2025 Literacy Connects Us to the World: Full Schedule

8:30am CDT

To Read Stuff You Have to Know Stuff LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT

In the age of click-and-go reading, why do students need to know information when they can just look things up? Because students who know more are able to read more, and they able to read better. In this session we will explore what teachers can do help students read better at the word, sentence, passage, article, and book levels.

Speakers

Kelly Gallagher

Kelly Gallagher taught at Magnolia High School in Anaheim, California, for 35 years. He is the coauthor, with Penny Kittle, of Four Essential Studies, as well as the best-selling 180 Days. Kelly is also the author of several other books on adolescent literacy, most notably Readicide and Write... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am CDT
Engage A-D

Keynote

9:50am CDT

Engaging Writers: Transforming Instruction with AI Tools LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am CDT

Innovate D

Are you tired of your students being disengaged in their writing? Discover how to harness the power of Curipod to engage learners and enhance their writing skills. Explore SchoolAI to actively involve students in the writing process, making learning both fun and effective. Join me in revolutionizing your approach to writing instruction!

Speakers

Brent Mischnick

Digital Learning Specialist, ESC Region 11

Brent Mischnick is a Digital Learning Specialist at ESC Region 11 in White Settlement, Texas. He is a passionate sports fan, supporting the Chicago Cubs, Bears, Bulls, and the Florida Gators. Brent holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Sport Management... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am CDT
Innovate D

Session

global Y

9:50am CDT

From Struggle to Strategy: Helping Students Tackle Complex Texts LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am CDT

Inspire A&B

In this session, participants will explore how to support all learners in accessing and understanding complex texts through intentional scaffolding strategies aligned with RBIS 2. We’ll unpack the components of text complexity—quantitative, qualitative, and reader-task considerations—and examine how to match supports to student needs without reducing rigor. Through practical examples and ready-to-use tools, educators will leave with a clearer understanding of how to build student independence and confidence when engaging with grade-level texts.

Speakers

Erin Abernathy

Instructional Content Specialist, ESC 11

Erin Abernathy is an Instructional Content Specialist for Elementary English Language Arts and Reading at ESC Region 11. She has been an educator since 2004, bringing over two decades of experience to her current role. Erin spent 14 years in the classroom and served as an instructional... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am CDT
Inspire A&B

Session

global Y

9:50am CDT

Implementing Fluency Instruction in Secondary ELAR LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am CDT

Innovate A

This session explores the components of fluency, its impact on reading comprehension, and how to implement effective fluency strategies in the secondary ELAR classroom. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of fluency and its key elements. They will analyze the relationship between fluency and reading comprehension and learn to evaluate and implement appropriate fluency strategies. By the end of the session, educators will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to enhance fluency instruction and improve overall literacy achievement.

Speakers

Brittany Kosumsuriya

Secondary ELAR Instructional Content Specialist, Education Service Center Region 11

Brittany Kosumsuriya is an Instructional Content Specialist for Secondary ELAR at ESC Region 11. With over a decade of experience in education, she has taught high school English and coached Secondary ELAR teachers. She holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am CDT
Innovate A

Session

global Y

9:50am CDT

Increase Your ROI — Return on Instruction. LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am CDT

Collaborate A&B

In this session, Mohannad Arbaji, Founder & CEO of ChalkTalk, will walk through how Texas educators can boost instructional ROI by transforming raw data into actionable strategies. Learn how to unpack TEKS standards into teachable skills, leverage mastery scales tied to Bloom’s/DOK, and use formative and summative assessments to drive targeted instruction. Attendees will walk away with a practical framework for using real-time data to identify gaps, personalize learning, and maximize STAAR outcomes - without overburdening teachers.

Speakers

Mohannad Arbaji

CEO, ChalkTalk

Mohannad Arbaji grew up in Jordan where he attended the Jubilee High School for Talented & Gifted Students on full scholarship. At 16 years he arrived in the US alone to pursue a full scholarship at United World College USA, followed by a full ride at Brown University where he graduated with multiple degrees (Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Economics, and Business/COE). At Brown, Mo authored 4 academic textbooks; invented a device that converts solar, wind & mechanical energy into electricity... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am CDT
Collaborate A&B

Session

global Y

9:50am CDT

Look Up and Talk: Curiosity and Conversation in the Classroom LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am CDT

Innovate B

Curipod is the AI-powered curriculum platform for teacher-paced lessons that get students to look up from their screens and talk. Built on the belief that learning is social, Curipod helps teachers create classrooms that buzz with curiosity, connection, and critical thinking. Teachers guide the flow while every student engages—responding to open-ended prompts, sharing ideas, and learning from peers. Real-time AI feedback and instant insights help students revise their thinking while the learning is still fresh. With Curipod, you can generate or adapt lessons aligned to standards, and bring best practices into every class—across subjects, grade levels, and languages. Just click start and see what your students can do.

Speakers

Amanda Aitkens

US Partnerships Manager, Curipod

Amanda is a US Partnerships Manager at Curipod, with a background in education as a former school counselor and ESOL Coordinator, with a deep passion for creating inclusive and supportive learning environments. Throughout her career, Amanda has been committed to helping EVERY student... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am CDT
Innovate B

Session

global Y

9:50am CDT

Words! Words! Words! Strategies for Empowering Vocabulary Development LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am CDT

Innovate C

Vocabulary development is essential across all content areas -- ELAR, math, science, social studies, CTE, fine arts, and beyond -- and one must KNOW vocabulary in order to READ with mastery. In this interactive session, discover a variety of research-based strategies that can be integrated into workshops and trainings to help teachers enhance vocabulary acquisition.

Speakers

Anne Darr

Special Programs Coordinator, ESC Region 11

Anne Darr, a Special Programs Coordinator at ESC Region 11, brings a wealth of experience in education. She has taught students in both middle school and elementary settings, served as an itinerant teacher, and worked as a Parent Advisor supporting families of deaf or hard-of-hearing... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am CDT
Innovate C

Session

global Y

11:05am CDT

Elevating Historical Thinking: Crafting Evidence Based Short Responses LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 11:05am - 12:05pm CDT

Innovate D

Elevate your students’ historical thinking skills with strategies that enhance their ability to write evidence-based short responses. This session will focus on integrating best practices for teaching historical thinking, claim-evidence-reasoning (CER) frameworks, and crafting concise, well-supported answers. Designed for secondary social studies teachers, the session aligns with Texas TEKS and prepares students for success on the 8th and 11th grade STAAR exams. Participants will leave with practical tools and resources to strengthen writing instruction and deepen student understanding of historical content.

Speakers

Crystal Klose

K-12 Social Studies Curriculum Coach, ESC Region 11

I was in the classroom for 20 years teaching grades 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 8th. I've taught all subjects. I hold a bachelor's degree in education with a minor in English and a master's degree in educational leadership. I hold certificates for ESL, GT, and Principalship. My mission... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 11:05am - 12:05pm CDT
Innovate D

Session

global Y

11:05am CDT

Engaging with Art: Using Artworks from the Carter Collection to Enhance Student Learning LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 11:05am - 12:05pm CDT

Innovate B

Looking at The Hunter's Return by Thomas Cole, participants will learn about the Hudson River School of Art, sketch the artwork, and annotate the artwork to discuss the artist's intent, note what was included, and note what was left out.

Speakers

Joy Gardner

Curriculum and Communication Coordinator, Amon Carter Museum of American Art

analyzing art from the Carter Collection, creating annotated drawings, and making inferences about the subject of the artwork

Thursday July 17, 2025 11:05am - 12:05pm CDT
Innovate B

Session

global Y

11:05am CDT

REACHing Higher: Empowering Advanced Thinkers Through Thoughtful Questioning LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 11:05am - 12:05pm CDT

Inspire A&B

Effective questioning can spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and ignite critical, creative, and reflective thinking in all students. The REACH framework—Ranking, Ethics, Affective, Connections, and Hypothetical—provides a structured approach to crafting high-level questions that engage students at every level, particularly to the needs of gifted and advanced learners. In this session, participants will explore integrating REACH questioning into daily instruction, creating opportunities for deeper engagement and intellectual growth. You will walk away with practical strategies that are easy to implement, equipping you with the confidence to elevate student discourse and enrich learning experiences across all content areas.

Speakers

Gypsy Mishoe

GT/ Advanced Academics Specialist, ESC Region 11

Gypsy Mishoe is a GT/Advanced Academics Specialist at ESC Region 11, bringing 26 years of experience as a secondary social studies teacher, instructional coach, and district liaison for Advanced Academics. A proud Texas native and mother of four, she is passionate about helping educators... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 11:05am - 12:05pm CDT
Inspire A&B

Session

global Y

11:05am CDT

Research-Based Instructional Strategies (RBIS) Overview LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 11:05am - 12:05pm CDT

Collaborate A&B

Speakers

Betina Edwards-Wilson

Teaching and Learning Coordinator, ESC Region 11

Thursday July 17, 2025 11:05am - 12:05pm CDT
Collaborate A&B

Session

11:05am CDT

Revamping the ‘meet them where they are’ approach LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 11:05am - 12:05pm CDT

Innovate A

Veteran and new teachers alike have heard the phrase, ‘meet them where they are’ and/or the complementary phrase, ‘give them grace,’ yet what that looks like in practice is not clearly defined. In this session, participants will explore one interpretation of what it looks like to meet students where they are in the literacy classroom, discuss variations to fit their specific context, and construct a plan for how to meet students where they are and grow them to where they need to be.

Speakers

Ashton Hughes

Teacher, Burleson ISD

A certified reading specialist and master reading teacher, Ashton Hughes, Ed.D. is a learning leader who loves to challenge students and peers to help them reach their fullest potential. Specifically employing the keep-it-simple-stupid (KISS) principle in her teaching, she focuses... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 11:05am - 12:05pm CDT
Innovate A

Session

global Y

11:05am CDT

Thoughtfully Baked In Text Dependent Questions LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 11:05am - 12:05pm CDT

Innovate C

In this engaging and interactive professional learning session, educators will refine their approach to text-dependent questioning, ensuring students engage in meaningful, higher-order thinking. Just as a well-prepared dish requires carefully layered ingredients, a strong lesson requires thoughtfully designed questions that build depth and complexity.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will:
✅ Identify different types of text-dependent questions that promote deeper thinking.
✅ Design questions that require close reading, inferential reasoning, and analytical responses.
✅ Ensure alignment with higher-order cognitive skills to enhance student comprehension and engagement.
Through hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, and practical application, educators will leave equipped with strategies to craft intentional, rigorous questions that drive student learning.

Speakers

Leslie Gordineer

Secondary RLA Specialist, Irving ISD

With 11 years of experience in literacy education, my career has spanned from teaching to instructional coaching to becoming a district academic specialist. My goal has always been to build strong classrooms where student learning is the center of instructional design and students... Read More →

Andrea Harris

Secondary RLA Coordinator, Irving ISD

With 18 years of experience as a literacy educator, I have dedicated my career to fostering a love for reading and writing while supporting both students and educators in their literacy journeys. Throughout my career, I have served as a leader at both the campus and district levels... Read More →

Kristen Ross

Secondary RLA Specialist, Irving ISD

I started my teaching career in Southern California teaching 7th-12th Grade English and in 2020 moved to Texas. After 2 years in DISD, I moved to Irving ISD and joined the English 1 team at Nimitz High School. There I continued to refine my teaching process and teacher leadership... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 11:05am - 12:05pm CDT
Innovate C

Session

global Y

12:20pm CDT

Ignite Literacy Learning: Artfully Teaching the Science of Reading LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 12:20pm - 1:20pm CDT

Engage A-D

Explore the dynamic fusion of teaching artistry and evidence-based science in reading instruction. This session delves into the research on key components and explores ways to teach them in authentic and creative ways. The science is solid, but we need your personal and creative touch to maximize the effects of literacy instruction.

Speakers

Dr. Chase Young

Dr. Chase Young is a Professor of Literacy at Sam Houston State University and the associate director of the Teaching and Learning Center. A former elementary teacher and reading specialist, Dr. Young’s research focuses on reading fluency, literacy interventions, and effective instructional... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 12:20pm - 1:20pm CDT
Engage A-D

Keynote

1:35pm CDT

Build Reading Fluency LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 1:35pm - 2:35pm CDT

Innovate A

Embark on a journey to develop confident readers in this immersive session. Learn and practice strategies to boost reading fluency, from pacing to expression. Discover effective ways to overcome obstacles and personalize instruction for every learner. Leave equipped to empower students with the fluency skills they need to thrive academically and beyond.

Speakers

Dr. Chase Young

Thursday July 17, 2025 1:35pm - 2:35pm CDT
Innovate A

Session

1:35pm CDT

Connect Your Readers to the World with TexQuest Digital Resources LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 1:35pm - 2:35pm CDT

Innovate B

Come discover how the TexQuest Digital Resources available to ESC Region 11 Districts and open-enrollment Charters can transform literacy instruction. Explore high-quality academic content, media resources, and engaging tools in these databases and learn how to use them to enhance reading comprehension, critical thinking, and research skills.

Speakers

Beth Muirheid

Digital Resources Team Lead, Library Services Consultant, ESC Region 11

In the 1900's, I was once a fearless wrangler of kindergarten chaos, then an energetic page turner in elementary libraries. I heard the distant call of the middle school stacks and happily answered. After many years of Makerspace madness, reading recommendations and rounds of research... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 1:35pm - 2:35pm CDT
Innovate B

Session

global Y

1:35pm CDT

How to Bring Back Reading in the Age of Digital Distraction: A Simple Secondary Reading Protocol That Works LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 1:35pm - 2:35pm CDT

Innovate D

Our job has never been harder. Students’ achievement depends on fundamental abilities they simply don’t have. When we equip them with the skills to succeed and discover the pleasure of reading, we give them a lifeline to mental agency and freedom. Learn Zinc’s simple strategies for equipping secondary students with the four skills proven to raise comprehension, focus, stamina, and joy in reading.

Speakers

Matt Bardin

Founder and CEO, Zinc Learning Labs

Matt Bardin, a nationally recognized educational leader, founded Zinc Learning Labs in 2016 with a singular focus on achieving huge reading growth for secondary students. He started his career as a secondary teacher in New York City Public Schools and contributedto the founding of... Read More →

Leah Sewell

Partnerships and Development, Zinc Learning Labs

Leah Sewell is a former ELA teacher for San Diego Unified School District and partnerships director for College Board’s ELA curriculum. With experience in classroom teaching and instructional leadership, she now works to support the development and implementation of tech-based... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 1:35pm - 2:35pm CDT
Innovate D

Session

global Y

1:35pm CDT

Supporting Reasoning through the Recurring Themes and Concepts LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 1:35pm - 2:35pm CDT

Collaborate A&B

Are you looking for effective ways to strengthen students' reasoning in Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) structured writing tasks? Join Monica Amyett to explore how to use the new Recurring Themes and Concepts (RTCs) to guide students through the challenges of reasoning. You'll gain practical techniques to deepen student thinking and enhance scientific communication.

Speakers

Dr. Monica Amyett

Instructional Content Specialist - Science, ESC Region 11

Thursday July 17, 2025 1:35pm - 2:35pm CDT
Collaborate A&B

Session

1:35pm CDT

Teaching in Time: The Power of Timelines LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 1:35pm - 2:35pm CDT

Innovate C

This session uncovers how timeline activities can promote rigorous reading, purposeful writing, and dynamic discussion across disciplines. Participants will rotate through three interactive stations that model how timelines can support analysis, historical thinking, and argument development. You will walk away with ready-to-use strategies and a plan for integrating timelines into your instruction. Whether you have used timelines for years or are new to this thinking, this session will expand your toolkit and inspire new possibilities for helping students make meaning across time, text, and content area.

Speakers

Staci Hammer

RLA Curriculum Coordinator, Aledo ISD

Staci Hammer coordinates reading language arts curriculum for Aledo ISD. Her passions include developing teacher expertise and empowering students to identify as readers, writers, listeners, speakers, and thinkers.

Thursday July 17, 2025 1:35pm - 2:35pm CDT
Innovate C

Session

global Y

1:35pm CDT

The Power of Picture Books: Mini-Lesson for Difficult Topic and Literary Concepts LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 1:35pm - 2:35pm CDT

Inspire A&B

The struggles of teaching complex concepts, skills, and themes, especially when students are at so many different developmental stages and experiences, are challenging. As amazing educators, you want engagement, depth, and the opportunity to spiral other concepts to maximize instructional effectiveness. Is a picture book the answer? These often-overlooked resources, when used purposefully, can enhance lessons and enrich learning. Let us discover together a tool teens love; most likely, you do too.

Speakers

Benjamin Vollmer

ELAR teacher and department head, Venus ISD

With 19 years of teaching experience, primarily in grades 5–8 within small rural districts, Benjamin Vollmer brings a deep commitment to education and community. He holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and serves as the ELAR Department Head. A passionate advocate for... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 1:35pm - 2:35pm CDT
Inspire A&B

Session

global Y

2:50pm CDT

TBD LIMITED

Thursday July 17, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT

Engage A-D

Speakers

Dr. Katie Mcknight

Engaging Learners

Dr. Katie McKnight is a respected educator, renowned for her engaging presentations, teaching prowess, and acclaimed writing. With over three decades of experience, she began her career teaching English and social studies in the Chicago Public Schools before transitioning to a distinguished... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
Engage A-D

Keynote

about Dr. Katie McKnight is a respected educator, renowned for her engaging presentations, teaching prowess, and acclaimed writing. With over three decades of experience, she began her career teaching English and social studies in the Chicago Public Schools before transitioning to a distinguished 15-year university tenure, culminating in her appointment as Distinguished Professor of Research. As the founder of Engaging Learners, she has revolutionized educational practices, particularly through her successful Literacy & Learning Center model, which has yielded remarkable academic achievements in struggling schools worldwide. Dr. McKnight's contributions have been recognized through numerous awards for her publications and teaching, with her 26 books, including Strategies to Support Struggling Adolescent Readers, and best-sellers like The Teacher’s Big Book of Graphic Organizers. Her highly anticipated book, The Science of Reading Book for Grades 4-12: Every Subject, Every Day! is slated for publication later this summer. You can learn more about Dr. McKnight at EngagingLearners.com.