Authors & Presenters

Barbara Phillips is an educational presenter and researcher from upstate New York with over 20 years of experience in public education. She specializes in effective instruction and leveraging teacher strengths to maximize student achievement and learning.

Jennifer McCarty Plucker, EdD, is the director of learning and development and a literacy consultant at Mackin Educational Resources in Burnsville, Minnesota. Her current work with educators is grounded in an inquiry approach that puts students in the driver’s seat for learning.

Woodsen E. Plummer is a K–12 English language arts coordinator at DeKalb County School District in Georgia. Woodsen specializes in supporting implementation of literacy best practices, as well as leadership development to support the cultivation of school culture.

Dr. Melisha Y. Plummer is assistant principal at an urban high school in the Atlanta Public School District. With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Plummer brings a wealth of knowledge about practical ways schools can infuse and ensure that literacy is embedded in the fabric of urban education.

Kristine E. Pytash, PhD, is assistant professor of teaching, learning, and curriculum studies at Kent State University and codirector of the secondary Integrated Language Arts Teacher Preparation Program.

Lorraine Radice, PhD, is an educator, author, and presenter. She is currently an assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in New York and teaches courses in childhood education and literacy at Hofstra University.

Timothy V. Rasinski, PhD, is a professor of literacy education at Kent State University. He focuses on reading fluency and word study, reading in the elementary and middle grades, and readers who struggle.

Amy Rasmussen is a literacy evangelist, presenter, and blogger. She specializes in supporting teachers as they embrace literacy practices that help secondary students grow in their identities as communicators.

Carol Rothenberg has worked with elementary and secondary schools through the New Arrival Center for the San Diego Unified School District, training teachers and administrators on effective programs and instruction for English learners.

Jan Rozzelle, EdD, has developed leadership programs for superintendents, principals, and teachers. She’s also provided professional development to several school districts and directs a statewide adolescent literacy project for instructional leadership teams.