NM PED 2026 Literacy and Humanities Summer Conference: Full Schedule

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8:00am MDT

Teaching Reading with Complex Text Across the Grades

Thursday June 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT

Room 01 - Ballroom/General Session KEYNOTES

For generations, teachers have been told that it was essential that students be taught at their reading levels. This has led to a plethora of assessments, text leveling systems, and small group instructional routines. However, research shows that this approach is not best for kids. Higher reading achievement can be accomplished with more challenging texts and different teaching routines. This presentation explores that research and proposes alternative practical approaches to teaching reading comprehension using challenging texts.

Keynote Speakers

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 →

Thursday June 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Room 01 - Ballroom/General Session KEYNOTES

9:35am MDT

Leading Research-Based Writing Instruction with the Writing Rope

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 02 - Ballroom/General Session PRESENTATIONS

Limited Capacity seats available

This engaging session is designed for district and building administrators and instructional coaches who are leading the implementation of evidence-based writing instruction. You will explore how to move beyond fragmented writing practices to create a cohesive, school-wide approach that yields measurable results.

Throughout the session, you will have the opportunity for deep collaboration and discussion with fellow leaders to solve common implementation challenges. You will examine the specific structures and professional learning supports needed to empower your teachers and ensure that high-quality writing instruction becomes a sustainable part of your district’s literacy culture. You will leave with a clearer vision for leadership and a set of practical strategies to monitor and support effective writing instruction across all grade levels.

Presenters

Dr. Ivetha Witherspoon

National Literacy Consultant, Keys to Literacy

Dr. Ivetha Witherspoon is a consultant with Keys to Literacy and a distinguished expert in research-based writing instruction. She began her career as a public school educator in elementary education before transitioning to middle school, where she specialized in intensive reading... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 02 - Ballroom/General Session PRESENTATIONS

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

9:35am MDT

Leading the Shift: Strategic Leadership for Secondary Literacy Success

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 12 - Taos

Limited Capacity seats available

Secondary literacy is a leadership priority. In this session, you will examine why a focused approach to adolescent literacy is critical for student success and how to strategically support educators in implementing evidence-based reading and writing practices.

With particular attention to the AIM Pathways to Proficient Reading for Secondary, you will explore the frameworks necessary to drive school-wide improvement. You will leave with practical leadership actions to strengthen implementation and ensure literacy is embedded across all content areas. By focusing on sustainable systems and professional support, you will gain the tools needed to make literacy a foundational pillar of your school or district’s academic strategy.

Presenters

Dr. Carolyn Durante

Senior Relations Manager and Integrated Literacy Facilitator, AIM Institute for Research and Learning

Dr. Carolyn Durante is a Senior Relationship Manager and Integrated Literacy Facilitator with AIM Institute for Research and Learning, where she supports more than 50 districts and state education agencies nationwide in implementing evidence-based literacy practices. She is a frequent... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 12 - Taos

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

9:35am MDT

Fluency Matters: Empowering Striving Adolescent Readers

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 07 - La Cienega

Limited Capacity seats available

Fluency is more than a technical skill, it is a pathway to empowerment, resilience, and hope for our older striving readers. In this session, we explore fluency’s role in adolescent literacy development and its critical impact on overall student learning.

Through evidence-based practices and collaborative planning, educators will reimagine fluency instruction as a means of fostering engagement, success, and lifelong literacy. Participants will examine how to move beyond simple speed-drills toward meaningful, prosodic reading that supports deep comprehension. You will leave with practical tools to integrate fluency support into the secondary classroom, ensuring that older readers gain the confidence and automaticity needed to tackle complex, grade-level 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 →

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 07 - La Cienega

6–12 Educators & Administrators, Disciplinary Literacy Fluency

9:35am MDT

The Science of Reading in Action: Re-engaging High School Learners through Community-Connected Capstones

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 10 - Acoma

Limited Capacity seats available

For some students, the disconnect between classroom literacy instruction and real-world application leads to disengagement. However, when the Science of Reading is integrated into Community-Connected Learning, literacy moves from a static subject to a dynamic tool for impact. In this session, you will explore a pedagogical framework that embeds evidence-based literacy practices, such as background knowledge and complex language structures, into student capstone projects.

You will examine how students can apply decoding and comprehension skills to navigate technical texts, conduct interviews, and publish findings for a public audience while tackling authentic community challenges. You will explore a framework for community-connected capstones that integrates these strategies for high school learners and engage in practices that help you imagine projects for your own school. Whether focusing on food insecurity, local history, or environmental justice, you will leave with a roadmap for designing capstone experiences that turn "learning to read" into "reading to lead."

Presenters

Dr. Lisa Harmon-Martínez

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 10 - Acoma

6–12 Educators & Administrators, Disciplinary Literacy Equity and Inclusion Student Engagement Foundational Skills in Secondary

9:35am MDT

From Adoption to Impact: Leading Coherent Literacy Implementation Across Schools and Districts

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 03 - San Miguel

Limited Capacity seats available

As New Mexico districts work to strengthen literacy outcomes statewide, you are increasingly called upon to move beyond simple adoption toward coherent, sustainable implementation. While you may have already made significant investments in evidence-based literacy materials and professional learning, the challenge often lies in translating those tools into consistent, high-quality classroom practice.

In this session, you will focus on the specific leadership actions that support coherent literacy implementation and sustained improvement. You will explore how alignment among curriculum, professional learning, coaching, and assessment directly influences instructional quality and student outcomes. Drawing on classroom, district, and national implementation experience, you will identify common challenges that emerge during literacy shifts and the leadership moves necessary to address them. You will leave with a practical framework for assessing implementation coherence and identifying high-leverage strategies that strengthen literacy systems across your schools.

Presenters

Allison Caldwell

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

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 03 - San Miguel

K–12 Administrators & Leaders, Leadership and Systems

9:35am MDT

The Principal's Role in Powerful PLCs: Utilizing the Critial Friends Model

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 13 - Tesuque

Limited Capacity seats available

Professional Learning Communities can be powerful drivers of instructional improvement, but only when they are supported by clear leadership, purposeful structures, and a culture of trust. As a school leader, you play a critical role in shaping PLCs that are focused, collaborative, and worth your educators’ time. In this session, you will explore the leadership moves that help build and sustain strong PLCs, including how to incorporate structured dialogue through the use of protocols.

You will examine an example of what a year-long PLC cycle built around consistent Critical Friends Groups looks like, covering everything from establishing norms and trust to examining instructional dilemmas and analyzing student work. By engaging in reflective inquiry throughout the school year, you can move your teams beyond routine meetings and toward meaningful professional learning. You will leave with practical strategies and a sample PLC structure that supports meaningful collaboration, strengthens teacher practice, and creates sustainable systems for continuous instructional growth across your campus.

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 →

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 13 - Tesuque

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

9:35am MDT

Arts Integration 101

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 08 - Cochiti

Limited Capacity seats available

The arts are a natural tool for inquiry, investigation, creativity, community building, and connection to classroom curriculum. This practical, hands-on workshop is grounded in the pedagogy of Harvard Project Zero, including Making Learning Visible and Thinking Routines.

Facilitated by Arts Integration Learning Specialist Michelle Holdt, this session introduces participants to simple yet dynamic arts-integrated strategies that are immediately applicable to lesson plan development and implementation. Educators will leave with actionable techniques to foster deeper student engagement and make thinking visible across all content areas.

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 →

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 08 - Cochiti

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Humanities

9:35am MDT

Exploring Literacy through New Mexico History: Arts-Integrated, Experiential Learning from the NM History Museum

FILLING

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 09 - Zuni

Limited Capacity filling up

This session introduces educators to the wide range of literacy-rich resources available through the New Mexico History Museum. Museum educator Nancy Morris-Judd will highlight exhibits, digital materials, and educator supports that help bring New Mexico history to life in the classroom. Special emphasis will be placed on arts-integrated and experiential learning opportunities designed to deepen students’ historical understanding while strengthening critical literacy skills.

Participants will engage in two hands-on activities drawn directly from the museum’s education programs: the Human Timeline activity and "Snapshot: Exploring Historical Themes Through Tableau." Through these activities, attendees will explore how embodied learning, visual literacy, and creative expression can support reading, writing, and critical thinking across grade levels.

Participants will leave with ready-to-use strategies and a clearer understanding of how the New Mexico History Museum can support literacy instruction statewide.

Presenters

Nancy Morris-Judd

Educator, New Mexico History Museum

Nancy Morris-Judd is an educator, artist, and community advocate at the New Mexico History Museum with over 25 years of experience in cross-disciplinary instruction. Her work is defined by a unique synthesis of historical inquiry, environmental activism, and arts integration, aimed... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 09 - Zuni

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Humanities Student Engagement

9:35am MDT

Leveraging Generative AI to Creative Intervention Materials

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 05 -Pecos

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, you will focus on the exploration of Generative AI tools to create effective materials for planning interventions. You will begin by defining and understanding the difference between AI inputs and outputs, ensuring you have a clear grasp of how these tools process information.

Using a specific protocol, you will learn how to craft high-quality inputs that lead to precise and useful results. You will also explore how to critically analyze the quality of the output from the AI tool to ensure it meets the rigorous needs of your students. By the end of the session, you will leave with a practical framework for leveraging AI as a time-saving partner in your instructional design, allowing you to generate targeted intervention resources that are accurate, engaging, and aligned with student goals.

Presenters

Dr. Toby Soderberg

Rianne Ventura

Structured Literacy Coordinator, Central Region Educational Cooperative (CREC)

Rianne Ventura is a lifelong learner and educator with 24 years of experience in New Mexico. A National Board Certified Teacher for 20 years, she is a recognized expert in Special Education and literacy, currently serving as the Structured Literacy Coordinator for the Central Region... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 05 -Pecos

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Technology MLSS/Intervention

9:35am MDT

Unlocking the Power of Words: Levaraging Morphology to Boost Reading and Writing

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 04 - Ruidoso

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, discover how explicitly teaching decoding and word parts can transform the way students read, spell, and write. When students understand phonics, morphology, and word origins, complex academic words become less intimidating and far more meaningful.

Grounded in structured literacy, this engaging session will show how morphology can be woven into everyday instruction to boost reading, spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension across grade levels and content areas. Participants will explore how breaking down words into prefixes, suffixes, and roots provides a "key" that unlocks the meaning of thousands of related words. Walk away inspired and equipped with knowledge and practical ideas that make word learning powerful, purposeful, and fun.

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 →

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 04 - Ruidoso

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Vocabulary Oral Language Comprehension

9:35am MDT

The Underserved Writer: How Explicit Foundational Instruction Closes the Gap

FULL

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 11 - Santo Domingo

Limited Capacity full

Only 27% of students in the United States perform at or above proficiency in writing. The gaps along lines of race, income, disability status, and English learner status are significant, persistent, and largely ignored. This session makes the case that explicit, systematic foundational instruction is more than just good pedagogy; it is the equity intervention that writing education has been missing.

In this session, you will examine who implicit writing instruction fails and why. You will then build a practical toolkit focused on transcription automaticity and sentence-level instruction, giving every student in your classroom genuine access to composition. You will leave with the strategies necessary to bridge proficiency gaps and ensure that foundational writing skills become a gateway to student voice and success rather than a barrier.

Presenters

Brenna Westerhoff

Manager of Learning and Development, 95 Percent Group

Dr. Brenna Westerhoff is an expert in the intersection of literacy and organizational science, currently serving as the Manager of Learning and Development at 95 Percent Group. She spent the first twenty years of her career inside schools as a classroom teacher, assistant principal... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 11 - Santo Domingo

K–5 Educators & Administrators, Writing Phonics Equity and Inclusion

9:35am MDT

Unlocking Comprehension through Syntax

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Room 06 - Mesilla

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, you will explore practical strategies for strengthening student comprehension by harnessing the power of grammatical building blocks and syntactic awareness. You will learn how a function-first approach to grammar instruction can directly support meaning-making, helping students see how sentences are built to convey specific ideas.

Using free Reading Universe resources, including video demonstrations and ready-to-use instructional materials, you will build practical knowledge and skills for teaching syntax in ways that are immediately applicable to your classroom. You will discover how intentional instruction in grammar and sentence structure can transform a reader's ability to navigate and understand complex text. You will leave with a toolkit of routines that turn grammar from a dry subject into a dynamic key for unlocking deep comprehension.

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 →

Thursday June 4, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 06 - Mesilla

K–5 Educators & Administrators, Comprehension Oral Language Vocabulary

10:55am MDT

Building Efficacy and Joy by Supporting Adolescent Foundational Skills

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 07 - La Cienega

Limited Capacity seats available

Substantial attention has been placed on supporting foundational reading and writing skills in the early grades, but many students still reach fourth grade and above without these skills securely in place. In this session, you will explore how to engage older striving readers in instruction that builds student efficacy, motivation, and a sense of self as competent and capable readers.

Student Achievement Partners will share the research and evidence base that defines efficacy and joy in literacy instruction. You will highlight specific, research-based instructional routines that can be implemented in any class to ensure that all students, especially those with gaps in their foundational skills, build their competence and confidence. You will leave with practical strategies to foster an environment where students feel successful and empowered, ensuring that foundational support feels age-appropriate, respectful, and highly effective.

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 →

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 07 - La Cienega

6–12 Educators & Administrators, Foundational Skills for Secondary Students Phonics Phonological Awareness Vocabulary Comprehension

10:55am MDT

From Initiative to Impact: Disciplinary Literacy at Raton High School

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 04 - Ruidoso

Limited Capacity seats available

This session highlights the successful implementation of Reading Apprenticeship and Disciplinary Literacy at Raton High School (grades 7–12). Participants will examine leadership moves, instructional shifts, student impact, and replicable practices that contributed to measurable improvement.

This session is intentionally designed to be highly interactive so participants can actively engage with the strategies and leadership practices shared. Rather than a traditional presentation format, attendees will participate in structured reflection, collaborative discussion, and analysis of real instructional artifacts from Raton High School.

Presenters

Joleene Starr

Principal, Raton Public Schools

Joleene Starr is the Principal of Raton High School (grades 7–12) in Raton, New Mexico. A dedicated secondary leader, she is recognized for her commitment to building coherent instructional systems that bridge the gap between administrative leadership and daily classroom practice... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 04 - Ruidoso

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

10:55am MDT

Building Academic Vocabulary: Using Marzano's 6 Steps in Math, Science, and Social Studies

FULL

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 13 - Tesuque

Limited Capacity full

Strengthen student comprehension and content achievement through the power of intentional academic vocabulary instruction. In this session, you will explore Marzano’s Six-Step Process for teaching academic terms and examine how systematic vocabulary routines can be implemented across math, science, and social studies.

You will engage with practical strategies for selecting high-leverage Tier 3 vocabulary, supporting student discussion, and reinforcing learning through structured review activities and games. The session places special emphasis on using student vocabulary notebooks as a tool for building conceptual understanding, promoting equity for multilingual learners, and monitoring growth. Throughout the hour, you will collaborate to apply a menu of research-aligned practices and develop SMART coaching or classroom implementation goals. You will leave with a clear plan to support consistent, cross-disciplinary vocabulary instruction that ensures all students can access complex content.

Presenters

Brittany Summerhays

Structured Literacy Coach, Southwest Regional Education Cooperative (SWREC)

Brittany Summerhays is a passionate educator, instructional designer, and educational leader with over a decade of experience supporting students and teachers in a variety of learning environments. For the past three years in New Mexico, she has served as a structured literacy coach... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 13 - Tesuque

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Vocabulary

10:55am MDT

Considerations for Curriculum Adoption and Implementation: Alignment with the Science and the Standards

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 02 - Ballroom/General Session PRESENTATIONS

Limited Capacity seats available

Curriculum decision-makers frequently ask, “Does my curriculum truly align with the Science of Reading?” While many publishers make this claim, determining what constitutes genuine evidence alignment, and how it differs from standards alignment, remains a persistent challenge.

This session introduces the forthcoming 4th Edition of the Curriculum Evaluation Guidelines, developed by The Reading League to support schools and districts in making informed, research-based curriculum decisions. With an increased emphasis on oral language and reading comprehension, the updated guidelines reflect the depth and breadth of the current research base on how students learn to read.

Participants will engage with key concepts from the research and learn to identify both evidence-aligned practices and common “red flags” found in instructional materials. The session will also highlight how to use Curriculum Navigation Reports as a practical tool for evaluating the extent to which curricula address each component of evidence-aligned reading instruction. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of what true alignment looks like in practice and actionable strategies to ensure that instructional materials support strong, coherent language and literacy development for all students.

Presenters

Kari Kurto

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 02 - Ballroom/General Session PRESENTATIONS

K–12 Educators & Administrators, HQIM Leadership and Systems

10:55am MDT

Cultural Responsiveness: Information to Guide Instruction

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 11 - Santo Domingo

Limited Capacity seats available

Our schools represent a diverse range of cultures, ethnicities, languages, and values. As an educator, it is paramount that you understand the importance of respecting, embracing, and amplifying your students’ unique perspectives and lived experiences. Culturally responsive teaching bridges gaps in understanding, promotes equity, and creates learning environments where all students can thrive. By affirming student identities and fostering meaningful connections between learning and their lives, you can empower your students to succeed both personally and academically.

In this session, you will learn the core principles of culturally responsive teaching and how to integrate them into your daily lessons and routines. You will explore strategies for creating an inclusive and respectful environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. You will gain insights into how culture and identity shape the way students learn, communicate, and engage with the world, leaving with a toolkit of practical ways to leverage these insights to enhance learning outcomes for every student in your classroom.

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 →

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 11 - Santo Domingo

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

10:55am MDT

From Research to Reality: Powering Literacy Instruction through Reading Universe

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 06 - Mesilla

Limited Capacity seats available

Despite decades of reading research, a persistent gap remains between what the science of reading tells us and what happens in classrooms every day. While you may want to shift your practice toward evidence-based instruction, you might feel uncertain about where to start, what skills to prioritize, or how to teach those skills effectively. Reading Universe, a free online platform, directly addresses this challenge by serving simultaneously as a research library, a professional learning pathway, and a classroom-ready resource bank.

In this session, you will explore Reading Universe as a tool organized around three essential questions every literacy educator faces: What do I need to teach, why does it matter, and how do I teach it well? Through hands-on navigation of the platform, video analysis, and collaborative reflection, you will leave with both a deeper understanding of structured literacy and a concrete, accessible resource to support your ongoing professional growth.

Presenters

Carla Burrell Stanford

Director of Instructional Design, Reading Universe

Sarah Martin

Senior Instructional Designer & Writer, Reading Universe

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 06 - Mesilla

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Comprehension Oral Language Vocabulary Phonics

10:55am MDT

Intervention is Instruction — Reading Comprehension is the Outcome

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 03 - San Miguel

Limited Capacity seats available

Secondary readers deserve instruction that builds skill, confidence, and understanding rather than more time spent in isolated programs. In this session, you will reframe intervention as high-quality, evidence-based instruction that belongs in every classroom. You will explore how explicit and systematic teaching in word recognition, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension ensures that all students can access grade-level texts.

Grounded in the science of reading and adolescent literacy research, this session provides practical strategies for you to deliver instruction that transforms reading outcomes. You will work toward key learning targets, including understanding how to integrate intervention practices into Tier 1 instruction and learning to distinguish between intervention as a physical place and intervention as effective teaching. You will leave equipped to translate research into practice, improving reading comprehension outcomes and building a culture of literacy that empowers every student in your school.

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 →

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 03 - San Miguel

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Comprehension MLSS/Intervention Oral Langauge Vocabulary

10:55am MDT

Leading for Impact: How Coaching and Collaboration Shape Writing Instruction

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 08 - Cochiti

Limited Capacity seats available

Strong writing instruction depends on confident and competent teachers, and school leaders play a critical role in creating the conditions that build that confidence. In this session, you will focus on how coaching and collaborative learning can be leveraged as leadership tools to strengthen writing instruction across all classrooms.

You will explore practical strategies to support teacher growth, foster meaningful collaboration, and build a culture of continuous improvement around writing. The session highlights leadership moves that promote teacher efficacy, align professional learning with classroom needs, and sustain instructional change over time. You will leave with actionable ideas for leading systems that empower your teachers while directly improving student writing outcomes. By focusing on the intersection of leadership and pedagogy, you will gain the tools necessary to make high-quality writing instruction a sustainable reality in your school.

Presenters

Dr. Michelle Hopper

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 08 - Cochiti

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Writing Coaching Leadership and Systems

10:55am MDT

Lesson Plans for your Classroom: Bringing the Marker Women to Life — Curriculum for Grades K–12

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 09 - Zuni

Limited Capacity seats available

By centering women as significant shapers of New Mexico’s history, the New Mexico Historic Women Marker Program offers free resources for scholars and educators. For all social studies teachers, including grades K–12, these curriculum unit plans present the voices and experiences of Southwest women as the creators and maintainers of culture and community.

Pull over for a moment and learn how to utilize this dynamic curriculum to teach about the women whose actions and influence helped shape our state’s history. Participants will explore ready-to-use lesson plans and primary sources that integrate seamlessly into existing social studies instruction, ensuring that the diverse perspectives of women are a fundamental part of the historical narrative in every classroom.

Presenters

Lisa Nordstrum

Santa Fe

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 09 - Zuni

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Humanities HQIM

10:55am MDT

The Digital Literacy Toolkit: UDL, Immersive Reader, and Publisher Integrations in Canvas

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 10 - Acoma

Limited Capacity seats available

How can one platform support the Science of Reading, reach every learner, and keep High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) connected? In this session, participants will explore how Canvas LMS serves as a digital literacy toolkit that brings together Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, Microsoft Immersive Reader, and publisher integrations to create accessible, data-informed literacy experiences across grade levels.

We will examine how Canvas tools naturally align with UDL’s three pillars, multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression, giving educators flexible options for supporting diverse learners without creating extra work. Participants will see how Immersive Reader, built directly into Canvas, provides on-demand text-to-speech, translation, syllabification, and visual supports that remove barriers for striving readers, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities. We will also explore how publisher integrations with platforms like HMH, Amplify, and LETRS centralize literacy content and assessment data within Canvas, helping educators and leaders make informed instructional decisions.

Whether you are a classroom teacher looking to strengthen literacy support or a school leader seeking a cohesive approach to HQIM implementation, this session will provide a clear picture of how Canvas connects the tools educators already have into a unified, accessible literacy framework.

Presenters

Anne Blackwell

Learning Consultant, Instructure (Partnering with NM PED)

Anne Blackwell is a Learning Consultant at Instructure, where she serves as a strategic partner to the New Mexico Public Education Department (NM PED). With over 20 years of classroom experience and a background as a Teacher of the Year, she brings a deep understanding of the intersection... Read More →

Jessica Dinsmore

Manager of Learning Management Systems, New Mexico Public Education Department (NM PED)

Jessica Dinsmore serves as the Manager of Learning Management Systems at the New Mexico Public Education Department (NM PED). She is a dedicated advocate for accessible and impactful adult learning, focusing on how technology can be leveraged to enhance educator support and system-wide... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 10 - Acoma

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

10:55am MDT

The Explicit Edge: Explicit Instruction That Delivers Vocabulary

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 05 -Pecos

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover how explicit instruction, as championed by Anita Archer, can transform vocabulary learning in any classroom. This session provides teachers with research-backed strategies for teaching words with clarity, structure, and repeated practice, ensuring students understand, retain, and apply new vocabulary.

Grounded in John Hattie’s Visible Learning research, participants will explore instructional practices with high effect sizes, including modeling, guided practice, scaffolding, and activating prior knowledge before introducing new words. During this interactive session, teachers will learn how to:

Identify and prioritize high-impact vocabulary for instruction.

Activate students’ prior knowledge and build background to support comprehension.

Incorporate multiple exposures and active student responses to ensure retention.

Whether you teach elementary, middle, or high school, this session equips educators to accelerate learning, close achievement gaps, and make vocabulary instruction measurable, visible, and impactful.

Presenters

Crystal Rogers

Structured Literacy Coach, Southwest Regional Education Cooperative (SWREC)

Crystal Montoya Rogers is an accomplished educator and Structured Literacy Coach with the Southwest Regional Education Cooperative (SWREC). With a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a Pre-K–12 Specialty license, she leverages her extensive classroom experience—spanning... Read More →

Margaret Martinez

Structured Literacy Coach, Southwest Regional Education Cooperative (SWREC)

Margaret Martinez is a dedicated Structured Literacy Coach with the Southwest Regional Education Cooperative (SWREC), supporting educators across the state of New Mexico. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with endorsements in Language Arts, Social Studies, TESOL, and Bilingual... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 05 -Pecos

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Vocabulary Oral Language Student Engagement English Learners

10:55am MDT

From Sounds to Soil: Enhancing Early Literacy through Outdoor Phonics Instruction

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT

Room 12 - Taos

Limited Capacity seats available

In this interactive session, you will explore the powerful intersection of nature-based learning and the Science of Reading. You will discover how to transition phonics instruction from the desk to the dirt by utilizing sensory-rich environments to make abstract letter-sound relationships concrete.

Through hands-on demonstration, you will learn specific outdoor strategies including Nature Alphabet Hunts, Syllable Stomps, and the use of natural writing tools. These activities boost phonemic awareness and decoding skills while fostering a deep connection to the environment. You will leave with a practical toolkit for implementing high-impact, movement-based literacy activities in any outdoor space to ensure your students stay engaged while building foundational reading skills.

Presenters

Amy Reyes-Hauff

State Early Learning and Literacy Specialist, Wyoming Department of Education

Amy Reyes has been serving in the Early Childhood space in Wyoming for many years and plays an important role in bridging gaps in ECE across the United States. She is an expert in Early Learning, with specializations in Social Emotional Learning—specifically Digital Tech Wellness... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 12 - Taos

K–5 Educators & Administrators, Oral Language Phonics Phonological Awareness

12:15pm MDT

Adolescent Literacy: Science, Solutions, and Strategies

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT

Room 02 - Ballroom/General Session PRESENTATIONS

Limited Capacity seats available

What does research tell us about effectively supporting students in grades 4–12, and how does this differ from early literacy instruction? While foundational principles of reading development remain consistent, older striving readers require distinct instructional approaches that address gaps in both foundational skills and language comprehension.

In this session, participants will engage with the research base through the lens of The Reading League’s Curriculum Evaluation Guidelines for Grades K–5 and the Reading Intervention Evaluation Guidelines for Grades 4–12. Together, these tools will be used to examine what works best for older readers who continue to need targeted support. Participants will explore key similarities and differences between early and adolescent literacy instruction and learn to identify high-impact, evidence-aligned practices for intervention.

The session will also provide practical, hands-on strategies to advance morphological and syntactic awareness that can be implemented in both intervention settings and content-area classrooms. Emphasis will be placed on one of the most consistently supported findings in the research: the importance of a coherent, schoolwide approach to literacy that ensures all educators share responsibility for advancing reading outcomes. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies and a clearer understanding of how to support older striving readers through aligned, system-level practices.

Presenters

Kari Kurto

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT
Room 02 - Ballroom/General Session PRESENTATIONS

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

12:15pm MDT

Disciplinary Literacy in Action: Classroom-Ready Routines + Reading Apprenticeship

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT

Room 06 - Mesilla

Limited Capacity seats available

In this engaging and interactive session, you will explore how to build capacity for disciplinary literacy in grades 6 through 12. Grounded in the science of reading, this session provides practical routines and strategies that support student comprehension, vocabulary, and knowledge building across all content areas at the middle and high school levels.

You will experience and examine examples of discipline-specific work being done in classrooms across New Mexico and leave with tools you can use immediately. Additionally, you will be introduced to the Reading Apprenticeship framework, which is an approach that supports student reading, thinking, and learning in every discipline. You will also learn how your school or district can access free training for teachers and administrators during the 2026–27 school year. By the end of this session, you will have a clear path for empowering your secondary students to master the complex texts of their specific subjects.

Presenters

Heather Conklin

Senior Program Manager, Literacy, WestEd

Heather Conklin is a Senior Program Manager for Literacy at WestEd, where she specializes in secondary literacy and disciplinary reading practices. She is a lead designer and facilitator for Reading Apprenticeship, an evidence-based professional learning framework that helps teachers... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT
Room 06 - Mesilla

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

12:15pm MDT

Multisyllabic Word Reading

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT

Room 08 - Cochiti

Limited Capacity seats available

In this interactive session, you will learn specific strategies to support students as they navigate multisyllabic words within grade-level texts. You will review essential syllable types and practice instructional routines designed to help older readers break down and read longer, more complex words with confidence.

Taught in a classroom style, this session allows you to actively practice these routines in small groups with the direct support of the presenter and your peers. By engaging in this hands-on work, you will gain a deep understanding of how to bridge the gap for students who struggle with word length and complexity. You will leave with practical, classroom-tested methods to help your students decode advanced vocabulary, ensuring they can access and understand the rigorous content required in the upper grades.

Presenters

Erica Hidalgo

Senior Educational Services Manager, CORE

Erica Hidalgo is a Senior Educational Services Manager with CORE (Consortium on Reaching Excellence in Education), where she supports schools and districts with professional learning and coaching services designed to improve literacy instruction. She specializes in working alongside... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT
Room 08 - Cochiti

6–12 Educators & Administrators, Foundational Skills for Secondary Students Oral Language

12:15pm MDT

Using Debate to Improve Student Writing

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT

Room 10 - Acoma

Limited Capacity seats available

Unlock the power of debate to help your students master the art of organized writing. In this session, you will discover how to use core debate concepts as a framework for teaching structure, logic, and evidence-based claims. You will participate in a high-energy, debate-inspired activity, designed for immediate use in any classroom, and explore how to bridge the gap between spoken arguments and successful student compositions. By shifting the focus from static outlines to dynamic discourse, you will leave with practical strategies to help your students organize their thoughts more clearly and write with greater purpose and persuasion.

Presenters

Amber Curtis-Trudell

6th Grade ELA Teacher, Cottonwood Classical Preparatory School

Amber Curtis-Trudell is a New Mexico native who grew up in Las Cruces. She holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Journalism and Creative Writing, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching with an emphasis in Secondary ELA. She holds Level III licensure with an endorsement in gifted education... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT
Room 10 - Acoma

6–12 Educators & Administrators, Writing Humanities

12:15pm MDT

Rigor, Relevance, and Results: Smart Literacy Centers for K–8

FULL

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT

Room 04 - Ruidoso

Limited Capacity full

Join this high-energy, practical session designed to equip you with research-based Smart Literacy Centers that truly work. You will discover how to bring joy back to reading and writing by creating centers that are rigorous, meaningful, and easy to maintain. Imagine setting up centers that you do not have to change for nine weeks while your students engage in complex literacy tasks that build real, lasting skills.

In this session, you will learn how these centers support all five components of reading, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. You will explore how to align these tasks seamlessly with State Standards, Content Area Standards, and Webb’s Depth of Knowledge levels using materials you already have. These strategies are simple to implement, highly effective, and sustainable. By moving beyond worksheets toward hands-on, purposeful tasks, you will help your students strengthen deep literacy skills and stay engaged in their learning. You will walk away inspired and ready to launch Smart Literacy Centers that make a meaningful difference in your classroom.

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 →

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT
Room 04 - Ruidoso

K-8 Educators & Administrators

12:15pm MDT

"Comprehension is not a thing": Debunking Myths About Reading Comprehension

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT

Room 07 - La Cienega

Limited Capacity seats available

Comprehension is often overemphasized as a skill that can be both isolated and taught; however, it is actually the ultimate goal of all reading instruction. To provide effective support, we must change our mindset around what comprehension is, why it is both a skill and an outcome, and how to help students build a true understanding of text.

In this session, Student Achievement Partners will review key research that defines the nature of comprehension and explains why instruction is most effective when centered on complex text. You will explore how to shift your practices to ensure that every student has the necessary support to comprehend any text they encounter. By the end of the session, you will leave with a fresh perspective and a set of research-based strategies to move beyond surface-level skill work toward deep, meaningful literacy achievement for all learners.

Presenters

Dr. Katie Keown

Literacy Director, Student Achievement Partners

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT
Room 07 - La Cienega

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Comprehension Vocabulary Oral Language

12:15pm MDT

From Talking to Thinking: Cultivating Powerful Discussions in the Humanities Classroom

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT

Room 09 - Zuni

Limited Capacity seats available

Strong classroom discussions do not happen by accident; they are intentionally designed, skillfully facilitated, and grounded in meaningful texts and questions. In this session, you will explore how to cultivate rich, student-centered discussions that deepen comprehension, strengthen critical thinking, and build students’ capacity to listen, respond, and reason with evidence. You will examine the structures, norms, and teacher moves that elevate discourse across any classroom and consider how discussion can serve as a powerful vehicle for deeper understanding.

This session is designed as an active learning experience rather than a "sit-and-get" workshop. You will engage in a model discussion using a short, complex text, experiencing firsthand the structures and facilitation moves being studied. You will leave with concrete discussion strategies you can implement tomorrow, such as structured protocols, questioning moves, and participation scaffolds. Additionally, you will gain a clearer understanding of your role in planning for and facilitating equitable, evidence-based dialogue. Through structured collaboration time, you will adapt a discussion protocol to an upcoming lesson, receive peer feedback, and leave with strategies you have already rehearsed and refined.

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 →

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT
Room 09 - Zuni

K–12 Educators & Administrators, Humanities Oral Language

12:15pm MDT

Give Your Layer 1 a Boost

FULL

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT

Room 13 - Tesuque

Limited Capacity full

In many literacy classrooms, implementing high-quality instructional materials with fidelity has come to mean using curriculum questions exactly as written. While well-intentioned, this practice often leads to one-size-fits-all instruction and superficial comprehension.

Drawing on research from SRI International, this session argues for a shift from implementation with fidelity to implementation with integrity, preserving the intent of high-quality materials while responding to how students actually build understanding from complex texts across grade levels.

Participants will examine examples of “before and after” questions, analyze how different questions shape comprehension, and collaboratively revise questions from existing instructional materials. The session will also introduce an AI-supported tool to help educators continue refining instructional questions beyond the session.

Participants will leave with:
1. Practical strategies for revising questions to deepen comprehension
2. Sample revised questions for implementation
3. Access to an AI-assisted question-revision tool

Presenters

Whitney Whealdon

Director of Learning Innovation, Learning Tapestry

Whitney Whealdon is a career educator and learning architect with more than 20 years of experience spanning the classroom, state-level policy, and educational technology. As the Director of Learning Innovation at Learning Tapestry, she partners with organizations to design digital... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT
Room 13 - Tesuque

K–12 Educators & Administrators, MLSS/Intervention Comprehension Instructional Materials Technology

12:15pm MDT

Teaching through Dance and Theater: Strategies for Every Subject

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT

Room 11 - Santo Domingo

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will explore the benefits of dance for social and emotional growth, its connection to language and literacy, and practical strategies for classroom implementation. The core focus of the workshop is integrating dances from Latin America and beyond into general education to connect movement to any subject area.

Through an interactive and experiential approach, participants will examine how rhythmic movement and choreography can serve as a bridge to academic content, enhancing students’ understanding of rhythm, syntax, and cultural storytelling. Attendees will leave with practical, classroom-ready strategies to incorporate dance into their daily instruction, fostering a more kinesthetic and inclusive learning environment that supports both well-being and academic achievement.

Presenters

Norma Lujan-Quinones

Dance and Movement Teacher, Dolores Gonzales Elementary School (APS)

Norma Quiñones is an accomplished educator and performing artist who has dedicated over two decades to the students of Dolores Gonzales Elementary School. Her career is a testament to the power of integrating language, culture, and the performing arts within the elementary curri... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT
Room 11 - Santo Domingo

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

12:15pm MDT

The Core is the Equity: Reimagining Layer 1 Literacy in New Mexico Classrooms

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT

Room 12 - Taos

Limited Capacity seats available

New Mexico’s MLSS framework makes one truth unavoidable: if Layer 1 instruction is weak, every other layer becomes remediation instead of opportunity. In a post–Yazzie/Martinez landscape, the state has affirmed that students are entitled to culturally and linguistically responsive, grade-level instruction. Layer 1 is where that promise lives or fails. In this session, you will focus on two critical design decisions: intentional text selection and grade-appropriate assignments that preserve cognitive demand.

You will examine how to select texts that reflect New Mexico communities, land, and languages while aligning to NMPED standards and supporting multilingual learners. You will also analyze common Layer 1 pitfalls, such as over-scaffolded texts and low-level tasks that unintentionally track students. Using New Mexico-centered examples, including land-based literature and borderlands narratives, you will practice redesigning assignments to increase cognitive demand while maintaining accessibility. This session positions Layer 1 as enrichment-first design, helping you raise both the floor and the ceiling in your classroom. You will leave with planning protocols, assignment redesign templates, and New Mexico-aligned examples ready for immediate implementation.

Presenters

Christopher Vian

Education Administrator for Multi-Layered Systems of Support and Gifted Education, New Mexico Public Education Department (NM PED)

Christopher Vian is a dedicated and experienced educator who currently serves as the Education Administrator for Multi-Layered Systems of Support (MLSS) and Gifted Education for the New Mexico Public Education Department (NM PED). He is a passionate advocate for creating enriched... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT
Room 12 - Taos

K–12 Educators & Administrators, MLSS/Intervention Instructional Materials Equity and Inclusion English Learners

12:15pm MDT

MLSS Design That Fits Your School's Needs

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT

Room 05 -Pecos

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, you will learn how to develop a "What I Need" (WIN) model that fits the specific needs of your students through the effective triangulation of data. You will move beyond simple test scores to look at how multiple data points inform a comprehensive view of student growth and instructional needs.

You will work with a model of the Multi-Layered System of Support (MLSS) framework to develop or refine a personalized structure for your own school or classroom. By working collaboratively with your peers and the presenter, you will identify how to schedule, group, and track interventions that actually work. You will leave with a clear, actionable plan for your MLSS framework, ensuring that your intervention time is purposeful, data-driven, and designed to close achievement gaps for every student.

Presenters

Geraldine Herrod

Instructional Coordinator, Central Consolidated School District

My name is Geraldine Herrod and I work at the district office in the Curriculum & Instruction Department as the Elementary School Coordinator. I have been a classroom teacher in elementary and secondary, I also have been an elementary principal, high school principal, instructional... Read More →

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT
Room 05 -Pecos

K–5 Administrators & Leaders, MLSS English Learners

12:15pm MDT

A Road Map for Success: Implementing the Road to Reading for New Mexico's English Learners

LIMITED

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT

Room 03 - San Miguel

Limited Capacity seats available

This session dives into the Road to Reading for English Learners model, a framework that treats oral language development and differentiated linguistic scaffolds as fundamental components of instructional design rather than optional add-ons. You will examine the systematic integration of language acquisition and reading strategies to ensure that literacy instruction is both accessible and rigorous.

Throughout the session, you will explore concrete examples of how to improve language and literacy instruction for all students with a specific focus on the unique needs of English Learners. You will learn how to design lessons that prioritize linguistic support without sacrificing grade-level content. You will leave with a clear understanding of the Road to Reading framework and a set of practical tools to help your English Learners thrive as they build both language proficiency and deep reading skills.

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 →

Thursday June 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT
Room 03 - San Miguel

K–5 Educators & Administrators, Assessment and Data Leadership and Systems Instructional Materials

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