Fifth Annual East Tennessee Literacy Conference, Walters State Community College’s Morristown Campus, March 11, 2014
The Fifth Annual East Tennessee Literacy Conference will be Tuesday, March 11 from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Walters State Community College’s Morristown campus. This event is designed to put the spotlight on literacy and literacy education for one day each year.
“This is a great opportunity for area teachers, administrators and those interested in children’s literature to hear nationally-known presenters and authors. Teachers will learn how to make common core standards practical. Teachers also have a great chance to network with other teachers,” said Linda Roberts, assistant vice president for academic affairs at Walters State.
“Really, this is just a great day for anyone interested in reading and literacy,” Roberts said.
The conference will again feature the Coffey Brothers. Brothers Ron and Jason Coffey, fifth-grade teachers at Morristown’s Fairview-Marguerite School, can be expected to bring the house down with catchy language arts lessons set to music. The brothers will also demonstrate how short, catchy phrases can drive home important literacy lessons.
Carol Jago, a nationally-known expert on K-12 literacy, will speak on “Making the Shift from Standards to Inspired Practice.” Jago is the author of “With Rigor For All.” The book shows teachers how to create English classrooms where students are inspired to live literate lives and develop into proficient, independent readers. Jago is a veteran English teacher who now directs the California Reading and Literature Project. She is a past president of the National Council of Teachers of English.
“Carol is not only an author, she’s also an expert on engaging students and literacy in the classroom,” said Roberts.
The conference also features children’s author Lester Laminack, professor emeritus in education at Western Carolina University. His books include “Three Hens and a Peacock,” “Snow Day” and “Jake’s 100th Day of School.” His professional works include “The Writing Teacher’s Troubleshooting Guide.”
Sponsors for this year’s event are the Mid-East Tennessee Regional P-16 Council, Jefferson County Schools, the Mossy Creek Literacy Council, Walters State Community College and National Geographic.
The $125 registration fee includes lunch, entertainment, a certificate of attendance and a one-year membership to the Mossy Creek Literacy Council. To register or for more information, contact Tammy Wells at (423) 585-6899 or Tammy.Wells@ws.edu.
About Walters State
Over 6,500 credit and 4,000 non-credit students attend Walters State. The college has campuses in Morristown, Greeneville, Sevierville and Tazewell. It offers over 100 associate degrees and technical certificates. Visit Walters State’s website at ws.edu.
About Tennessee’s Community Colleges
Tennessee’s Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associates degrees and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.
