• EDUCATOR • SPEAKER • PODCASTER • LITERACY ADVOCATE • AUTHOR • EDUCATOR • SPEAKER • PODCASTER • LITERACY ADVOCATE • AUTHOR • EDUCATOR • SPEAKER • PODCASTER • LITERACY ADVOCATE • AUTHOR
Speaking and Presenting
Energized, knowledgeable, and ready to meet educators wherever they are: I offer keynote talks, professional-development sessions, workshops, and live events focused on bringing the science of reading into classrooms.
A Sample of
Session Options & Descriptions
Live Podcast Experiences
Bring the power of conversation to your school, district, or event. In this session, my co-host (Melissa Loftus) and I interview a guest of your choice — you decide the focus, topic, and guest; we’ll handle the rest. We’ll craft thoughtful, research-grounded questions and deliver an immersive, engaging podcast-style experience that sparks reflection, learning, and dialogue. Let’s learn together!
Multisyllabic Word Reading to Build Fluency (Grades 2+)
Help your students become confident, fluent readers through a research-aligned workshop that emphasizes multisyllabic word reading routines. This practical session is designed to strengthen vocabulary and fluency — two critical building blocks that support comprehension across content areas.
Reading's Dynamic Duo:
How Fluency & Vocabulary Fuel Comprehension
In this engaging, research-informed session, unpack how fluency and vocabulary act as bridges to reading comprehension.
You’ll learn a simple yet effective five-step vocabulary routine, demystify why teaching reading strategies in isolation often falls short, and walk through practical ways to integrate fluency and vocabulary instruction into your literacy block.
You’ll leave with ready-to-use, evidence-based strategies and exclusive downloadable resources (podcast links, printable tools, planning guides).
Reading Real Talk:
Clearing Up the Confusion with Research and Practice
Have questions about teaching reading? You’re not alone. In this session, you’ll tackle some of the most common — and sometimes controversial — questions educators face:
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Should phonemic awareness be taught with or without letters?
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Are reading strategies best taught in isolation?
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Is there a place for leveled texts or sustained silent reading in today’s classrooms?
You’ll learn clear, research-grounded answers and practical resources so you can feel confident about your instructional decisions come Monday morning.
Making the Shift:
Practical Ways to Teach Texts in Today’s Reading Classroom
Explore the shift from guided reading to purposeful small-group instruction, how to choose and use decodable texts effectively, meaningful ways to build fluency, and what it really looks like to move beyond leveled texts (and what to use instead!). You’ll leave with concrete strategies to bring evidence-based reading instruction into your daily practice.
Science of Reading in Practice
Science of Reading in Practice offers research-aligned professional learning for educators, including virtual conferences, workshops, and customizable training for schools and districts. Educators can also participate in guided book clubs, author Q&A sessions, and flexible PD options designed to support practical, classroom-ready literacy instruction. Go beyond the books with the authors of the Science of Reading in Practice Series — memberships coming soon!