VSLA ‘58
Session Resources
March 3, 2025
9:00 am - 10:15 am
General Session: Bridging the Gap Between Teacher & Student
A comedic, yet motivational message that encourages teachers to interact with their students in a unique and authentic way to bridge the relationship gap for better classroom management & connecting with students.
Leslie Rob
March 3, 2025
10:45 am - 11:45 am
Reigniting Coaching Moves! (P-HS)
Participants will reignite their coaching moves by focusing on a framework that actively engages relationship building, listening, and dialogue to build a school-wide coaching culture.
Julie Dauksys
March 3, 2025
10:45 am - 11:45 am
Preventing Comprehension Breakdowns to Unlock Knowledge (K-6)
Discover methods to recognize and overcome comprehension breakdowns, enabling students to understand complex ideas, strengthen critical thinking skills, and retain information more effectively across content areas.
Korrye Gaskins
March 3, 2025
10:45 am - 11:45 am
Introducing…2025-2026 Virginia Readers’ Choice Titles! (P-HS)
Every year a team of children’s and young adult literature loving librarians and teachers read their hearts out to find the best of the best books to introduce to your students. This year is no exception! Join this session to learn about all of the wonderful books on the 2025-2026 Virginia Readers’ Choice lists. From Primary grades to High School, there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy! This session will highlight all four of the lists (Primary, Elementary, Middle, High), so teachers can use the books at any grade level. Who knows - you might even find something you will enjoy!
Laurie Gingrich, Charles Richards, Katie Hilden & Teresa Johnson
March 3, 2025
10:45 am - 11:45 am
Supporting All Readers in the Application of Phonics and MORPHOLOGY Instruction (P-5)
High-quality decoding and morphological instruction is systematic, explicit, and assessment informed. Importantly, it also provides learners with ample opportunities to decode, spell, and apply their knowledge as they read texts. Come to this session to learn how texts fit into effective phonics and morphological instruction. Learn specific techniques and strategies to prepare students to read texts.
Heidi Ann Mesmer (Just Right Reading)
March 3, 2025
10:45 am - 11:45 am
MTSS – The Magic of Support (K-MS)
Students have the right to learn to read. Some students require additional support to succeed. A structured support system empowers teachers to provide the necessary support that makes all the difference!
Jessica Talada
March 3, 2025
1:15 pm - 2:15 pm
Writing Wizards: Unlocking the Magic of Explicit Writing Instruction (P)
This session will provide an overview of explicit writing instruction in grades K-2. Participants will learn valuable information on how to effectively teach young students to write, as well as ways to incorporate writing activities within their own curriculum. A focus will be put on foundational skills such as letter formation, sentence building, and ways to connect writing with content-based read-alouds to support reading comprehension. Attendees will leave this session with practical tools and resources, including lesson plan templates.
Anne Bragg & Tabitha Carter
March 3, 2025
1:15 pm - 2:15 pm
Flexible Grouping within Core Instruction (K-3)
Learn how to get flexible with grouping students! Hear from division-level literacy support and school-based reading specialists who have implemented this model.
Kayleigh Critzer, Blaire Flowers, Rachel Floyd, Michki Belcher & Samantha Smusz
March 3, 2025
1:15 pm - 2:15 pm
Making the Most of Literacy Interventions in the Middle Grades (4-MS)
Middle school readers are expected to read increasingly complex texts silently and independently, which is challenging for striving readers. We will demonstrate evidence-based intervention lessons to meet their instructional needs.
Katie Hilden, Lisa Aker, Crystal Ramos-McCall, & Susanna Taylor
March 3, 2025
1:15 pm - 2:15 pm
Vocabulary Matters: A Dozen Dynamic Ideas for Providing Students with Vocabulary Products (K-5)
Creating a world rich with words is important for not only developing reading skills but also ensuring comprehension isn’t disrupted. Come learn a dozen ideas for sharing vocabulary with your students to build language, comprehension and fluency.
Cathy Collier
March 3, 2025
1:15 pm - 2:15 pm
Rapport Revives Reading in Classrooms (MS-HS)
This presentation will examine strategies for cultivating rapport with students, optimizing reading engagement, facilitating peer collaboration, and employing narrative techniques to motivate students to produce and publish their own compositions.
Katherine Williams
March 3, 2025
1:15 pm - 2:15 pm
Tailoring Content Instruction for Diverse Learners: Planning Differentiated Instruction Around Quad Text Sets (4-HS)
In this interactive session, educators will learn strategies to effectively use content area quad text sets to address the diverse needs of students, including ELLs, gifted learners, students with reading difficulties, and those with ADHD. After an introduction to the concept and benefits of quad text sets, participants will view hands-on activities to differentiate instruction for specific learners, followed by a group discussion and Q&A. Attendees will leave with practical insights and resources for classroom implementation.
Ottilie Austin & Susan Thacker-Gwaltney
March 3, 2025
2:35 pm - 3:50 pm
Awards
Carmelita Williams Scholarship for Graduate Studies in Literacy
Ofie T. Rubin Literacy Teacher of the Year
General Session-Trying Something New (K-8)
Matt Tavares discusses the times in his career as an author-illustrator when he has ventured outside his comfort zone and tried something new. Whether it’s illustrating a nonfiction book for the first time, trying to illustrate a book where all the characters are cookies, or creating a 224-page graphic novel, trying something new can be daunting, but always seems to push his work in unexpected directions.
Matt Tavares
March 3, 2025
4:10 pm - 5:10 pm
The Wow Factor: Motivational and Literacy Strategies to Enhance Reading Comprehension for Diverse Learners (MS-HS)
This session explores evidence-based motivational and comprehension strategies that enhance literacy achievement for diverse learners, focusing on practical applications in reading and writing across content areas.
Janelle Cambridge, Lakell Johnson & Rasjinique Smith
March 3, 2025
4:10 pm - 5:10 pm
Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Teaching Early Readers (K-2)
Learn how to open the wonder of reading for our youngest learners by using tools and techniques that will enhance early literacy development. We will explore phonological awareness, including segmenting and blending, along with phonics and fluency all while using a multisensory approach to teach readers the love of reading!
Keegan Wilson (hand2mind)
March 3, 2025
4:10 pm - 5:10 pm
Reading Difficulties with EL Students- Is it Language? Or Something More? (P-3)
In this presentation, we will discuss best reading practices for EL students and how to discern if difficulties encountered are due to language learning or a possible learning issue.
Karen Affholter
March 3, 2025
4:10 pm - 5:10 pm
Word Wizards: Unlocking the Magic of Foundational Literacy Skills (K-3)
This session provides teachers and reading specialists with phonics activities to enhance K-2 literacy instruction, including syllable types, multisyllabic words, and morphology. Rules, charts, and multisensory activities will be shared.
Tabitha Carter & Anne Bragg
March 3, 2025
4:10 pm - 5:10 pm
Neurodiversity and Children's Literature (Pre-K-8)
Professor of English and autistic author Jen Malia will talk about using literature that features neurodivergent protagonists so children with brain differences can see themselves in books and neurotypical children can become more aware and accepting of neurodivergence. Literacy has the potential to unlock the minds of kids with differently wired brains, which can lead to more understanding and inclusion in a world where at least 1 in 5 kids are neurodivergent. These are the children diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, OCD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other brain differences. Jen will focus on the authentic voices of neurodivergent authors and feature a wide range of picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, and graphic novels, including her own picture book, Too Sticky! Sensory Issues with Autism, and her chapter book series, The Infinity Rainbow Club.
Jen Malia
March 4, 2025
8:00 am - 9:20 am
Awards
Merit Chapter Awards
Victoria S. Oakley Literacy Grant
General Session- Reading Engagement: A Rich Site for the Improvement of Literacy and Wellbeing
Gay Ivey
March 4, 2025
9:50 am - 10:50 am
Building the Foundation: Understanding and Strengthening Phonological and Phonemic Awareness (K-3)
Explore the foundational role of phonological and phonemic awareness in reading and spelling development. This session covers essential skills, including syllable awareness, rhyming, and phoneme identification, to support student success in literacy.
Keegan Wilson (hand2mind)
March 4, 2025
9:50 am - 10:50 am
From PALS to VALLSS: What Now? (K-3)
Now that you have all of this VALLSS data, what can you do with it? This session will focus on grouping students into skills-based groups that will maximize instructional time and student learning.
Christine Scarpinato
March 4, 2025
9:50 am - 10:50 am
Supporting Struggling Older Readers (4-HS)
What happens when a student leaves elementary school still struggling with reading? In this session, a multitude of ideas will be shared with teachers on methods to reach struggling students with reading and comprehending multisyllabic words.
Beth Estill
March 4, 2025
9:50 am - 10:50 am
Vocabulary Matters: A Dozen Dynamic Ideas for Providing Students with Vocabulary Products (K-5)
Creating a world rich with words is important for not only developing reading skills but also ensuring comprehension isn’t disrupted. Come learn a dozen ideas for sharing vocabulary with your students to build language, comprehension and fluency.
Cathy Collier
March 4, 2025
9:50 am - 10:50 am
“Liter-AT” Using Technology to Support Literacy Instruction for Students with Disabilities
This session explores how assistive technology (AT) can enhance literacy instruction for students with disabilities by ensuring access to the curriculum. Participants will learn about various AT tools, from low-tech solutions like highlighters and slant boards to high-tech options such as text-to-speech apps and digital accessibility features that support reading and writing development. The session will also address the integration of AT within Specially Designed Instruction (SDI), showing how technology empowers students by fostering independence, engagement, and academic success. Educators will leave with practical strategies for implementing AT effectively in their classrooms to meet students’ literacy needs.
Virginia Tech - Training and Technical Assistance Center (Dana McCaleb & Matthew Newton)
March 4, 2025
11:10 am - 12:10 pm
Multilingual Learners and Science-Based Reading Instruction (K-6)
Multilingual learners (MLs) in our classrooms need both science-based reading instruction and purposeful English language development. We will share the current research on how the Simple View of Reading applies to MLs in K-12 classrooms and practical takeaways for curriculum, instruction, assessment, and leadership.
Stephanie Tatel
March 4, 2025
11:10 am - 12:10 pm
VDOE K-12 English/Literacy Updates (K-12)
We will discuss the 2024 English Standards of Learning and available resources and support for K-12 educators in the commonwealth.
Jill Nogueras and Ellen Frackelton
March 4, 2025
11:10 am - 12:10 pm
I Scored Average...I Can Still Have Skill Gaps in My Phonemic Awareness (P-6)
How is phonemic awareness evaluated on norm-referenced tests? You will learn how specific skills are assessed, what questions to ask to understand a student’s performance and analyze errors to identify deficit patterns to guide instruction.
Jared Tschohl
March 4, 2025
11:10 am - 12:10 pm
Scribbles to Print: Supporting Early Writing Development from Scribbles to Sentences (P)
This professional development session is designed to equip educators with effective strategies to guide young learners through the entire progression of writing development. From the earliest marks and scribbles to mastering fine motor skills, pencil grip, and letter formation, this session will explore key stages of early writing. Educators will learn how to support students as they move from basic letter formation to writing words, crafting sentences, and progressing to dictation exercises. Participants will gain practical tools and age-appropriate activities that build fine motor strength, improve handwriting, and foster confidence in early writers. Whether you're helping students refine their pencil grip, master letter formation, or develop their dictation skills, this PD session will provide you with the strategies and resources needed to support every step of their writing journey.
Amie Burkholder
March 4, 2025
11:10 am - 12:10 pm
Beyond the Book: Innovative Literacy in Middle and High Schools (MS-HS)
Are you tired of the same old, same old in your high school literacy classroom? Join us for an interactive workshop that will inspire you to think outside the book and ignite your student's passion for learning. In this session, you'll discover innovative strategies that go beyond traditional reading and writing activities. Leave this workshop feeling empowered to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that will inspire your students to become lifelong learners.
Sarah Putnam, Kathryn Blessing & Chrissy Gates
March 4, 2025
1:40 pm - 2:40 pm
Boosting Reading Fluency: Proven Strategies to Help Struggling Middle School Readers Thrive (MS)
This session offers practical, evidence-based strategies to improve reading fluency in struggling middle school students. Attendees will explore engaging activities and assessment tools to boost fluency and reading confidence.
Danielle Kreassig
March 4, 2025
1:40 pm - 2:40 pm
Engaging Families in Literacy (K-3)
Participants are invited to join us as we discuss our journey to foster a partnership for literacy with families and community stakeholders at the division and school levels.
Kayleigh Critzer, Courtney Croom, Rachel Floyd, April Small & Blaire Flowers
March 4, 2025
1:40 pm - 2:40 pm
Improving Comprehension with ANY Text (Even if you have to use a basal!) (K-6)
In this presentation, Savannah will give six tips for improving comprehension, no matter the text you are using. She will also assist teachers in critical thinking about their basal program to ensure all students are successful.
Savannah Campbell
March 4, 2025
1:40 pm - 2:40 pm
How the Science of Learning Should Undergird a Science of Reading Classroom (K-HS)
We'll discuss and demonstrate why and how principles from the science of learning (e.g., retrieval practice, engagement, a focus on transfer) are necessary to ensure success with the science of reading.
Kristin Conradi Smith, Gail Lovette & Tammy Williams
March 4, 2025
1:40 pm - 2:40 pm
Empowering Students through Multicultural Literature that Celebrates Diversity (K-6)
This session will highlight the use of multicultural literature in a variety of genres to empower children to develop their sense of self and understand people from diverse backgrounds.
Valerie Robnolt & Lisa Cipolletti
March 4, 2025
1:40 pm - 2:40 pm
Introducing…2025-2026 Virginia Readers’ Choice Titles! (P-HS)
Every year a team of children’s and young adult literature loving librarians and teachers read their hearts out to find the best of the best books to introduce to your students. This year is no exception! Join this session to learn about all of the wonderful books on the 2025-2026 Virginia Readers’ Choice lists. From Primary grades to High School, there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy! This session will highlight all four of the lists (Primary, Elementary, Middle, High), so teachers can use the books at any grade level. Who knows - you might even find something you will enjoy!
Laurie Gingrich, Charles Richards, Katie Hilden & Teresa Johnson
March 4, 2025
3:00 pm - 4:15 pm
Awards
Technology & Literacy Grant
Exemplary Literacy Award
General Session-Literacy Escape: Using Classroom and Digital Escape Rooms to Engage Students in Literacy
Escape rooms have become a widespread entertainment experience that individuals of all ages can enjoy. Using hints and clues, participants solve a series of puzzles to complete the objectives of the game and escape the room, all while focusing on literacy standards. Learn how to escape ordinary literacy instruction and have fun while teaching reading and writing.
Rebecca Harper
March 5, 2025
8:15 am - 9:30 am
Announcements and General Session-Top Questions About Teaching Reading: ANSWERED! (K-5)
You can expect research connected classroom application as Lori (from the Melissa & Lori Love Literacy podcast) answers your top text-based questions about reading! Lori will discuss the transition from guided reading to small group instruction, how to choose & use decodable books, texts for fluency instruction & practice, & how to effectively move away from leveled texts (and what to do instead).
Lori Sappington
March 5, 2025
9:45 am - 10:45 am
Using Children's Literature to Launch Discussions of Race in Elementary Classrooms: An Anti-Oppressive Approach (K-6)
This presentation shares findings from a study of rural elementary teacher’s use of literature to discuss race and offers suggestions for avoiding missteps that inadvertently reinforce the racial status quo.
Rachelle Keuhl
March 5, 2025
9:45 am - 10:45 am
I’m a Smooth Reader: Fluency Protocols (K-6)
Elizabeth Landry
Are we doing it? Assessing and Addressing the Enabling Conditions for Successful EBLI Implementation
Just shy of one school year into the implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act and many school and division personnel find themselves wondering if they did enough to build the extensive support system necessary for successful EBLI to occur. This session explores the very real "implementation gap" that happens with even the best professional development and HQIM at the ready. New assessments, new curriculum, new standards and more - we'll dive into the enabling conditions necessary for seeing the student outcomes we're all hoping for.
TTAC-Radford (Lauren Catherwood-Ginn, Kristyn Schmidt & Sharon Zuckerwar)
March 5, 2025
9:45 am - 10:45 am
March 5, 2025
9:45 am - 10:45 am
Developing Vocabulary Knowledge Beyond Direct Instruction (4-HS)
Participants will spend this session learning how to increase incidental word learning for students through a variety of interactive and engaging approaches to raise vocabulary and improve reading comprehension. Access to materials will be shared.
Beth Estill
March 5, 2025
9:45 am - 10:45 am
Developing Cultural Awareness Through the use of Literature Circles (MS-HS)
Literature circles are a responsive instructional practice that can be utilized to develop cultural awareness and empathy. Students can walk in the shoes of diverse populations and engage in their lived experiences.
Nancy Bradley & Donna Fortune
March 5, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Empowering Literacy Through AI: Tools to Ignite Student Engagement and Imagination (P-HS)
Discover how AI /ChatGPT can revolutionize literacy instruction by enhancing student engagement, supporting diverse learners, and streamlining lesson planning through personalized content, creative activities, and efficient assessments.
Bettina Mason & Jacqueline Mitchell
March 5, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
What Is, What If? (6-HS)
MG & YA author Marina Budhos will describe her process researching and writing her novels The Long Ride and Watched, both of which originated in ‘real world’ issues. How does the fiction writer use research? How much research is enough? How to weave context for the young, contemporary reader? How to excite and ignite a young reader’s interest in social studies and history via storytelling?
Marina Budhos
March 5, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Fluency & Vocabulary as Bridges to Comprehension (K-5)
Lori will unpack fluency and vocabulary as the bridge to comprehension. You’ll reconsider your fluency schedule, learn a five-step vocabulary research-based routine, and hear why we shouldn’t be teaching reading comprehension strategies in isolation (and what you can do instead). You’ll learn research-backed strategies you can use in your classroom tomorrow, along with downloadables like podcasts and printable resources.
Lori Sappington
March 5, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
From PALS to VALLSS: What Now? (K-3)
Now that you have all of this VALLSS data, what can you do with it? This session will focus on grouping students into skills-based groups that will maximize instructional time and student learning.
Christine Scarpinato
March 5, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Unlocking the Code: Phonics-Based Strategies for Building Fluency (K-3)
This session will be focused on the powerful connection between phonics instruction and reading fluency. Educators will explore how mastering phonics — through targeted decoding, word recognition, and systematic instruction — lays the foundation for fluent reading. With an emphasis on small group instruction, participants will learn how to deliver focused phonics lessons that not only teach students to decode words but also help them read with greater speed, accuracy, and expression. The session will provide research-backed strategies, practical tools, and fluency-building activities designed to enhance phonics instruction and make a tangible difference in students' ability to read fluently. Whether you're enhancing your small group teaching or reinforcing phonics concepts across your classroom, this PD session will equip you with the strategies and confidence needed to unlock reading fluency through phonics.
Amie Burkholder
March 5, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Literacy Lane: Unlocking Language Comprehension (P-6)
Literacy Lane story walks engage students through language comprehension. Participants will learn about the collaborative development of the program, including the variety of texts and activities offered.
Julie Dauksys
March 5, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Creative Writing to Build Literacy and Community in Schools and Classrooms (MS-HS)
Learn how creative writing builds a culture of literacy in middle and high schools. Explore the ways in which creative writing encourages all students to engage in writing across content areas and as an extracurricular.
Emily Rizzetta & Bethley Giles