Schedule

2023 Fall Literacy Conference Schedule

Friday, September 15, Albany County Public Library

7:00 – 8:00 pm:

Albany County Public Library

310 S. 8th Street, Laramie

Meet the Author Gary Soto: Gary Soto will make a public appearance at the Albany County Public Library to discuss his new book Puppy Love! A cake reception to follow Gary Soto's presentation.

Saturday, September 16, UW Union Ballroom

8:00 – 8:30 am:

Union Ballroom

Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:30 – 9:00 am:

Union Ballroom

Welcome to the College: Dr. Jenna Shim, Interim Dean John P. “Jack” Ellbogen Dean of the College of Education and Dr. Kimberly Gustafson, Interim Director of the LRCC

2022 Carol Mead Leaders in Literacy Award Ceremony

9:00 – 10:00 am:

Union Ballroom

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Dianna Townsend,

Keynote Title: Words Worth Using: Academic Vocabulary in K-12 Classrooms.

Abstract: Educators who have limited time (in other words, all of us!) often wonder, “There are so many important words! Which ones do I help my students learn and how do I help them build deep knowledge of them?” Drawing on strong research evidence, Dr. Townsend will help you answer those questions for your students. She will also help you explore ways to boost your own “metalinguistic knowledge,” or knowledge of what words mean and how they work, so that you can guide students in powerful word learning. Finally, Dr. Townsend, will share engaging instructional routines to help students build deep knowledge of words worth using in academic settings and beyond.

10:00 – 10:15 am

Union Ballroom:

Break

10:15 – 11:15 am:

Union Ballroom

Keynote Speaker and Author: Gary Soto,

Keynote Title: The Earth at My Feet: Gary Soto and the Value of Regional Literature

Abstract: Gary Soto was born and raised in Fresno, California. Much of his writing, for children, young-adults, and adults, is seeded in place—and his place is called the San Joaquin Valley. He claims that the best literature our country offers has a regional feel and wonderment. From regional writing the reader finds an authentic experience. Let's see if this is true

11:15-11:45 am:

Union Ballroom

Keynote Speaker Book Signing

11:45 am – 1:00 pm:

Union Ballroom

Lunch

Saturday, September 16, Education Auditorium & Education Annex

1:00 – 2:00 pm:

Education Auditorium

Keynote Speaker and Author: Dr. Doris Baker,

Keynote Title: What does it mean to know a word? Examining the ways English learners make sense of words.

Abstract: In this presentation we will discuss the research on how English learners learn new words to express their thoughts on a specific topic. We will explore different linguistic, cultural and social patterns that affect the word learning of English learners, and how teachers can support them in learning and using these words using evidence-based practices.

2:15 – 2:45 pm:

Education Annex

Doris Baker, Q&A Session, EA Room
Dianna Townsend Q&A Session, EA Room
Wyoming Practicing Educators Sessions with:
- Noelle Clark
- Faith Howard
- Wind River Elementary

2:55 – 3:25 pm:

Education Annex

Doris Baker, Q&A Session, EA Room
Dianna Townsend Q&A Session, EA Room
Wyoming Practicing Educators Sessions with:
- Noelle Clark
- Faith Howard
- Wind River Elementary

3:35 – 4:05 pm:

Education Annex

Doris Baker, Q&A Session, EA Room
Dianna Townsend Q&A Session, EA Room
Wyoming Practicing Educators Sessions with:
- Noelle Clark
- Faith Howard
- Wind River Elementary

4:10 – 4:30 pm:

Education Auditorium

Book Giveaway, Conference Evaluation, PTSB Certificate Handout

Contact Us

UW Literacy Research Center & Clinic

1000 E. University Ave.

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-3156

Email: LRCC@uwyo.edu