Educators are the real game changers and must be equipped with a winning playbook to coach the next generation of readers and leaders. The ability to READ, WRITE, SPEAK, LISTEN, and DISCOVER changes the entire trajectory of a child's life. If you agree, join us for an interactive and insightful two-day professional learning encounter that mirrors a sports-like environment where you will connect with like minded educators who still feel they have skin in this teaching game! Prepare to walk away with the actionable strategies and the game plan you need to implement transformative instruction necessary for students to READ. WRITE. NOW!
EXPLORE, LEARN, AFFIRM:
Accelerated practices in literacy instruction that lead to intrinsic motivation and independence
A network of supportive peers and experts to collaborate with and learn from in a fun environment
A renewed sense of purpose and confidence in your ability to make a difference in students’ lives
Interactive teacher requested demonstrations
Inspiring keynote speakers and special guests
Giveaway gifts, prizes, and surprises
A game plan for immediate implementation
An all-star lineup of local and national presenters
A playbook for building skills & building stamina in students
Post-pandemic social emotional learning solutions aimed to reach and teach all students
Acknowledgement and accolades for your unapologetic commitment to changing students’ lives
Instructional Coaching for the Uncoached-The Moncrief Model
Beat Staff Burnout-Proactive Coaching for Positive Climate & Culture
Understanding the “GRIT FACTOR” in Teaching
Discipline is Not a Dirty Word
Teachers as Classroom Coaches
In addition to our immersive sessions for teachers, we offer specialized programming for school and district personnel focused on strategic large-scale transformation
Get ready to be inspired by our lineup of exceptional speakers at Literacy is Life LIVE! Each brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to the world of literacy education. These accomplished practitioners will present research based, relevant, and real-time impact strategies aimed to transform your teaching practice. Don't miss the chance to learn from these trailblazers and ignite your passion for literacy!
Heidi spent over 10 years using balanced literacy practices before she ACCIDENTALLY found out that there is actually a science to how we learn to read. She has made it her mission to educate herself and raise awareness so that all teachers (and parents) have access to Science of Reading research. Heidi founded the Science of Reading 101 Membership in 2022 and has 102K followers on Instagram. She provides district training and speaks at conferences across the United States. Heidi also founded Literacy & Justice for All which has raised money to send over 100 teachers to training in the Science of Reading, helped to fund the Truth About Reading documentary, and currently supports several non-profits working toward literacy equity. Her husband and co-presenter, Adam was a first-grade teacher for 7 years before transitioning into his current role as a LETRS facilitator. He now trains teachers across the country in evidence-based literacy practices. He works alongside Heidi supporting the mission of Literacy & Justice for All.
Dr. Kayla Nichols is a licensed specialist in school psychology (LSSP) in Dallas, Texas. This Milwaukee native graduated from medical school in 2017 and has diverse experiences and expertise as a Clinical Psychologist. Dr. Nichols provides behavioral and mental health services in large urban school districts and teaches graduate-level courses. She’s conducted assessments and diagnoses emotional, behavioral, and mental health disorders for children and adolescents from a variety of settings. She’s written psychological reports for private, court-ordered, and foster-care agencies. Dr. Nichols has responded to crises at elementary schools, middle schools, and a community counseling clinic. She provides individualized crisis intervention services. Dr. Nichols assists teachers with implementing culturally modified class interventions to increase positive choices and decision-making in classrooms.
Dannette Justus is an Emmy Award-winning teacher turned YouTuber! She’s taught elementary grades in Milwaukee Public Schools for the past 30 years and served as Academic Coach. Her love for books led her to launch her very own YouTube channel, JustUs and Books. Dannette received more than 1,000 views for her reading of “A World Without Our People.” Ms. Justus goes the extra mile to help bring a "culture and love of reading" to her students. Because of Dannette, her inner-city students have traveled to a pizza parlor, MLB baseball diamond, NFL football stadium, and an NBA arena...where she connected her love for literacy with landmarks across Milwaukee and Wisconsin! Dannette is a proud graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc.
Kwabena Antoine Nixon, a Chicago native and current Milwaukee resident, has a demonstrated history of motivating youth through the arts. Kwabena is an award-winning author and nationally recognized spoken-word artist. He has spoken in prisons, at colleges and universities, and on the stage of the Democratic National Convention. He is the author of two books, "Eye Write What Eye See" and "Sensitive Warsongz.” Nixon co-founded the organization “Flood the Hood with Dreams'' and the “I Will Not Die Young Campaign." He tackles issues of trauma about black boys becoming negative statistics. His “Real Talk” conversations are a new initiative aimed at providing a platform where African American boys and men can write and talk about all types of issues.
The Critical Learning Collaborative was co-founded by award-winning educators with nearly 30 years of combined classroom teaching experience in elementary and high schools in Chicago Public Schools. They have served as curriculum developers, instructional coaches, and literacy and social science specialists. They have facilitated a variety of dynamic, interactive, large-scale professional learning experiences on culturally sustaining practices, SEL integration, leadership development, and literacy instruction. Both believe in building justice-centered communities of practice that transform learning spaces into communities of love, care, and trust. Mayra and Madeline are Latina educators, born and raised on the land of the Potawatomi and the Council of the Three Fires,
known to many as Chicago, Illinois. Their work is inspired by the power of community, family, rest, storytelling, relationships, love, healing, learning, liberation, and the legacy of our ancestors.
Genise Perry is a youth advocate, former case manager, 12-year veteran Special Education teacher, and rising reading specialist. She has worked with Emotional Behavior Disabilities and Cross-Categorical programs from 1st to 8th grade. Her passion for teaching students with learning difficulties grows year after year. She focuses on what students can do more than what students cannot do! She especially loves to see when '"the light" comes on in her students. Ms. Perry uses the Science of Reading practices in her most challenging classrooms. She is a true example of embodying the essence that ALL kids can learn provided they have effective instruction and are held to the highest of expectations.
Bob Treffert is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a former special education teacher with experience across all settings. He has also worked in a district-wide role as program support, mainly for behavioral concerns with students. Bob is currently consulting with schools and working with individuals in-home creating and maintaining behavior change. In Bob’s session, cover some basics of Applied Behavior Analysis that will help in understanding and immediately implementing BIPs that focus on positively reinforcing a replacement behavior. Participants will leave with a BIP for “that student” they have in mind or a situation they commonly come across.
K-8 Classroom Teachers/Literacy Coaches/Facilitators/ESL, SPED, Intervention Specialists/Instructional Leaders
Yes! Expect high levels of engagement, make it/take it options, and distinctly interactive sessions.
Unfortunately, no. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance.
Yes! Schools/Districts interested in bringing a team of 6 or more register as VIP members. VIP Members receive a Sign on Bonus (the group discount). Contact Maria at maria@literacyislifelive.com for group registration information.
Teachers face numerous challenges in today's complex educational landscape. Literacy is Life LIVE! is designed to address the most pressing pain points:
How do I accelerate teaching to fill the gaps and overcome the learning loss experienced during the pandemic?
Will I get access to effective coaching and differentiated professional development opportunities?
How do I beat burnout and keep from feeling overwhelmed by constant changes and unrealistic expectations?
Get ready to be inspired by our lineup of exceptional speakers at Literacy is Life LIVE! Each brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to the world of literacy education. These accomplished practitioners will present research based, relevant, and real-time impact strategies aimed to transform your teaching practice. Don't miss the chance to learn from these trailblazers and ignite your passion for literacy!
A career educator, Dr. Moncrief has taught elementary students, coached teachers, led curriculum development teams, directed school improvement efforts, and coordinated district-wide professional learning in Wisconsin, Arkansas, and Texas. As a self proclaimed edu-preneur, she continues to promote education as the great equalizer offering literacy and leadership solutions as a consultant and coach through her company Step Up Your GAME. Most recently, she launched an online tutoring network, Step Up Tutors, at the onset of the pandemic. In , Dr. Moncrief partners with like minded game changers such as Paul Quinn College, Sharp Literacy, the National Tutoring Association, and Arkansas (AR) Reads to build a reader and leader identity in students everywhere. Takisha hails from Milwaukee, WI and currently lives in Dallas, TX. Together with her husband, she co-manages Moncrief Game Changer, their nonprofit providing early exposure to entrepreneurship experiences to youth, and Moncrief One Team, another professional development company serving youth and adults alike.
Sidney Moncrief is a five-time NBA All-Star, five-time NBA All-Defensive team, a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, an NBA All-Pro, and a 2019 Naismith Hall of Fame Inductee. He is a former NCAA Division I head coach (ULAR) and NBA assistant coach (Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks). Moncrief also led an international team as head consultant in Beijing, China. He served on the board of directors for a Fortune 500 company and as president of multiple retail auto dealerships. Hall of Famer Sidney Moncrief is a sought-after inspirational speaker who engages crowds with his stories of triumph and grit as a professional basketball player and businessman. Moncrief is the managing partner of Moncrief One Team, co-founder of Moncrief Game Changer 501(c)3, and the author of eleven books
Dive deep into the world of literacy education with our hands-on workshops. These interactive sessions, led by experienced educators and literacy experts, will provide the tools and strategies needed to effectively teach reading and writing skills in the classroom. Whether you're looking to refine your approach to phonics instruction, explore innovative ways to engage reluctant readers or master the art of teaching writing, our workshops offer something for everyone. Leave with actionable ideas and newfound skills to enhance your students' literacy journey.
Interactive teacher requested demonstrations
Inspiring keynote speakers and special guests
Giveaway gifts, prizes, and surprises
A game plan for immediate implementation
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