Annual Literacy Conference
Presented by the Collaborative for Equity in Literacy Learning (CELL) at Mount Saint Mary College.
31st Annual Conference on Literacy
Exploring Literacy and the Arts in Pursuit of a Socially Just World
April 5, 2025, Mount Saint Mary College Campus
Presented by the Collaborative for Equity in Literacy Learning (CELL) at Mount Saint Mary College
Featured Speaker
Bryan Collier is a beloved illustrator and author, known for his thought-provoking style combining watercolor and detailed collage. He is a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient for Trombone Shorty, Dave the Potter, Martin’s Big Words, and Rosa. His books have won many other awards as well, including nine Coretta Scott King Illustrator Awards, and recognition from others such as El día de los niños / El día de los libros, Notable Books for a Global Society, and the Cooperative Children’s Book Center. His recent books include Ode to Grapefruit: How James Earl Jones found his Voice, Love is Loud, and We Are Here.
Request for Proposals
The Collaborative for Equity in Literacy Learning (CELL) at Mount Saint Mary College invites proposals for conference presenters at the 31st annual conference on April 5, 2025. The theme for the conference will be "Exploring Literacy and the Arts in Pursuit of a Socially Just World." In what ways might we engage learners to make meaning with texts (print and non-print) that help us to reflect on who we are, to give us new insight into the cultural lives of our peers/neighbors, and to change our perspectives through empathy and understanding for a more just world [see Bishop (1990) Mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors]? We are seeking proposals that address highly effective literacy practices in and out of school, and incorporate the conference theme.
We welcome educators from all backgrounds and teaching levels to submit proposals by Friday, January 17, 2025.
Information for Presenters
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Sessions are scheduled for 75 minutes.
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Conference participants will be classroom teachers, librarians, literacy specialists, special educators, administrators, and pre-service teachers.
Proposal Requirements
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Session title and description to be listed in the program (75 word limit)
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Session rationale—why is the topic important, what do you hope the participants will gain, and how does it relate to the conference theme? (250 word limit)
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Space and audio-visual needs
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Audience: grade levels (e.g., preK-2, 6-12) and specialization (e.g., librarians, early career teachers)
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Presenter(s) information (name, email, mailing address, and phone number, along with brief biographical information—50 word limit)