instruction of morphemes enables students to accurately and automatically analyze academic vocabulary in grade-level texts. To help students prepare for sophisticated reading and standardized assessments, you will focus on the three layers of the English language: Anglo-Saxon, Latin, and Greek. The session emphasizes the use of semantic clusters, which are groups of words that share a common base or characteristic. As your students progress to upper grades and encounter increasingly complex multisyllabic words, you will be equipped with the tools to teach them how every word part aids in analysis, comprehension, and spelling.

Presenters

Ginny Simank

Consultancy Success Lead, Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE)

Ginny Simank is the Consultancy Success Lead at the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) and a Level 5 IMSE OG Master Instructor. In this role, she partners with district leaders nationwide to strengthen literacy systems through evidence-based implementation aligned to the... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room 05 -Pecos

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Vocabulary Oral Language

1:30pm MDT

Restorative Practices with a Creative Twist

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room 13 - Tesuque

Limited Capacity full

This session offers a professional development opportunity that puts more than a “creative twist” on restorative circles. Participants will learn the basics of restorative practices integrated with arts and mindfulness to create heartfelt, student-centered connections within the classroom community.

Because relationships are at the center of all restorative practices, this experiential workshop models safe, inclusive, and creative strategies for both staff and students. This highly interactive session is full of opportunities to learn, practice, and reflect, providing educators with actionable tools to foster a more connected and supportive learning environment.

Presenters

Michelle Holdt

Lead, Creative Compassionate

Michelle Holdt is the lead for Creative Compassionate and a veteran educator with over 35 years of experience in arts education. An enthusiastic specialist in arts integration, she is dedicated to the philosophy of leading an "arts-rich life" and ensuring that the arts are accessible... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room 13 - Tesuque

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Humanities Equity and Inclusion MLSS/Intervention Comprehension Student Engagement

1:30pm MDT

HQIM: The Foundation of Core Literacy Instruction

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room 11 - Santo Domingo

Limited Capacity seats available

This session reviews the critical connection between High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) and structured literacy practices while aligning with Multi-Layered System of Support (MLSS) strategies in lesson planning. Participants will explore the specific components of HQIM and understand why these materials are essential for effectively implementing the science of reading.

Through a practical lens, attendees will learn how the MLSS framework can be seamlessly integrated within core literacy instruction to provide tiered support without compromising the integrity of the curriculum. The session provides a clear roadmap for using high-quality resources to meet the diverse needs of all learners, ensuring that instructional materials serve as a strong foundation for equitable and evidence-aligned literacy outcomes. Educators will leave with actionable insights on how to leverage their curriculum to strengthen both Tier 1 instruction and targeted interventions.

Presenters

Jed Duggan

MLSS and AI Specialist, New Mexico Public Education Department (NM PED)

Robbi Berry

Education Administration Specialist, NM PED Instructional Material Bureau

Robbi Berry is an Education Administration Specialist with the New Mexico Public Education Department’s Instructional Material Bureau. A veteran educator with 27 years of classroom experience teaching 5th and 6th grade, she transitioned to state-level leadership after a highly decorated... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room 11 - Santo Domingo

K–5 Administrators & Leaders, Instructional Materials MLSS/Intervention

1:30pm MDT

Redefining Foundations: Integrating Oral Language into Foundational Skills

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room 04 - Ruidoso

Limited Capacity filling up

Foundational literacy is often reduced to "cracking the code," yet a child’s oral language proficiency is a strong predictor of long-term reading success. Hulme and Snowling’s recent model, the Reading is Language Model (2025), expands on the Simple View of Reading to demonstrate that language is the primary contributor and the basis of all literacy learning, including both word learning and comprehension. This session explores an expanded definition of foundational skills, positioning oral language, specifically vocabulary depth, syntactic complexity, and frequent peer-to-peer speaking, as the essential building block for later reading comprehension.

In this interactive session, participants will gain an understanding of the role of language as the "glue" for foundational skills. You will discover practical ways to integrate robust oral language development into daily foundational routines, ensuring students are not just decoding words, but are building the linguistic wealth necessary for true comprehension.

Presenters

Judi Dodson

National Literacy Consultant and Thought Leader, 95 Percent Group

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room 04 - Ruidoso

K–5 Administrators & Leaders, Oral Langauge Comprehension

1:30pm MDT

Structured Literacy in New Mexico: From Data to Classroom Success for English Learners

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room 07 - La Cienega

Limited Capacity seats available

Presented by Dr. Linda Cavazos and Severo Martinez, this session explores the impact of the Structured Literacy Initiative on student achievement in New Mexico since 2022. You will examine the evidence demonstrating how systematic, explicit instruction has successfully improved reading proficiency for all students across the state.

During the session, you will look closely at data and outcomes with a particular focus on English Learners across all instructional settings. You will discover how the initiative’s frameworks have shifted the landscape of literacy in New Mexico and what these results mean for your own classroom or district. You will leave with a deeper understanding of the evidence base supporting structured literacy and a clear view of how these state-wide efforts are effectively closing achievement gaps and fostering long-term reading success.

Presenters

Dr. Linda Cavazos

Executive Director, ELLAS Consulting (English Learner Leadership Advocacy Support)

Dr. Linda Cavazos is the Executive Director of ELLAS Consulting (English Learner Leadership Advocacy Support). With over 30 years of experience in education, she is a leading expert in supporting the needs of English Learners and culturally and linguistically diverse learners.

Throughout her career, Dr. Linda Cavazos has provided capacity building, technical assistance, and coaching at the national, state, regional, and local levels. She specializes in preparing teachers to deliver literacy instruction and academic interventions to emergent bilinguals... Read More →

Severo Martinez

New Mexico Public Education Department

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room 07 - La Cienega

K–5 Administrators & Leaders, Leadership and Systems Assessment and Data English Learners

1:30pm MDT

Building Spanish and English: Using Cross-Linguistic Phonology to Strengthen Early Literacy Instruction for English Learners

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room 10 - Acoma

Limited Capacity seats available

English Learners bring valuable phonological knowledge to early literacy instruction. Research identifies phoneme-grapheme relationships between Spanish and English as fully transferable, partially transferable, or non-transferable, and these connections serve as a critical bridge for reading development. In this session, you will examine how the similarities and differences in Spanish and English phonology impact student reading and spelling in English.

You will be introduced to the Translinguistic Tool for Teachers of English Learners (T³EL), a resource designed to support your understanding of phoneme-grapheme reciprocity across languages. You will explore practical guidance for teaching phonics concepts to English Learners and gain the instructional tools necessary to implement these strategies in your classroom. You will leave with a clear roadmap for using a student’s home language as a powerful foundation for English literacy success.

Presenters

Dr. Nicole Florez

Curriculum Designer, Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE)

Nicole Florez, Ed.D., is a Curriculum Designer at the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) and a distinguished expert in literacy for diverse learners. With over 20 years of experience in elementary education, she brings a global perspective to her work, having taught internationally... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room 10 - Acoma

K–5 Educators & Administrators, English Learners Phonics Phonological Awareness

2:50pm MDT

Brain Stew: Leveraging Adolescent Brain Development to Enhance Literacy, Humanities Instruction, and Learning Environments

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room 07 - La Cienega

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, you will take a lively and accessible dive into adolescent brain development using insights from medical doctors, psychologists, neuroscientists, and social scientists. Together, you will unpack why teenagers think, decide, and behave the way they do. More importantly, you will discover how this understanding can make classroom management and instruction feel less like a battle and more like a true partnership.

You can expect an energetic and hands-on experience with group conversations, storytelling, movement breaks, and music woven throughout the session. Because the session focuses on how the adolescent brain works, you will learn through the very methods that match how that brain learns best. You will leave with a new perspective on your students and a toolkit of practical strategies to foster a more connected, productive, and calm classroom environment.

Presenters

Jacob Mondragon

Educator and Curriculum Specialist, Albuquerque Public Schools

Jacob Mondragon is a seasoned educator with 17 years of experience across a wide array of educational environments, including private, charter, and large public school systems. His teaching expertise is remarkably diverse, spanning subjects such as music, fine arts, and mathemati... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room 07 - La Cienega

6–12 Educators & Administrators, Humanities Disciplinary Literacy Equity and Inclusion Diverse Learners Student Engagement

2:50pm MDT

Text Sets That Move Us: Designing Immersive, Culturally Sustaining Literacy Experiences

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room 06 - Mesilla

Limited Capacity seats available

What happens when your learners encounter texts that pull them in emotionally, intellectually, and physically? In this interactive workshop, you will experience an immersive, text-rich exploration of nuclear procurement in Indian Country, feeling firsthand how a compelling topic and carefully curated text set can activate deep engagement.

Following this experience, you will begin developing your own compelling topics and accompanying text sets for use at your local site. Finally, using the Indigenous Critical Curriculum Framework, you will examine your emerging plans for curriculum violence by asking not just if the work is engaging, but who the curriculum serves and who it might harm. You will leave with a compelling topic in progress and a critical lens to carry forward into all your future instructional design.

Presenters

Dr. Stephanie Owens

Educational Psychologist and Consultant, Statewide

Stephanie is an educational psychologist and dedicated educator with 30 years of experience across public K-12 schools, higher education, and mission-driven organizations. Throughout her career, she has balanced teaching with high-impact consultancy work for schools, universities... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room 06 - Mesilla

6–12 Educators & Administrators, Disciplinary Literacy Equity and Inclusion Diverse Learners Instructional Materials Student Engagement

2:50pm MDT

"What are we willing to stop?": Leading Strategic De-Implementation in Structured Literacy Initiatives

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room 05 -Pecos

Limited Capacity seats available

Successful structured literacy implementation requires more than adding evidence-aligned practices; it demands the intentional removal of practices that dilute clarity and coherence. In this interactive session, you will examine de-implementation as a core leadership responsibility within your Science of Reading initiatives. As a district or building leader, you will explore how to identify misaligned literacy practices and anticipate the adaptive resistance that often accompanies change.

Through guided reflection and the use of practical planning tools, you will develop a strategic phase-out plan aligned to your district’s specific priorities. You will leave with actionable tools and the precise language needed to reduce initiative overload, strengthen system coherence, and create the necessary conditions for structured literacy to thrive. By focusing on streamlining your instructional efforts, you will gain the ability to protect your staff's time and ensure that your literacy goals lead to lasting student success.

Presenters

Ginny Simank

Consultancy Success Lead, Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE)

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room 05 -Pecos

K–12 Administrators & Leaders, Leadership and Systems

2:50pm MDT

Building a Framework for Reading Success

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Everyone these days seems to know some of the major reading frameworks (e.g., simple view, reading rope, active view). However, these frameworks are about what readers do cognitively during reading. What about instruction? What about increasing children’s reading achievement? This presentation presents a practical teaching framework that educators can use to guide their reading improvement efforts. If you want to know what it takes to raise reading achievement -- in your classroom, school, or state – you’ll find this framework, drawn from research and Professor Shanahan’s nearly 60 years of practice, to be a valuable guide.

Presenters

Dr. Timothy Shanahan

Professor Emeritus, University of Illinois at Chicago

Timothy Shanahan is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Previously, he was director of reading for the Chicago Public Schools, and Visiting Research Professor at Queens University, Belfast, Northern Ireland. He is author/editor of more than... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room 02 - Ballroom/General Session PRESENTATIONS

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Comprehension Fluency Oral Language Instructional Materials

2:50pm MDT

Reading the World: Literacy and Humanities through Place-Based Learning

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room 11 - Santo Domingo

Limited Capacity seats available

This session explores how place-based outdoor learning strengthens literacy and humanities instruction. Participants will engage in a guided experience demonstrating how observation, journaling, and inquiry deepen comprehension, writing, vocabulary, and critical thinking by connecting students to their local environment.

Grounded in equity-centered strategies, this session offers practical tools for inclusive implementation across grade levels, showing how the natural world can serve as a primary text for learning. Educators will learn how to facilitate sensory-rich writing exercises and site-specific inquiries that help students build background knowledge and develop a stronger sense of place. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for taking the curriculum outdoors to foster deeper student engagement and more authentic literacy connections

Presenters

Patricia Gharrity

Manager of Math and Science & Program Manager for the Outdoor Learning Initiative, New Mexico Public Education Department (NM PED)

Patricia (Trish) Gharrity is the Manager of Math and Science and the Program Manager for the Outdoor Learning Initiative at the New Mexico Public Education Department (NM PED). A proud native of Santa Fe, she brings 20 years of diverse educational experience to her leadership role... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room 11 - Santo Domingo

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Humanities Diverse Learners Student Engagement

2:50pm MDT

The Work of Democracy Happens Every Day, in Every Classroom: Helping Students Evaluate Digital Information

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room 09 - Zuni

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, you will examine real examples of misleading digital content that circulate in civic spaces and explore the everyday challenges to accuracy in a democracy. You will investigate issues such as mis- and disinformation, sponsored content, media bias, and conspiracy theories. Rather than relying on simple skepticism, you will model discipline-specific lateral reading strategies that support informed civic judgment.

You will learn how to evaluate and verify claims by cross-checking sources, tracing authorship and funding, and contextualizing information using targeted search operators. Working collaboratively, you will design a classroom-ready flowchart that guides students through a structured verification process which can be embedded across social studies units all year long. By the end of the session, you will have gained hands-on practice with digital literacy through live demonstrations and experienced applying search operators to authentic civic examples. You will leave with a customizable verification flowchart, an access link to iCivics digital literacy resources, and a deeper understanding of how to integrate civic reasoning into your daily instruction.

Presenters

Christina Ross

Director of Business Development, iCivics

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room 09 - Zuni

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Humanities Technology Disciplinary Literacy

2:50pm MDT

Winning at WIN Time: How Jemez Valley and Redwood Literacy Build a Model for Individualized Success

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room 12 - Taos

Limited Capacity seats available

How can a rural elementary school provide high-frequency, specialized literacy instruction to every student without overextending its staff? You will find the answer in this case study of Jemez Valley Elementary, where the "WIN" (What I Need) block was reimagined through a strategic partnership with Redwood Literacy. This session explores a successful Multi-Layered System of Supports (MLSS) in action, demonstrating how to prioritize the "Right to Read" through innovative scheduling and specialized collaboration.

In this session, you will explore the "Jemez Valley Model," a structured literacy approach that leverages outside experts to work alongside school teams. You will learn the logistical "how-to" of scheduling a school-wide intervention block that minimizes transition loss and maximizes instructional minutes. Furthermore, you will discover how to use BOY and MOY data to move beyond "one size fits all" instruction, creating fluid groupings that address specific gaps in phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency. By examining the growth data and success stories from this implementation, you will leave with a practical framework for forging strategic partnerships, individualizing instruction at scale, and using evidence-based interventions to significantly improve student proficiency and confidence.

Presenters

Amanda Herman

Principal, Jemez Valley PreK and Elementary School

Amanda Lynn Herman is the Principal of Jemez Valley PreK and Elementary School within Jemez Valley Public Schools. A National Board Certified Teacher and a 2023 Golden Apple Award winner, Amanda is deeply committed to the Science of Reading and the "Right to Read" movement. She holds... Read More →

Juillian Patten

Director of Partnerships and Executive Committee Member, Redwood Literacy and The Reading League New Mexico

Jillian Patten serves as the Director of Partnerships at Redwood Literacy. She is driven by Redwood’s mission to ensure that all students with literacy struggles have the tools to access their dreams. By cultivating hope and restoring confidence, Jillian helps facilitate programs... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room 12 - Taos

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Leadership MLSS/Intervention Diverse Learners

2:50pm MDT

Writing Instruction and Assessment: WIDA/ACCESS AND Title I Part A

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room 08 - Cochiti

Limited Capacity seats available

TBA

Presenters

Elena Aguilar

English Language Specialist of Indian Education, New Mexico Public Education Department (NM PED)

Elena Aguilar is a dedicated advocate and administrator with over a decade of experience serving Indigenous communities. Raised by the communities of San Ildefonso Pueblo and Santa Clara Pueblo, she brings a deeply rooted, culturally informed perspective to her work in social work... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room 08 - Cochiti

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Writing Assessment and Data Equity and Inclusion MLSS

2:50pm MDT

Making Literacy Stick: The Science of Implementation

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room 04 - Ruidoso

Limited Capacity seats available

TBA

Presenters

Doria Sullivan

Director of Implementation and Engagement, Institute for Multi-Sensory Education

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room 04 - Ruidoso

K–5 Administrators & Leaders, Leadership and Systems

2:50pm MDT

Building Thinking Classrooms: Using Anticipation Guides to Strengthen Literacy in K–5 Learners

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room 03 - San Miguel

Limited Capacity seats available

Anticipation guides stimulate students' interest in a topic and set a purpose for reading by teaching them to make predictions, anticipate the text, and verify their findings. This powerful pre-reading strategy is particularly effective in the elementary classroom because it activates background knowledge, sparks curiosity, and establishes a clear focus for the reading task.

By presenting thought-provoking statements connected to key concepts in the text, teachers encourage students to predict, agree or disagree, and engage in meaningful discussion before reading begins. In this session, participants will learn how to create and implement effective anticipation guides, with a focus on intentionally embedding essential vocabulary and academic language into these statements to provide early exposure to critical terms in context.

As students revisit the guide during and after reading, they refine their thinking, deepen comprehension, and make stronger connections between new vocabulary and the text’s central ideas. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for designing these guides in their own classrooms, gaining tools to intentionally strengthen student vocabulary development and reading comprehension through purposeful pre-reading engagement.

Presenters

Nancy Orta

First-Grade Teacher, East Picacho Elementary School (2026 NM Teacher of the Year)

Nancy Louise Orta is the 2026 New Mexico Teacher of the Year and a veteran educator with over 25 years of experience. A first-grade teacher at East Picacho Elementary School in Las Cruces, she is celebrated for her ability to blend a lifelong love of literacy with rigorous, inquiry-based... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room 03 - San Miguel

K–5 Educators & Administrators, Vocabulary Oral Language Comprehension English Learners Student Engagement

2:50pm MDT

Equity by Design: Building Background Knowledge for Stronger K–5 Comprehension through Culturally Responsive Literacy

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room 10 - Acoma

Limited Capacity seats available

Students struggle with comprehension not only because of decoding challenges, but because texts assume knowledge they may not yet have. In this interactive workshop, participants will examine the role of background knowledge within Scarborough’s Reading Rope and experience a classroom-ready routine for Grade 3–5 literature and informational texts.

Using a grade-level excerpt, educators will learn how to implement a structured 10–12 minute “Build Background Knowledge” sequence prior to reading. The session demonstrates how to intentionally teach essential context and concept vocabulary while integrating culturally responsive connections and structured academic discourse routines that ensure equitable participation.

Participants will leave with a one-page planning template and a knowledge-builder menu that can be applied immediately to upcoming reading lessons. This session bridges structured literacy and equity by showing how explicit knowledge instruction strengthens comprehension and access for all students.

Presenters

Laura Bryant

Dual-Language Educator and Instructional Leader, Las Cruces Public Schools

Laura Bryant is a dual-language elementary educator with 18 years of experience across general education and bilingual settings. A National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) since 2018, she is recognized for her commitment to professional excellence and her expertise in serving multilingual... Read More →

Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room 10 - Acoma

K–5 Educators & Administrators, Comprehension Oral Langauge Equity and Inclusion English Learners

2:50pm MDT

Phonics Power Hour