Authors & Presenters

Daniel M. Argentar is a literacy coach and communication arts teacher at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. He works with instructors from all divisions to increase disciplinary literacy for students.

Brianna Bamber, EdD, is an assistant principal at a priority high school in Sacramento with more than 20 years of classroom experience. Her focus is on literacy instruction, best grading practices, feedback strategies, teacher clarity, and classroom culture.

James W. Cunningham, PhD, is professor emeritus of literacy studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has taught at the elementary and secondary levels and served as a consultant in 25 states.

Patricia M. Cunningham, PhD, is a professor of education at Wake Forest University. She has been an elementary school teacher, a reading specialist, and director of reading for a county school system.

Emily Feltner, EdD, has over 30 years of experience at all levels in education. She works with schools and districts in the areas of leadership, literacy, and school improvement.

Nancy Frey, PhD, is a professor of literacy in the Department of Educational Leadership at San Diego State University. She is also a teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College in San Diego.

Katherine Gillies is the lead architect of districtwide literacy improvement at Niles North High School in Illinois. Her work includes building a comprehensive system of intervention and support for struggling readers and developing a research-based curriculum to ensure continued literacy growth for all students. She is currently a doctoral candidate at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education in Nashville, Tennessee.

Peg Grafwallner is an instructional coach and reading specialist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with nearly 30 years of experience. She supports teachers, administrators, and districts in creating real and relatable content and educational approaches that offer meaningful purpose and relevance to all students.

Kelly Johnson, PhD, is a faculty member in teacher education at San Diego State University. She is also a classroom teacher at Health Sciences High and Middle College in San Diego.

Katie Stover Kelly, PhD, is an associate professor of education at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. A former elementary teacher and literacy coach, her research interests include teacher preparation and development in the areas of literacy instruction and assessment.