The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s annual Hot Topics in Literacy conference spelled great success for dozens of educators and literacy advocates who attended the event on Saturday, Oct. 11.
For decades, the one-day conference, sponsored by the Department of Literacy and Language, has been connecting faculty and students with talented, well known writers and speakers in the field of literacy.
“The conference provides teachers throughout the state of Wisconsin with an opportunity to participate in a rich, meaningful professional development.” UW Oshkosh College of Education and Human Services (COEHS) Professor Elizabeth Alderton said.
More than 200 educators attended the 2014 conference, representing school communities from throughout Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, Fennimore, Lac du Flambeau and other districts.
The conference was divided into three breakout sessions. Each session offered five to six different topics and a variety of speakers. Subjects ranged from motivating readers to utilizing teaching aides and volunteers in the classroom. Each speaking topic was catered to a specific age group allowing educators of all levels to learn about subjects that best fit the interests and needs of their students.
This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Timothy Rasinski, is one of the most prominent figures in the field related to fluency and word study. Rasinski teaches literacy education at Kent State University and his research on reading has landed him in several journals including The Reading Teacher and Reading Psychology.
He spent the day exchanging ideas with other educational professionals to develop better literary practices in the classroom and improve student learning.
“I was so impressed by the willingness and dedication of teachers in the UW Oshkosh area to give up a Saturday to engage in professional development in literacy education in order to become better teachers of reading,” Rasinski said. “Clearly, literacy instruction in Oshkosh and its environs are in wonderful and competent hands.”
Rasinski’s visit was met with praise from the faculty that attended the event. COEHS Professor Michael Ford said the conference is a great chance to bring alumni, current graduate students and undergraduates together.
“It showcases the talents of our faculty and graduates, Ford said. “I have been attending the reading conferences since 1979, so it’s nice to know that the legacy lives on.”
Learn more: