The Gulf Coast Conference on the Teaching of Writing

June 25-28, 2007

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Dr. Richard Gentry

“What Makes Writers Successful”

Author of
Spel…Is a Four-Letter Word, The Literacy Map: Guiding Children to Where They Need to Be

More About the Keynote Speakers:

Dr. Richard Gentry, National Consultant

J. Richard Gentry, Ph.D. writes and speaks widely on literacy development and spelling. His depth of knowledge and breakthrough thinking about the importance of teaching spelling for reading and writing development has resulted in a number of books including Spel…Is a Four-Letter Word, The Literacy Map: Guiding Children to Where They Need to Be, and My Kid Can’t Spell as well as numerous articles in academic journals and textbooks for school-age children. His latest book, The Science of Teaching Spelling, is scheduled for release by Heinemann in the fall of 2004. Having struggled with spelling himself, Richard says he is passionate about the importance of teaching words and the role of spelling and vocabulary in the literacy program. His latest work includes research about emergent levels of writing and reading in kindergarten and first grade and the implications of brain research for spelling. A former elementary teacher and university professor, Dr. Gentry is has lectured and conducted workshops for teachers throughout the United States, and in Canada, Australia, South America, Europe, and the West Indies. In addition to research and speaking engagements, he often works in schools directly with children and teachers. He lives in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.         

Kathryne Lewis Stewart, National Consultant

Kathryne Lewis Stewart is a veteran educator and national consultant. Her educational background and qualifications include:  BA in Language Arts and Social Studies, MAT-Curriculum and Instruction, MA-Instructional Supervision and Gifted and Talented (as well as certification), Ed.D.-Instructional Leadership (in progress), 18 years as a classroom teacher, 5 years as curriculum director for grades K-12, G/T Coordinator and Texas Education Association trainer, Director of Parents as Partners Initiative, Texas Teacher Appraiser/Evaluator, TEA accreditation team, TEA State Textbook Evaluation Committee.

Mrs. Stewart currently trains teachers and delivers staff development throughout the United States and Europe, and specializes in helping teachers improve their teaching by using brain-based techniques that encourage critical thinking and creative problem solving.

Sue Wilder, National Consultant  

Sue Wilder is a consultant for the Developmental Studies Center (DSC), a non-profit organization dedicated to children‘s academic, ethical, and social development. Mrs. Wilder has served as a Literacy Coach (School & District Based), Writing Process Professional Developer (K-8), and University Faculty member (Undergrads, Reading & Language Arts).
The Developmental Studies Center believes that all children, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or economic status, should be able to grow to their fullest potential—academically, ethically, socially, and emotionally. This is essential for a humane, just, and productive democracy. Our path to this goal is through helping schools and after-school programs to become caring, inclusive “communities” and stimulating, supportive places in which to learn.

 

Conference Schedule

Monday, June 25, 2007

2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.              Registration—Conference Area

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.              Reception (location TBA)

Tuesday, June 26, 2007                  

7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.              Registration/Exhibits                    

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.            Keynote Address—Dr. Richard Gentry       

10:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.          Concurrent Sessions A                                    

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.            Luncheon                                      

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.              Writing Workshop— Dr. Richard Gentry       

Wednesday, June 27, 2007             

7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.              Registration/Exhibits                    

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.            Keynote Address—Kathryne Lewis Stewart                       

10:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.          Concurrent Sessions B

11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.          Concurrent Sessions C

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.              Writing Workshop— Kathryne Lewis Stewart

Thursday, June 28, 2007      

8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.            Registration/Exhibits

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.            Keynote Address—Sue Wilder

10:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m.           Writing Workshop—Sue Wilder