St. Louis
Starting today, about 6,000 educators, researchers, librarians, and experts are gathering here for three days of literacy professional development.
Go-to literacy experts such as Nell K. Duke, Pam Allyn, and Timothy Rasinski will be presenting at this year’s conference for the International Literacy Association—a group that until recently was known as the International Reading Association. Many teachers also seem to be excited about seeing Meg Cabot, the author of The Princess Diaries series, who is hosting an author luncheon.
Even Shaquille O’Neal will be making an appearance at the event. (In case you aren’t up-to-date on the retired NBA star’s ed-related escapades, he received a doctorate in education three years ago and is writing a series of early-reader books called Little Shaq.)
A look through the conference sessions makes it clear that using complex texts, tailoring instruction for English-learners, and integrating nonfiction will be consistent themes.
I’ll keep you updated over the weekend here on the blog and on Twitter with the hashtag #ILA15.
Just looked at the session schedule for #ila15 - I am officially overwhelmed and excited
— Pernille Ripp (@pernilleripp) July 13, 2015
Very excited to see that Meg Cabot will be speaking at #ILA15. I loved reading her books as a teen. @megcabot
— Erin Meyer (@teachfabulous) July 8, 2015
Image: Liana Heitin