WSCC To Host Literacy Conference March 10, 2015
Walters State Community College will host the sixth annual East Tennessee Literacy Conference March 10 at the Morristown campus. The conference features speakers, authors of children’s and young adult books, breakout sessions, vendors and lunch. The conference runs from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for teachers, parents and anyone else interested in literacy or reading. The conference has grown over the past six years. Nationally-recognized reading experts and authors will be here for the entire day, making one-on-one conversations possible,” said Cathy Woods, executive director of distance education.
“This is also a great day for instructors to receive some extra motivation and have a chance to network with teachers from all over East Tennessee,” Woods said.
Registration fees are $100 before March 3 and $125 afterwards. This includes the conference, lunch, refreshments and door prizes. Sponsors are Walters State, the Jefferson County School System, the Mossy Creek Literacy Council and the Mid-East Tennessee Regional P-16 Council. This year’s featured speakers include Beverly Tyner, Dr. Richard Allington, Lester Laminack and Alan Grantz.
•Beverly Tyner is a best-selling author who spent 30 years in education. She is recognized for her practical yet research-based models in reading instruction and intervention. Her books include small group reading models for beginning readers and intermediate readers.
•Dr. Richard Allington is a professor of education at the University of Tennessee. He previously served as the Fien Distinguished Professor of Education at the University of Florida. His teaching and research has received several awards, including William S. Gray Citation of Merit from the International Reading Association for his lifetime contributions to the field. His most recent books is “What Really Matters in Response to Intervention: Research-Based Designs.”
•Lester Laminack is professor emeritus in education at Western Carolina University. He now writes and consults with school systems throughout the country. His academic publications include “Spelling in Use” and “Reading Aloud Across the Curriculum.” His popular books for children include “ Three Hens and a Peacock” and “Snow Day!”
•Alan Gratz is a celebrated author of young adult fiction. He taught eighth grade for several years before turning his attention full-time to books about baseball, space travel and mysteries. His first novel, “Samurai Shortstop” was named one of the ALA’s Top Ten Books for Young Adults and his second novel, “Something Rotten,” was an ALA Quick Pick for Young Adult Readers. His latest novel is “Starfleet Academy: The Assassination Game.”
To receive a conference registration packet, contact Tammy Wells at Tammy.Wells@ws.edu.
