SXU to host Harvest Literacy Conference on Oct. 14

NIU Professor Emeritus Jerry Johns, Ph.D., to give keynote address

Chicago (Sept. 30, 2009) Saint Xavier University’s School of Education will host the 2009 Harvest Literacy Conference, a daylong event for teachers, professionals and parents who play an important role promoting literacy, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at the Orland Park campus, 18230 Orland Parkway.

Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus Jerry Johns, Ph.D., will give the keynote address “Fluency: Reader Types and Targeted Interventions.” Additional speakers will focus on literacy topics with practical suggestions for the classroom teacher, including: Response to Intervention, Repeated interactive reading to promote comprehension and vocabulary, Gifted and talented readers, Vocabulary strategies, Reading and writing connection, Using notes to enhance understanding, Metacognitive thinking, Technology and literacy, and Differentiation.

Johns, a distinguished teaching Professor Emeritus at Northern Illinois University, has authored, edited or co-authored more than 350 books, chapters, research studies, student materials and journal articles, including the Basic Reading Inventory. He is former president of the International Reading Association, Illinois Reading Council and the College Reading Association. He received the outstanding Teacher Educator in Reading Award presented by the International Reading Association, the Champion for Children Award presented by the HOSTS Corporation and the Laureate Award from the College Reading Association for life-long contributions to the field of reading.

A selection of Johns’ books will be available for purchase at the conference. Local children’s author Esther Hershenhorn will be available during lunch for book signings.

The conference is open to the public. Registration costs $125 and includes continental breakfast, lunch and instruction/workshop materials. Seats are limited and there will be no on-site registration the day of the conference. Registration must be received by Friday, Oct. 9. Register online and visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: harvest or call (708) 802-6200 for more information.

-SXU-

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Jay Foot
Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or foot@sxu.edu