Morning Breakout Sessions I • 9:35 AM - 10:25 AM
Bringing Literacy to Life: Hands-On Strategies Backed by Science
Sponsored by hand2mind
City Terrace 11
Unlock the power of hands-on learning to transform literacy instruction. In this dynamic session, you'll dive into the science behind multisensory teaching, exploring how activities that engage different modalities—visual, auditory, kinesthetic—stimulate various brain parts to deepen understanding and retention. Through interactive, practical activities, you’ll gain materials and strategies to use immediately in your classroom and learn how these techniques boost motivation and achievement for both students and educators. Walk away inspired and equipped to bring literacy to life in ways that make a lasting impact. (Capacity ??)
Miranda Blount, Ph.D., is a former regional director of Just Read, Florida! With a robust background as a classroom, school, and district educator. She is a certified reading specialist and reading coach. Dr. Blount has extensively researched the science of reading and its benefits for all learners.
Integrating STEAM with Storytime
Sponsored by WJCT Public Media
City Terrace 10
Integrating STEAM with Storytime introduces project-based learning and STEAM-focused lessons. Participants will learn how to introduce STEAM learning through literature and how to make connections between children’s books and STEAM concepts. Participants will learn about STEAM devices, such as the Makey Makey, OZOBOTS, Straw Constructor kits, and more. (Capacity ??)
Rebecca Miller, M.Ed., is an instructional specialist for the Instructional Materials & Library Media Services Department of Duval County Public Schools. She began her career in language arts and social studies before shifting to instructional media and STEM education. Apart from supporting media specialists and instructing STEM lessons to young people, she enjoys writing blogs with her dachshund, Davi, and going on great adventures.
Rethinking the Math Classroom
Sponsored by VyStar Credit Union
City Terrace 9
Imagine planning a task that allows all learners in your classroom to engage in rich and meaningful mathematical thinking and discussion. In this session, we will discuss how flipping the "I do, We do, You do" approach to math class allows us to build an inclusive math class where all students' thinking is valued and all students feel they are part of the mathematical community. This approach utilizes rich tasks to meet the needs of students who need support and those who need more challenge. Student work and video vignettes will be shared to illustrate what this type of math task can look and sound like and how it can meet the unique needs of all students. (Capacity ??)
Lori Price, M.A.T.L., teaches in a multi-age classroom at The Discovery School. She has taught for over 30 years as both a general education and a special education teacher. Lori believes that all students are capable math learners, and it is our job as teachers to provide a classroom where all students' contributions are encouraged and valued. Lori regularly presents at state and national conferences. She was the 2020 St. Johns County Teacher of the Year and the 2020 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Florida Math awardee.
Motivation Matters
Sponsored by WJCT Public Media
City Terrace 8
Motivation is a significant socio-emotional factor that contributes to developing students’ reading abilities. This session will present strategies designed to spark and enrich students’ internal motivation to pursue reading during and after school, as well as create lifelong readers. The presenters will draw from their own classroom experiences and will explain how you, too, can use these strategies that are low-cost and easy to implement. (Capacity ??)
Lunetta Williams, Ph.D., is a University of North Florida professor who works with undergraduate and graduate students. Her research focuses on motivating students to want to read, as well as children’s literature and professional learning for preservice teachers. Before moving to Jacksonville, she taught elementary school in Florida.
Sharon Bradley, M.Ed., is a 4th-grade ELA and social studies teacher at San Pablo Elementary and a University of North Florida graduate. She is a fifth-year educator and exudes a passion for reading motivation and helping in boosting students’ reading achievement.
How Does Phonemic Awareness Lay the Foundation for Reading
Sponsored by VyStar Credit Union
City Terrace 7
In this session, Nancy Barnard will discuss phonemic awareness in preparation for or remediation of reading. The basis of phonemic awareness is that sounds are identified separately from letters. It may be conceptually identifying individual sounds in a word, identifying the vowel sound first, feeling the sounds in their mouth to identify the sound, or physically manipulating sounds. A strong phonemic awareness leads to successful orthographic mapping, the foundation for fluency and spelling. Children respond differently, so the purpose of this session is to provide multiple evidence-based methods to arm teachers with more skills and provide the strongest base for effective reading instruction. With a strong base for reading, the need for RTI can be reduced. (Capacity ??)
Nancy Barnard, J.D., is a reading interventionist passionate about reading struggles, particularly dyslexia. After 20 years of practicing engineering and law, Nancy ventured into reading intervention due to the need in our community. For the next 20-plus years, Nancy practiced many methods of increasing a child's reading ability and willingness. Nancy can identify the weaknesses in a child's preparation for reading, target them with effective intervention, and bring the child to grade level. Nancy previously owned and operated Educational Development Services, Inc. In September of 2022, Nancy joined forces with Hope Haven to be their Director of Educational Development and build their intervention program. Nancy is a member of the International Dyslexia Association Educational Reading Interventionist Network (ERIN) (a local network of professionals working in the field of dyslexia). Nancy is a Certified Associate with Orton Gillingham Academy.
Morning Breakout Sessions II • 10:30 AM - 11:20 AM
Flamingo Literacy Micro-Credentials: On-demand. Evidence-based. Personalized.
Sponsored by the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning
City Terrace 12
The University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning’s (UFLC) Flamingo Literacy Micro-Credentials are online, asynchronous courses that equip birth to grade 12 instructors to identify literacy difficulties and determine appropriate interventions, apply evidence-based practices, and effectively use progress monitoring and intervention materials. During this session, we will share how UFLC combined the science of reading’s insights into language and literacy development with instructional design best practices to develop online professional learning that meets the needs of adult learners. (Capacity ??)
As senior coordinator for literacy content at the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning, Amanda Wilson, M.A., spearheads the birth to grade 12 Flamingo Literacy Micro-Credentials project and serves as the client lead for multiple high-profile literacy products. In addition to content creation, Amanda facilitates professional learning on the science of reading and possesses extensive expertise in early language and literacy.
Danielle McMaster is a coordinator of literacy content for the New Worlds Reading Initiative at the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning. Danielle strategizes the efforts of the New Worlds Reading Initiative Teacher Professional Learning and serves as a literacy content expert for multiple projects, including the Literacy Matrix. Additionally, she facilitates professional learning on the science of reading and possesses extensive expertise in secondary language and literacy.
Text Comprehension: From Low Cognitive Complexity to Deep Critical Thinking
Sponsored by WJCT Public Media
City Terrace 11
When should deep critical thinking through book discussion begin? When is the appropriate time to expect more from the reader? These questions and more will be answered during this session. There are essential elements to fostering and teaching reading comprehension, including building knowledge, engaging in discussion, and integrating reading and writing. This session will focus on the quality of the text discussion and ways writing can expand on text discussion and comprehension. (Capacity ??)
Tabetha Cox, M.Ed., has been in education for over 14 years. She has served in several roles in the educational community, including teacher of grades Pre-K-4th, reading coach, and intern host teacher. She was selected as one of the top 5 finalists for Duval County Public School Teacher of the Year in 2018. Mrs. Cox serves as chief programs officer at READ USA, president of the Duval Literacy Association, and board member of the Florida Children's Book Award Committee for Florida Literacy Association.
Connecting Art and Reading Through Read Alouds
Sponsored by VyStar Credit Union
City Terrace 10
This session will present several books incorporating reading standards such as compare/contrast, retelling, and sequencing using art to enhance the story. Participants will see how collages, comics, and paper bag puppets can help students express their understanding. (Capacity ??)
Debbie Scarbrough has been an educator for 39 years, with 31 years spent teaching grades K-5, all subjects, and multiple programs such as Project CHILD and Math Investigations. She incorporates math and literacy into many lessons as an art teacher and has developed reading and art assessments. She has served as president of the Northeast Art Education Association, a moderator for Scholastic Arts, and presented at the Florida Art Education Association for seven years. Teaching art has allowed her to explore new methods to enhance reading, writing, and math through art.
Too Scared To Try: Helping Young Children Overcome Nervousness
Sponsored by WJCT Public Media
City Terrace 9
This session will provide an introductory walkthrough of the characteristics of nervousness and anxiety from an early childhood lens. In addition, Marlena will provide an overview of behaviors and developmentally appropriate scenarios commonly linked to anxiety. Attendees will be presented with strategies to support young children in home, social, and school-related situations. A limited quantity of take-home materials will be available to session attendees. Note: Marlena is not a diagnostician. (Capacity ??)
Marlena Jenkins, Ph.D., serves as the director of the USoar program at the University of North Florida and brings over 20 years of experience working with individuals with developmental, intellectual, and behavioral diagnoses to UNF. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership, a Master of Science in developmental disabilities with a concentration in leadership/advocacy, and a Bachelor of Arts in K-12 special education. Marlena’s doctoral research centered on developing a trauma framework grounded in the tenets of universal design for learning within the early childhood population. Additionally, Marlena served on a committee responsible for revamping Florida’s Educator Autism Endorsement, providing guidance as a content area contributor. Marlena has a strong passion for serving individuals across their lifespans in inclusion, goal setting and planning, and advocacy. Her knowledge and experience as a seasoned professional learning facilitator have led her to present for school teams, districts, parent organizations, and agencies on a local and national stage.
Building Trusting Relationships: Why Connection Matters
Sponsored by VyStar Credit Union
City Terrace 8
Help children feel a sense of connection. Come learn skills and strategies to create everyday experiences to bring about cooperation and mutual respect, the foundations of learning. (Capacity ??)
Elizabeth Sizler, LCSW, is a Hope & Healing Jax facilitator, certified positive discipline parent educator, early childhood educator, and TBRI practitioner who started this work in 2018, helping adolescents in therapeutic group care. She has seen this work truly change lives, both professionally and personally, with her son, who faces unique challenges stemming from premature birth, a NICU stay, and multiple hospital stays and surgery before the age of six.
Tyree Williams is a Hope & Healing Jax facilitator, certified positive discipline parent educator, early childhood educator, TBRI practitioner, and registered dietitian with experience in the Florida Health Department. Tyree first experienced TBRI through a parent training at the Center of Hope. That experience lit a spark in him to understand mental health and trauma, pushing him to explore his own healing and personal growth. Tyree feels driven to share what he has learned because it has brought him so much peace, joy, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Minds in Motion
Sponsored by WJCT Public Media
City Terrace 7
Join us to discover the benefits of infusing movement into your classroom. Brain science supports combining physical activity and academic concepts for optimal learning environments. Together, we will explore strategies to build your teaching toolkit. (Capacity ??)
Heather Albritton, M.Ed., is the director of health and physical education for Duval County Public Schools. Pursuing her doctoral degree at Florida State University, Heather’s commitment to the health and wellness of students aligns with her broader goals of developing active, healthy learners and promoting a foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life.
Afternoon Breakout Sessions • 12:40 PM - 1:30 PM
Enhancing Pre-K Teaching Practices Through Executive Function: Modeling and Implementation for Young Learners
Sponsored by the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning
City Terrace 12
This presentation explores how Pre-K teachers can harness executive function skills to enhance their teaching practice and serve as role models for their young students. Executive function is crucial for both teachers and students. By embedding these skills into daily routines and interactions, teachers can create a more structured, engaging, and supportive learning environment. (Capacity ??)
Jamie Harmon spent the first 12 years of her career teaching in PreK-4th-grade classrooms outside of Washington, D.C. She followed her professional development interest and decided to come out of the classroom. She spent the next 4 years working at the Early Learning Coalitions of Polk County and Hillsborough County before joining the Univerity of Florida Lastinger Center; Jamie was the West Central VPK Regional Facilitator, where she led the implementation of VPK program assessment and trained VPK teachers for their required emergent literacy training. She is currently
Tiffany Taylor-Jones, M.Ed., is the early learning content and implementation manager for the Univerity of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning. Previously, Tiffany served as an early learning implementation coordinator. A member of the Early Learning Implementation team, Tiffany facilitated professional development for early learning course instructors, community of practice facilitators, and coaches.
The Power of Language: Using Talk to Better Our Teaching and Ourselves
Sponsored by VyStar Credit Union
City Terrace 11
This session deeply examines how language can influence student engagement, our relationships with students, and even our perceptions. The presenter will discuss why student talk creates active and engaged learning for our students and offer specific strategies for implementing productive talk in our classrooms. The session also examines our inner talk and how being aware of our self-talk in and out of the classroom can help us manage stress in our professional and personal lives. (Capacity ??)
Elizabeth Hale, Ed.D., is an assistant professor of literacy at the University of North Florida, where she teaches a course titled Mind, Brain, and Education. She is the author of several books on reading and writing instruction and has given professional development to schools and districts in numerous states. For 9 years, she worked as a literacy coach and elementary teacher in Boston Public Schools.
Structured Systems Lead to Actively Good Behaviors
Sponsored by WJCT Public Media
City Terrace 10
Are you trying to cultivate a productive, positive, and safe classroom environment? During this session, attendees will discover how to communicate effectively with students, establish relationships, and ensure that students develop effective behavioral skills to reach their learning goals successfully. When effective Classroom Management Strategies are implemented, disruptive behaviors will decrease, and there will be an increase in academic learning and engagement. (Capacity ??)
Tisa Montgomery, Ed.D., is an elementary school assistant principal with Duval County Public Schools and the CEO of Strategic Blueprint Consulting Solutions and MFIMH, Inc. She has over eighteen years of experience in the field of education. Dr. Montgomery’s educational philosophy is “ALL students CAN learn.” She believes good educators ensure instruction is differentiated to meet students where they are to help ALL students meet their maximum learning potential.
Monica Kirkland, M.S., is a graduate of Bethune Cookman University. She is a Duval Teachers United professional development facilitator and an elementary school reading coach. Monica has over thirteen years of experience in the field of education. She aspires to become an elementary school administrator during her career as an educator.
Exploring Strategies for Supporting Students with Dyscalculia in Elementary Math: A Hands-On Workshop
Sponsored by hand2mind
City Terrace 9
Join us for an interactive session designed to empower elementary educators with practical strategies for supporting students with dyscalculia in the math classroom. Dyscalculia, a specific learning disability in mathematics, can present unique challenges for students, but with the right tools and approaches, educators can make a significant difference in their learning journey. In this workshop, participants will better understand dyscalculia and its impact on mathematical learning. Attendees will explore evidence-based strategies and interventions tailored to the needs of students with dyscalculia and engage in hands-on activities and simulations. (Capacity ??)
Rob Curran developed his love for math education as an intermediate math teacher and instructional coach. He has served his local math community as president of Duval's Math Council and on the executive board of the Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Since 2019, Rob has worked for hand2mind, spreading his love for hands-on learning nationwide. Currently, he serves as the national consultant manager and national math consultant. He is passionate about developing positive math identities and improving student achievement.
If Looks Could Feel: Sensory Processing as a Foundation of Learning
Sponsored by VyStar Credit Union
City Terrace 8
In a world where the status quo is "loud" and "bright," differences in sensory processing can be silent obstacles to learning. Join this session to learn more about our Eight/Nine Senses, Sensory Processing Differences (SPD), How Our Senses Create an Environment for Learning, and methods to screen for and support learners with SPD as an educator. (Capacity ??)
Amaris Avellan, Ph.D., is the owner and director of Monarch Academy for Neurodivergent (ND) Youth. She is a pre-licensure clinical psychologist with Total Spectrum Counseling, an ND-affirming practice based in the San Luis Obispo, California area. She specializes in sensory processing differences and individuals with ND brain styles like autism spectrum and attentional differences.
Burst That Bubble: Creating and Sustaining a Professional Learning Community
Sponsored by WJCT Public Media
City Terrace 7
Burst that Bubble is a group of six K-5 teachers who have created a vertical learning community to bridge and close gaps in ELA skills and reading proficiency between primary (K-2) and intermediate (3-5) grade levels. This session will feature resources created by the learning community for teacher reflection journals, standards alignment, data tracking, and technology, as well as raffling off books and providing time for self-reflection. (Capacity ??)
Amy Boyter, Fanivel Rosario-Santiago, Brittany Sarvis, Leah Teuschel, Thomasena Thompson, and Stephanie Weathington, M.Ed., are an independent, collaborative, professional learning community of educators at San Jose Elementary dedicated to bridging and closing existing gaps in ELA skills and reading proficiency between primary (K-2) and intermediate (3-5) grade levels. With over 45 years of combined teaching experience, they found themselves stuck in their own grade-level “bubble” without reflecting on the vertical progression of learning. The group meets outside of the school environment once a month to unpack ELA standards and share best practices and resources for improving student learning of the standards.