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Wednesday, June 3
 

7:00am MDT

Registration/Sign-In/Breakfast
Wednesday June 3, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am MDT
Room 01 - Ballroom/General Session KEYNOTES

Wednesday June 3, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am MDT
Room 01 - Ballroom/General Session KEYNOTES

8:00am MDT

Keep on Going: The 3 Rhythms That Help Educators Stay Rooted, Renewed, and Resilient
Wednesday June 3, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Room 01 - Ballroom/General Session KEYNOTES
TBA
Keynote Speakers
avatar for Mickey Smith Jr.

Mickey Smith Jr.

MORE THAN JUST A SPEAKER. MORE THAN JUST A MUSICIAN. HE'S THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE TO ENGAGE, EDUCATE & ELEVATE YOUR PEOPLE.
Mickey Smith Jr. is a Grammy Music Educator Award winner, 8-time Teacher of the Year, and full-time educator who helps staff reconnect with the purpose behind their profession. When he is not working in his classroom as a full-time teacher at a K–12 preparatory school, he spends... Read More →
Wednesday June 3, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Room 01 - Ballroom/General Session KEYNOTES
  Keynote

9:35am MDT

Indigenous Languages Focus Group (Part 1)
LIMITED
Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 08 - Cochiti
Limited Capacity seats available
TBA
Presenters
NP
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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Jeanne Schopf

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Dr. Megan Gierka

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"
FILLING
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,...
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Presenters
avatar for Allison Caldwell

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Melani Buchanan Farmer, PhD

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Darlene Fortier

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
FILLING
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,...
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Presenters
avatar for Carla Ashley

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?
LIMITED
Wednesday June 3, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Room 02 - Ballroom/General Session PRESENTATIONS
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Melody Ilk

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Sheryl Barham

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Dr. Katie Keown

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Carla Burrell Stanford

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 →
avatar for Sarah Martin

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Dr. Jennifer Throndsen

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
LIMITED
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...
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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)
LIMITED
Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 08 - Cochiti
Limited Capacity seats available
TBA
Presenters
NP
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
LIMITED
Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 07 - La Cienega
Limited Capacity seats available
TBA
Presenters
SD
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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Allison Wilson

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 →
avatar for Kate V. Crist

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
LIMITED
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....
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Presenters
avatar for Jeanne Schopf

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 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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Shannon Bowles

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
JD

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Liz Tran

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
FILLING
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Dr. Toni Hull

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Laura Sabido

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
FULL
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,...
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Presenters
avatar for April Severino

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
LIMITED
Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:55am - 11:55am MDT
Room 02 - Ballroom/General Session PRESENTATIONS
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Dr. Heidi Beverine-Curry

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
FULL
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Judi Dodson

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
LIMITED
Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room 02 - Ballroom/General Session PRESENTATIONS
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Dr. Heidi Beverine-Curry

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 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
LIMITED
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....
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Presenters
DN

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Lauren Spenceley

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
LIMITED
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
avatar for Valerie Brea

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
LIMITED
Wednesday June 3, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room 03 - San Miguel
Limited Capacity seats available
TBA
Presenters
avatar for Melody Ilk

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 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
LIMITED
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,...
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Presenters
avatar for Christina Ross

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Ginny Simank

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
FULL
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Michelle Holdt

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
JD

Jed Duggan

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

avatar for Robbi Berry

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
FILLING
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Judi Dodson

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 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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Dr. Linda Cavazos

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 →
avatar for Severo Martinez

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Dr. Nicole Florez

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Jacob Mondragon

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Dr. Stephanie Owens

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Ginny Simank

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 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room 05 -Pecos
  K–12 Administrators & Leaders, Leadership and Systems

2:50pm MDT

Building a Framework for Reading Success
LIMITED
Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room 02 - Ballroom/General Session PRESENTATIONS
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Dr. Timothy Shanahan

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Patricia Gharrity

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Christina Ross

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 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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Amanda Herman

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 →
avatar for Juillian Patten

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
LIMITED
Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room 08 - Cochiti
Limited Capacity seats available
TBA
Presenters
avatar for Elena Aguilar

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
LIMITED
Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room 04 - Ruidoso
Limited Capacity seats available
TBA
Presenters
DS

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Nancy Orta

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
LIMITED
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Laura Bryant

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
FULL
Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room 13 - Tesuque
Limited Capacity full
Phonics Power Hour is an engaging and interactive session designed to strengthen students’ foundational reading skills through explicit, systematic phonics instruction. This presentation highlights how targeted practice with letter–sound relationships, blending, segmenting, and word building helps young learners become confident, fluent readers. Participants will dive into the mechanics of...
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Presenters
avatar for Patricia Lozano

Patricia Lozano

2nd Grade Dual Language Teacher, Las Cruces Public Schools
Patricia Lozano is a distinguished bilingual educator with 25 years of experience shaping the minds and hearts of learners in New Mexico. Currently a second-grade dual language teacher in the Las Cruces Public School District, she brings a deeply personal and professional commitment... Read More →
Wednesday June 3, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room 13 - Tesuque
  K–5 Educators & Administrators, Phonics
 
Thursday, June 4
 

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...
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Keynote Speakers
avatar for Dr. Timothy Shanahan

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Dr. Ivetha Witherspoon

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Dr. Carolyn Durante

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,...
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Presenters
avatar for Lauren Spenceley

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...
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Presenters
avatar for 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...
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Presenters
avatar for Allison Caldwell

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Melani Buchanan Farmer, PhD

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Michelle Holdt

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Nancy Morris-Judd

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Dr. Toby Soderberg
avatar for Rianne Ventura

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Shannon Bowles

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Brenna Westerhoff

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Carla Burrell Stanford

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 →
avatar for Sarah Martin

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Dr. Katie Keown

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Joleene Starr

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Brittany Summerhays

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...
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Presenters
KK
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....
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Presenters
avatar for Dr. Nicole Florez

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Carla Burrell Stanford

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 →
avatar for Sarah Martin

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 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...
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Presenters
avatar for Jeanne Schopf

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...
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Presenters
avatar for 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...
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Presenters
LN
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Anne Blackwell

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 →
avatar for Jessica Dinsmore

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Crystal Rogers

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 →
avatar for Margaret Martinez

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Amy Reyes-Hauff

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...
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Presenters
KK
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Heather Conklin

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Erica Hidalgo

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Amber Curtis-Trudell

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...
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Presenters
avatar for April Severino

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Dr. Katie Keown

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 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...
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Presenters
avatar for Christina Ross

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Whitney Whealdon

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Norma Lujan-Quinones

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Christopher Vian

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Geraldine Herrod

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Dr. Linda Cavazos

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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