May 11, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Education's Department of Curriculum and Instruction will host the 2009 MidSouth Reading and Writing Institute 8 a.m.-4 p.m. June 19-20 at the UAB School of Education, 901 13th St. S.

The event will feature nationally renowned experts on literacy and reading instruction and more. Teachers and reading specialists will attend for information on the latest research in reading and writing instruction. 

Guest speakers include Isoke Titilaya Nia, founding director of All Write Literacy Consultants in Brooklyn, N.Y., and Professor Stephen Krashen, an expert in literacy and second language acquisition from the University of Southern California.

Writer Barry Lane will discuss how teachers can become empowered to help students become better writers. Other speakers include literacy consultant Bob Wortman from the University of Arizona and nationally renowned consultants Gail Boushey and Joan Moser, known as "The 2 Sisters," who developed the "Daily Five," a structure for fostering literacy independence in the elementary grades.

Award-winning artist, author and illustrator Neil Waldman also will speak at the event. Waldman is the author and illustrator of The Starry Night and Voyages: Reminiscences of Young Abe Lincoln

About UAB

The UAB School of Education offers programs in early childhood, elementary and high school education, as well as urban education, physical and health education, special education, counseling and educational leadership and foundations. The school also offers professional development courses for working teachers and school leaders. For more details, visit the Web site at www.uab.edu/education/home.