To support all children in becoming proficient readers, it is imperative that the classroom environment and literacy instruction are inclusive, diverse, and equitable so that all students and families feel like they belong. This interactive and engaging edWebinar is designed to equip PreK-3 teachers with the knowledge and practical strategies to create an equitable literacy environment and an inclusive teaching and learning practice that aligns with the Science of Reading.

At the end of this edWebinar, attendees will be able to:

• Define diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and why culturally responsive educational practices are important in literacy
• Create a diverse, equitable, inclusive, literacy-rich environment where all students and families feel like they belong
• Apply practical strategies to ensure equitable literacy instruction that embraces diversity and promotes inclusion and belonging that aligns with the Science of Reading

This edWebinar will be of interest to PreK-3 teachers and school and district leaders. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.

About the Presenters

Cheryl Lundy Swift received a Master of Education in administration and supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University and has been a dedicated educator for over 20 years. Cheryl currently serves as Learning Without Tears’ Professional Learning Director. She has worked in leadership and executive roles for various educational organizations including public schools, post-secondary institutions, and education companies including several leading tutoring and supplemental education service companies. Cheryl is an award-winning educational leader, curriculum developer, motivational speaker, and trainer. She served as the lead curriculum developer for Learning Without Tears’ Get Set for School’s Language and Literacy curriculum, which received an AEP Distinguished Achievement Award. In 2017, Cheryl was awarded the Investor Bank’s Educator of the Year Award. Cheryl is currently pursuing her doctorate in educational leadership from Kean University in Union, NJ.

Dr. Miriam Ortiz has had a passion for education since she was a little girl. She started her professional career as a classroom teacher in 2010. She went on to obtain her Ph.D. in education and human development from Southern Methodist University in 2017 with a focus on special education and Response to Intervention. Dr. Ortiz is currently the CEO and chief consultant at K12 Matters, LLC where she helps schools, organizations, and companies interpret and apply educational research. She is passionate about improving academic outcomes for children with or at-risk for disabilities, teacher training, and professional development, and assisting struggling readers of all ages. She has been a co-author of several peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters on the topic of reading instruction for students with varying disabilities.

Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.

Join the Building Blocks for PreK—5 community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.

Time: 3:00 pm — 4:00 pm EDT

Free!

Registration