Vandal Early Literacy Symposium
2024 Vandal Early Literacy Symposium
Moscow, Idaho - July 10-12
Supported by the Garth and Frances Reid Literacy Initiative
Thank you for the work you do in your classroom and community to teach your students. We are offering a unique and professional learning opportunity for early literacy teachers.
Join us in an enriching three-day symposium this summer with a passionate and committed cohort of regional educators. This cohort will continue over the course of the 2024-25 school year with four additional opportunities to delve deeper into the symposium topics and continued implementation in your classroom.
The site has limited availability, so please submit this application by Monday, March 18, 2024 for priority consideration. Symposium participants will be notified of their acceptance from April 15 to May 1.
What Participants Will Learn:
- Gain insights into the Science of Reading from nationally recognized scholars and LETRS experts Judi Dodson, Antonio Fierro, and Mary Dahlgren.
- Explore and practice the fundamentals of structured literacy acquisition and instruction.
- Develop strategies to support all students in becoming effective readers and writers.
- Build efficacy in your teaching practice alongside your professional peers.
Registration Fee:
Successful applicants are required to make a $60 deposit upon registration to secure their spot. This deposit will be applied to the University of Idaho's professional development course fees. Four credits for the price of one!
Travel scholarships are available upon request.
Hurry, as space is limited to only 30 participants!
Application Period:
Applications are open from Feb. 1 to March 18, 2024, for priority consideration.
Notification and Final Registration:
Symposium participants will be notified of their acceptance by April 15, 2024. Final registration and the $60 deposit are due by May 1, 2024.
This symposium is designed for current elementary classroom teachers seeking to enhance their knowledge and to network within a supportive cohort and professional learning community. Priority consideration will be given to North Idaho teachers.
Active participation is essential. Engage in discussions, practice teaching techniques, and foster personal and professional growth during the symposium and the four online follow-up sessions throughout the year.
- Speech to Print, Moats
- Literacy Foundations for English Learners, Cardenas-Hagan
- The Reading Comprehension Blueprint, Hennessy
- Assessing Reading: Multiple Measures, CORE Literacy Library
- Kid Lips, Fierro and Dahlgren
- 50 Nifty Activities for Reading, Dodson (+ components for activities kit)
Ms. Judi Dodson
Judi is a national literacy consultant, former LETRS trainer, and special education teacher with more than 20 years’ experience. She lives outside of Denver, CO, is a respected author, and invests her time and expertise in working for social justice, equity, and inclusion.
Dr. Antonio Fierro
Antonio is a former Texas State Teacher of the Year and has been a LETRS trainer and literacy consultant for over 20 years. He lives in El Paso, Texas, and has particular expertise in supporting multilingual students.
Dr. Mary Dahlgren
Mary Dahlgren, Ed. D. has more than 40 years of experience in the field of education, including having founded Tools 4 Reading, which provides practical resources for teachers to implement the science of reading. She has been an elementary classroom teacher, dyslexia therapist, national LETRS® trainer, international literacy consultant, Idaho SMART cohort trainer, and author.
If you have any questions about the 2024 Vandal Early Learning Summit, please direct your inquiry to:
- Kirsten Pomerantz, Elementary Education Program Coordinator - kpomerantz@uidaho.edu
- Matt Johnson, EHHS Director of Development - mkjohnson@uidaho.edu
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