47th Annual Conference on Reading and Writing

Over 1,100 educators-representing approximately 300 school districts from across the country-gathered to learn from top literacy experts during the 47th Annual Conference on Reading and Writing. This year’s conference kicked off with a performance from the Rutgers Glee Club and members of the Rutgers cheerleading team followed by welcoming remarks from Dr. Robert Barchi, President of Rutgers, and Dr. Wanda Blanchett, Dean of Rutgers Graduate School of Education (GSE).

The conference included two keynote presentations, 40 speakers from across the country, 35 workshops, and 30 exhibitors. Workshop topics included: teaching writing, working with struggling readers, working with children who are dyslexic, word study, and vocabulary development.

Kylene Beers and Robert Probst presented the morning keynote, “It’s Rigor, Not Rigor Mortis: Deepening Comprehension Without Dampening Enthusiasm.” The afternoon keynote was delivered by Mary Pope Osborne, who shared the story of her childhood and how she became a highly successful children’s book author. Children from the New Brunswick School District made a special appearance to listen to Mary Osborne Pope’s keynote and receive a signed copy of her book, Dinosaurs Before Dark. The conference concluded with a networking session with Mary Osborne Pope.

The Annual Conference on Reading and Writing is hosted by the GSE’s Center for Literacy Development. Dr. Lesley Morrow, Director, Lisa Mullin, Assistant Director and GSE Alumnae, and Danielle Guidetti, Program Coordinator, organized and ran the event with the help of 25 GSE student volunteers.

The Center for Literacy Development is committed to improving literacy support systems and providing a professional learning network of literacy leaders and teachers. The center’s network membership services include professional development to improve teacher quality and school leadership, literacy coaching in schools, and direct services to children.

Learn more about the Annual Conference on Reading and Writing, and the Center for Literacy Development by visiting their website.