Embedded Files
10:15 - 11:30 Break-Out Session A
10:15 - 11:30 Break-Out Session A
A.1 | Session Title Coming Soon!
(All Levels)
Melanie Meehan
Room #140-Library
Session description coming soon!
Melanie’s professional life is based on her passionate belief that every child can write. Melanie recently retired from her position as the Elementary Curriculum Coordinator, and she opened The Writing Clinic, an in-person and online center for inspiring and nurturing competent, confident, and joyful young writers.
(All Levels)
Melanie Meehan
Room #140-Library
Session description coming soon!
Melanie’s professional life is based on her passionate belief that every child can write. Melanie recently retired from her position as the Elementary Curriculum Coordinator, and she opened The Writing Clinic, an in-person and online center for inspiring and nurturing competent, confident, and joyful young writers.
A.2 | Joy Is Not Optional: Teaching Foundational Skills While Preserving the Love of Reading
(Elementary)
Dr. Vanessa Howard
Room #
Structured literacy and foundational skills instruction are sometimes misunderstood as rigid or disconnected from student engagement. This session reframes that narrative. Participants will explore how explicit instruction in phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension can coexist with joy, cultural responsiveness, and positive reader identity. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for creating classrooms where students feel both capable and inspired.
Dr. Vanessa Howard is an award-winning literacy expert, speaker, dyslexia practitioner, and adjunct professor with a PhD in Educational Leadership and a heart for educational equity.
Her mission is to equip educators with clarity, equity, and practical tools so every child has access to high-quality reading instruction and the opportunity to thrive.
(Elementary)
Dr. Vanessa Howard
Room #
Structured literacy and foundational skills instruction are sometimes misunderstood as rigid or disconnected from student engagement. This session reframes that narrative. Participants will explore how explicit instruction in phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension can coexist with joy, cultural responsiveness, and positive reader identity. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for creating classrooms where students feel both capable and inspired.
Dr. Vanessa Howard is an award-winning literacy expert, speaker, dyslexia practitioner, and adjunct professor with a PhD in Educational Leadership and a heart for educational equity.
Her mission is to equip educators with clarity, equity, and practical tools so every child has access to high-quality reading instruction and the opportunity to thrive.
A.3 | The Sound of Learning: Inspiring Student Voice Through Music and Writing
(Middle - Upper Level)
Dr. Nana Becoat
Room #
Learn more about the Express the Music program in partnership with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Experience how music can inspire written expression, deepen emotional awareness, and expand narrative voice. Session attendees will learn about the program and how music can be used as a catalyst for creativity, reflection, and engagement in the writing classroom, along with practical strategies and student examples from the program. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in creative listening and writing activities--discovering firsthand how music can serve as a powerful catalyst for expression and reflection in the classroom.
Dr. Nana Becoat is an award-winning English educator with over 20 years of classroom experience, dedicated to promoting equity and social justice through her teaching. Currently, she teaches at Hazelwood West High School, where she collaborates with fellow educators to foster inclusive, innovative, and inspirational learning environments.
(Middle - Upper Level)
Dr. Nana Becoat
Room #
Learn more about the Express the Music program in partnership with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Experience how music can inspire written expression, deepen emotional awareness, and expand narrative voice. Session attendees will learn about the program and how music can be used as a catalyst for creativity, reflection, and engagement in the writing classroom, along with practical strategies and student examples from the program. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in creative listening and writing activities--discovering firsthand how music can serve as a powerful catalyst for expression and reflection in the classroom.
Dr. Nana Becoat is an award-winning English educator with over 20 years of classroom experience, dedicated to promoting equity and social justice through her teaching. Currently, she teaches at Hazelwood West High School, where she collaborates with fellow educators to foster inclusive, innovative, and inspirational learning environments.
A.4 | Become a Novelist (instead of just teaching about them)
(All Teachers)
Anna Marie Riley
Room #
Have you ever thought of writing your own novel? Have mesmerizing characters been running around your brain with nowhere to go? Perhaps they should finally go on the page! This session will introduce you to storycraft frameworks and exciting tools that can help you finally get started on your very own novel! Come prepared to share your ideas and get supportive feedback. All participants will receive a free e-copy of the Teachers Who Write Journal, a step by step guide to take you from story idea to "Buy Now" in one academic year!
Anna is a novelist and developer of the Teachers Who Write project. After 20 years in the field of education as Dr. Amy Peach, she returned to her original love of writing. Anna writes from the ethical edge, where good people make questionable choices. Where life-altering challenges to societal norms meet the quiet mysteries of the heart. Her characters work in fascinating fields from curating centuries-old art to designing supersonic trains. Yet they experience the same joy and pain we all share. Through their eyes, readers discover the line between right and wrong isn’t just thin. It’s imaginary.
(All Teachers)
Anna Marie Riley
Room #
Have you ever thought of writing your own novel? Have mesmerizing characters been running around your brain with nowhere to go? Perhaps they should finally go on the page! This session will introduce you to storycraft frameworks and exciting tools that can help you finally get started on your very own novel! Come prepared to share your ideas and get supportive feedback. All participants will receive a free e-copy of the Teachers Who Write Journal, a step by step guide to take you from story idea to "Buy Now" in one academic year!
Anna is a novelist and developer of the Teachers Who Write project. After 20 years in the field of education as Dr. Amy Peach, she returned to her original love of writing. Anna writes from the ethical edge, where good people make questionable choices. Where life-altering challenges to societal norms meet the quiet mysteries of the heart. Her characters work in fascinating fields from curating centuries-old art to designing supersonic trains. Yet they experience the same joy and pain we all share. Through their eyes, readers discover the line between right and wrong isn’t just thin. It’s imaginary.
A.5 | Fluency on the Fly: Incorporate Practice Without the Hassle
(Middle -Upper Level)
Carrie Wolfe
Room #
As students with Reading Success Plans transition to middle and high school, secondary classroom teachers are increasingly expected to provide effective fluency support—often with limited training in reading instruction. This session will equip secondary educators with practical, easy-to-implement strategies for integrating fluency practice into any classroom setting with minimal preparation. Participants will observe and engage in modeled fluency strategies, and dedicated time will be provided to reflect on and plan how to adapt these approaches for their own classrooms.
Carrie currently teaches 7th grade English Language Arts at Sperreng Middle School. She previously served as a Reading Specialist for 16 years. Carrie holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education from Southeast Missouri State University, an M.Ed. in Middle School Curriculum from Liberty University, and an S.Ed. in Reading from Arkansas State University. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and attending live theater and concerts with her daughter.
(Middle -Upper Level)
Carrie Wolfe
Room #
As students with Reading Success Plans transition to middle and high school, secondary classroom teachers are increasingly expected to provide effective fluency support—often with limited training in reading instruction. This session will equip secondary educators with practical, easy-to-implement strategies for integrating fluency practice into any classroom setting with minimal preparation. Participants will observe and engage in modeled fluency strategies, and dedicated time will be provided to reflect on and plan how to adapt these approaches for their own classrooms.
Carrie currently teaches 7th grade English Language Arts at Sperreng Middle School. She previously served as a Reading Specialist for 16 years. Carrie holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education from Southeast Missouri State University, an M.Ed. in Middle School Curriculum from Liberty University, and an S.Ed. in Reading from Arkansas State University. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and attending live theater and concerts with her daughter.
12:15 - 1:30 Break-Out Session B
12:15 - 1:30 Break-Out Session B
B.1 | Writing Beyond the Classroom
(All Teachers)
Melanie Meehan, Sarah Valter, & Leah Thomas
Room # 140-Library
Join the co-authors of the Two Writing Teachers Blog for a two-part session focused on expanding joyful writing opportunities for students. Part One: Experience the power of being a teacher who writes. Participants will engage in a brief writing exercise and explore research demonstrating how teachers who write alongside their students strengthen writing instruction, identity, and engagement. Part Two: Discover ways to extend writing beyond the classroom through school-wide writing clubs and contests. We’ll share structures, lessons learned, and practical strategies for creating extracurricular writing opportunities that build community and excitement around writing.
(All Teachers)
Melanie Meehan, Sarah Valter, & Leah Thomas
Room # 140-Library
Join the co-authors of the Two Writing Teachers Blog for a two-part session focused on expanding joyful writing opportunities for students. Part One: Experience the power of being a teacher who writes. Participants will engage in a brief writing exercise and explore research demonstrating how teachers who write alongside their students strengthen writing instruction, identity, and engagement. Part Two: Discover ways to extend writing beyond the classroom through school-wide writing clubs and contests. We’ll share structures, lessons learned, and practical strategies for creating extracurricular writing opportunities that build community and excitement around writing.
B.2 | The Process is the Purpose: Writing in the World of AI
(Middle - Upper Level)
Andria Benmuvhar
Room #
When writing becomes about the product, it is easy to see how AI can enter the conversation. When all essays look the same and follow a formula, why not hand over the job of plugging in the details to an artificial intelligence? This presentation seeks to push back against the tide to return to a simple, fundamental truth: writing is about thinking. When we shift our focus from product to process, the metacognitive moves become more important. This presentation, through discussion and application, will remind teachers of the power of each stage of the writing process and how students can approach it with intentionality and reflection.
This year Andria Benmuvhar finished her 24th year of teaching English at the high school level. For the past 13 years she has taught mostly freshmen and senior English classes at Parkway West High School including College Composition and AP Literature. She went through the Gateway Writing Project Summer Institute in 2005 and has been an active GWP TC since then. She also serves as an Instructional Coach for teachers in their first three years of teaching in Parkway. Outside of school life she is a mom of two boys--one in middle school and the other soon to be heading off to his first year at Mizzou.
(Middle - Upper Level)
Andria Benmuvhar
Room #
When writing becomes about the product, it is easy to see how AI can enter the conversation. When all essays look the same and follow a formula, why not hand over the job of plugging in the details to an artificial intelligence? This presentation seeks to push back against the tide to return to a simple, fundamental truth: writing is about thinking. When we shift our focus from product to process, the metacognitive moves become more important. This presentation, through discussion and application, will remind teachers of the power of each stage of the writing process and how students can approach it with intentionality and reflection.
This year Andria Benmuvhar finished her 24th year of teaching English at the high school level. For the past 13 years she has taught mostly freshmen and senior English classes at Parkway West High School including College Composition and AP Literature. She went through the Gateway Writing Project Summer Institute in 2005 and has been an active GWP TC since then. She also serves as an Instructional Coach for teachers in their first three years of teaching in Parkway. Outside of school life she is a mom of two boys--one in middle school and the other soon to be heading off to his first year at Mizzou.
B.3 | Literacy Instruction Across Content Areas: Every Teacher is a Literacy Teacher
(Middle - Upper Level)
Julie Sieber
Room #
Reading and writing aren't just skills students learn in English class — they are the tools students use to think, learn, and communicate in every discipline. This professional development session makes the case that every content-area educator plays a critical role in developing skilled, disciplinary readers and writers.
Explore teaching students to read, write, and think like scientists, historians, mathematicians, and professionals in their field. Through practical, classroom-ready strategies applicable across all grade levels and subject areas, educators will learn how to make expert thinking visible, build discipline-specific vocabulary, and use low-stakes writing as a tool to deepen content learning — without sacrificing instructional time.
Throughout my ten years in the classroom, I have primarily worked with students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, focusing on building literacy skills and promoting reading engagement at the secondary level. I am currently pursuing an EdD in Learning, Teaching and Curriculum from Mizzou. I want to bridge the gap between research and practice to help other educators address the engagement and comprehension challenges I've encountered in my own classroom.
(Middle - Upper Level)
Julie Sieber
Room #
Reading and writing aren't just skills students learn in English class — they are the tools students use to think, learn, and communicate in every discipline. This professional development session makes the case that every content-area educator plays a critical role in developing skilled, disciplinary readers and writers.
Explore teaching students to read, write, and think like scientists, historians, mathematicians, and professionals in their field. Through practical, classroom-ready strategies applicable across all grade levels and subject areas, educators will learn how to make expert thinking visible, build discipline-specific vocabulary, and use low-stakes writing as a tool to deepen content learning — without sacrificing instructional time.
Throughout my ten years in the classroom, I have primarily worked with students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, focusing on building literacy skills and promoting reading engagement at the secondary level. I am currently pursuing an EdD in Learning, Teaching and Curriculum from Mizzou. I want to bridge the gap between research and practice to help other educators address the engagement and comprehension challenges I've encountered in my own classroom.
B.4 | Playful Learning: Building Literacy Through Exploration, Talk, and Movement
(Elementary)
Dr. Arionna Raleigh
Room #
Play is a critical component of early literacy development. This session focuses on how educators can use playful learning to increase engagement, strengthen language development, and support comprehension.
Participants will experience hands-on strategies that combine movement, discussion, and problem-solving to build literacy skills. The session highlights how structured play can support vocabulary, storytelling, and student collaboration.
Dr. Arionna Ralleigh is a dedicated and forward-thinking leader, overseeing educators’ activities and on-the-ground school engagement initiatives at Nine PBS, such as professional development, train-the-trainers, and hosting Edcamp. With a passion for driving educational change and innovation, she is a catalyst for transforming the field of learning. Arionna's strong background in curriculum design, instructional development, and effective leadership enables her to empower learners to thrive in the 21st century. Passionate about shaping the future of education and fostering lifelong curiosity and growth, Arionna invites fellow change-makers to connect and collaborate for impactful educational change.
(Elementary)
Dr. Arionna Raleigh
Room #
Play is a critical component of early literacy development. This session focuses on how educators can use playful learning to increase engagement, strengthen language development, and support comprehension.
Participants will experience hands-on strategies that combine movement, discussion, and problem-solving to build literacy skills. The session highlights how structured play can support vocabulary, storytelling, and student collaboration.
Dr. Arionna Ralleigh is a dedicated and forward-thinking leader, overseeing educators’ activities and on-the-ground school engagement initiatives at Nine PBS, such as professional development, train-the-trainers, and hosting Edcamp. With a passion for driving educational change and innovation, she is a catalyst for transforming the field of learning. Arionna's strong background in curriculum design, instructional development, and effective leadership enables her to empower learners to thrive in the 21st century. Passionate about shaping the future of education and fostering lifelong curiosity and growth, Arionna invites fellow change-makers to connect and collaborate for impactful educational change.
1:45 - 3:00 Break-Out Session C
1:45 - 3:00 Break-Out Session C
C.1 | Virtual Author Visit w/ Stacey Lee
(All Teachers)
Jenni George
Room #140-Library
Get ready for a story full of secrets, identity twists, and a heroine you won’t forget… Join us for a lively book discussion of Heiress of Nowhere by Stacey Lee! Stacey Lee is a master of historical fiction, and a founding member of We Need Diverse Books. Her newest book is a suspenseful and evocative gothic mystery that combines science, myth, and the quest for identity.
And here’s the best part—your reading experience doesn’t stop at the final page. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in a live video chat with Stacey Lee. Yes, you can actually hear from the author herself, ask questions, and go behind the scenes of the story!
Bring your thoughts, your theories, and maybe even your wildest predictions—we can’t wait to hear them.
Jenni George spent 8 years in the English classroom and the last 21 years as a school library media specialist. She completed the Gateway Writing Institute in 2010. Jenni loves learning something new everyday, reading all things YA, and helping students find that one perfect book that makes them fall in love with reading.
(All Teachers)
Jenni George
Room #140-Library
Get ready for a story full of secrets, identity twists, and a heroine you won’t forget… Join us for a lively book discussion of Heiress of Nowhere by Stacey Lee! Stacey Lee is a master of historical fiction, and a founding member of We Need Diverse Books. Her newest book is a suspenseful and evocative gothic mystery that combines science, myth, and the quest for identity.
And here’s the best part—your reading experience doesn’t stop at the final page. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in a live video chat with Stacey Lee. Yes, you can actually hear from the author herself, ask questions, and go behind the scenes of the story!
Bring your thoughts, your theories, and maybe even your wildest predictions—we can’t wait to hear them.
Jenni George spent 8 years in the English classroom and the last 21 years as a school library media specialist. She completed the Gateway Writing Institute in 2010. Jenni loves learning something new everyday, reading all things YA, and helping students find that one perfect book that makes them fall in love with reading.
C.2 | Blend, Don't Break: Practical Strategies for Blended Writing
(Upper Level)
Christina Andrade Melly
Room #
Though students consume blended texts every day, many struggle to recreate a combination of expository, narrative, and argument writing in the classroom. Join this session to practice writing strategies tailored to blended writing for the EOC and beyond! Participants will leave with demo activities that are ready to use on Day One as well as structures you can adapt to your own content, students, and pacing.
Christina Andrade Melly is a kindergarten through master’s degree graduate of Missouri public schools, studying at the University of Missouri and Northwest Missouri State University before returning to teach at her alma mater. She served as the 2023 Missouri Teacher of the Year and currently teaches sophomore and junior English at Ritenour High School. As a Gateway Writing Project Teacher-Consultant, she loves helping students unlock their brilliance and grow as writers in every classroom.
(Upper Level)
Christina Andrade Melly
Room #
Though students consume blended texts every day, many struggle to recreate a combination of expository, narrative, and argument writing in the classroom. Join this session to practice writing strategies tailored to blended writing for the EOC and beyond! Participants will leave with demo activities that are ready to use on Day One as well as structures you can adapt to your own content, students, and pacing.
Christina Andrade Melly is a kindergarten through master’s degree graduate of Missouri public schools, studying at the University of Missouri and Northwest Missouri State University before returning to teach at her alma mater. She served as the 2023 Missouri Teacher of the Year and currently teaches sophomore and junior English at Ritenour High School. As a Gateway Writing Project Teacher-Consultant, she loves helping students unlock their brilliance and grow as writers in every classroom.
C.3 | AP Literature: Navigating Creativity and Analysis Writing and Beyond the Canon
(Upper Level)
Dona Coleman
Room #
This session offers several lesson plans for Literature classes that incorporate analytical and creative elements.
Dona is a teacher at Fort Zumwalt West High School in O'Fallon, Missouri. After 34 years, Dona is heading into the last year of her career.
(Upper Level)
Dona Coleman
Room #
This session offers several lesson plans for Literature classes that incorporate analytical and creative elements.
Dona is a teacher at Fort Zumwalt West High School in O'Fallon, Missouri. After 34 years, Dona is heading into the last year of her career.
C.4 | Getting to Know NaNo
(All Teachers)
Kelly Davis
Room #
Come learn about the international writing adventure NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). Whether you would like to participate with your classes, a club, or just use the lessons throughout the year for writing and/or reading you'll walk away prepared to do just that.
Kelly Davis currently teaches 8th grade language arts at Wildwood Middle School in the Rockwood School District. In her 28 years in education she has taught 6-8 language arts, 5th grade, and K-5 technology. She is passionate about sharing her love of reading and writing with students. In her spare time, she crochets, plays games with her husband and son, and writes both original fiction and fanfiction.
(All Teachers)
Kelly Davis
Room #
Come learn about the international writing adventure NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). Whether you would like to participate with your classes, a club, or just use the lessons throughout the year for writing and/or reading you'll walk away prepared to do just that.
Kelly Davis currently teaches 8th grade language arts at Wildwood Middle School in the Rockwood School District. In her 28 years in education she has taught 6-8 language arts, 5th grade, and K-5 technology. She is passionate about sharing her love of reading and writing with students. In her spare time, she crochets, plays games with her husband and son, and writes both original fiction and fanfiction.
C.5 | Small Moves, Big Impact: Two Difference Makers That Support Underserved Learners
(Elementary)
Mindy McBride
Room #
Supporting underserved students begins with the everyday interactions that shape their learning experiences. In this session, educators will be introduced to two high-leverage “difference makers” from Attuned Education that help create more responsive, inclusive classroom environments. Through guided role-play and reflection, participants will experience these practices in action and explore how small shifts in language and instructional routines can lead to stronger relationships, increased engagement, and greater access to learning for all students.
Mindy McBride is a K–2 Reading Specialist in the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District and a doctoral student in Teacher Leadership at Maryville University. With almost 20 years in education, she is passionate about helping teachers build collective efficacy through collaboration, reflective practice, and high-impact instructional structures. Mindy’s work focuses on strengthening small-group literacy instruction while keeping joy, curiosity, and student voice at the heart of learning. She believes that when educators learn together, students thrive.
(Elementary)
Mindy McBride
Room #
Supporting underserved students begins with the everyday interactions that shape their learning experiences. In this session, educators will be introduced to two high-leverage “difference makers” from Attuned Education that help create more responsive, inclusive classroom environments. Through guided role-play and reflection, participants will experience these practices in action and explore how small shifts in language and instructional routines can lead to stronger relationships, increased engagement, and greater access to learning for all students.
Mindy McBride is a K–2 Reading Specialist in the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District and a doctoral student in Teacher Leadership at Maryville University. With almost 20 years in education, she is passionate about helping teachers build collective efficacy through collaboration, reflective practice, and high-impact instructional structures. Mindy’s work focuses on strengthening small-group literacy instruction while keeping joy, curiosity, and student voice at the heart of learning. She believes that when educators learn together, students thrive.
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