Research on teaching literacy shows that a knowledgeable teacher can overcome obstacles like poverty and demographics to increase achievement for all students. Research has identified the most important key for success: Effective professional development that focuses on research-based best methods for teaching reading and writing skills and strategies.
 
Our annual Rockland County Literacy Extravaganza (prek-12) to be held this year on Saturday, Oct. 17 at St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, NY...approximately 1/2 hour from the George Washington Bridge is a professional development conference that supports the research. This year our keynoters include legend Yetta Goodman, Scholastic author and expert on comprehension and critical literacy Maureen McLaughlin, adolescent guru Teri Lesesne, and national writing consultant Bobbie Frederickson. We also offer two sets of workshops with a menu of more than 20 workshops by extraordinary educators including IRA author and Schoolwide blogger Robin Cohen, special education expert Elizabeth Finingan, 21st century new digital literacy Cortney Steffens, former co-director of the Columbia Teachers' college Wriitng Project Cheryl Stroud, ESL specialist Christina Paul and much, much more.  
 
We have a free continental breakfast, free give-aways, a publishers' display author signings, and more.
 
Our mantra is, "Learn on Saturday what you will begin to teach on Monday." I encourage you to attend. Contact me at mshaw@stac.edu for more information.