82 / 96
80
WORKSHOP PRESENTERS GALLERY
Kris-Ann Florence
Kris-Ann Florence loves teaching readers and writers and has a passion for using children’s literature in
all contents of her classroom. She is currently teaching second grade at Zaharis Elementary School.
Kris-Ann has conducted reading and writing presentations at conferences around the country and has
taught professional development seminars about teaching and learning with inquiry.
Workshop: Inspire, Instill, Ignite: Sparking a Love for Reading in Your Classroom!
Dr. L. Robert Furman
Dr. L. Robert Furman ED.D. is the principal at South Park Elementary Center in South Park, Pennsylvania.
He is the author of
Instructional Technology Tools
and
Reading, Technology, and Digital Literacy
. His
research in the field of literacy was recently awarded Best Research and Publication by PASCD. Rob is a
blogger for the
Huffington Post
,
Ed Tech Review,
and a producer for The Seditionists Education Video
Series. Rob was honored as a national “20 to Watch” in educational technology by the National School
Board Association.
Workshop: Reading, Technology, and Digital Literacy: How to Help the Striving Reader
Caroline Gaynor
Caroline Gaynor has more than 20 years of teaching experience at the primary, intermediate, and
university levels. She has served as a Teacher On Special Assignment for the Clark County School
District in Las Vegas, Nevada, and as the literacy coach at the Manhattan New School in New York City.
She has presented at reading and writing conferences throughout the country and has consulted in all
areas of literacy, both nationally and internationally. Presently, she is a second grade teacher at Zaharis
Elementary School in Arizona.
Workshop: Inspire, Instill, Ignite: Sparking a Love for Reading in Your Classroom!
Dr. Steven Geis
Dr. Steven Geis taught American history before he became principal of Farmington Middle School West
in 1999. In 2005 he became principal of North Trail Elementary School and has taught graduate classes
for St. Mary’s University. Currently he is serving on the board of directors of the Minnesota Elementary
School Principals’ Association (MESPA) and as the president-elect of the National Association of
Elementary School Principals (NAESP). One of his educational goals is to have all students reading at
their grade level.
Workshop: Raising the Student Achievement Bar With Independent Reading
Diane Gough
Diane Gough is the principal of Hewitt Elementary School in Midway ISD. Diana taught at the
elementary level for 16 years and has served as an instructional technologist, assistant principal, director
of special education, and principal. Diane has been instrumental in bringing many new programs to the
district, including Rachel’s Challenge anti-bullying program and an independent reading plan for her
campus. She was chosen to participate in the Harvard Leadership Program through Raise Your Hand
Texas and was recently named the National Distinguished Principal of Texas for 2015.
Workshop: Raising the Achievement Bar With Independent Reading
Heather Habrecht
Literacy instruction takes center stage at Heather’s school in suburban Dublin, Ohio. “We focus on a
well-rounded literacy workshop model that includes four phases of instruction: a modeling/demonstra-
tion phase, a shared phase, an assisted instructional phase, and an independent phase. These instruc-
tional phases are evident throughout the reading and writing workshop,” shares Heather, a principal for
nine years and an educator for 15. Literacy instruction times may include a focused mini-lesson, guided
and independent practice, independent reading, small-group instruction, a read-aloud, word study, and
a share-and-reflect time. “Our goal is to maximize the time students are engaged in targeted meaning-
ful work,” Heather says.
Workshop: iDEAL: Inspiring, Developing, Empowering, Assessing, and Leading an Independent
Reading Culture