Laura Stewart, National Director of The Reading League, will discuss compelling evidence to support changing the way we teach reading based on current science. She will cover what structured literacy looks like in the classroom and present a case study with data on structured literacy implementation. 

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

Laura Stewart is an educator and organizational leader. She has served as a classroom teacher, building and district administrator, adjunct professor, and director of numerous professional development initiazives around the country, including directing the Reading First initiative in the state of Wisconsin. She also served as the Vice President of Professional Development for the Rowland Reading Foundation, and was the Chief Academic Officer for Professional Development at Highlights for Children.

Laura's current role as the National Director of The Reading League fits her perfectly, as her passion is empowering educators to positively impact ALL students and ultimately change the course of literacy achievement in this country. She presents nationally and internationally and has written for numerous organizations and publications, including co-authoring The Everything Guide to Informational Text K-2; Best Texts; Best Practices. 

Laura is on the advisory board of the International Foundation of Effective Reading Instuction. She also serves on the Illinois governor's Task Force for At-Risk Youth. Laura is a certified Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) trainer.