Rainbow Schools participate in Reading Rocks the North Literacy Conference

Educators from Rainbow Schools will be among participants and presenters at the first Reading Rocks the North Literacy Conference being held on Friday, January 22, 2010 from 4 pm to 10 pm at Laurentian University’s School of Education. The conference will feature keynote speaker Avis Glaze on "Our Schools, Our Classrooms:  Teachers Make the Difference".

“We are delighted that a number of Rainbow teachers are sharing their expertise at this conference which is expected to attract 200 participants from across Northeastern Ontario,” said Director of Education Jean Hanson. “We are also pleased that many of our educators will be taking advantage of this wonderful professional learning opportunity as we continue to focus our efforts on reading and writing, essential skills for all learning.”  Participants will take part in three workshops and enjoy a display by16 book companies.

According to Conference Chair Jan Buley, the Reading Rocks the North Literacy Conference has a very clear mandate. “The conference will enable us to celebrate a strong literacy education presence in the City of Greater Sudbury and Northeastern Ontario,” said Buley. “We will also be sharing literacy initiatives with educators and promoting the wonderful literacy initiatives within local schools.”

Dr. Avis Glaze is known as an international leader in the field of education. As one of Canada’s outstanding educators, she has been recognized for her work in leadership development, student achievement, school and system improvement, character development and equity of outcomes for all students. As Ontario’s first Chief Student Achievement Officer and founding CEO of the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat, she played a pivotal role in improving student achievement in Ontario schools.

It is her strong belief that all children can learn with the proper supports and effective teaching. For her, poverty is not destiny. She is convinced that, as educators, we now know the strategies that are effective in improving student learning. Her primary focus in education is on building capacity to ensure that all students achieve, regardless of background factors or personal circumstances.

For more information about Avis Glaze and a list of workshop descriptions and presenter biographies, visit readingrocksthenorth.org.

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Media Contact:
Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 674-3171, ext. 7217.