Annual Literacy Symposium Held

The Staten Island Reading Association, in cooperation with The School of Education on St. John’s University’s Staten Island campus, held its Annual Literacy Symposium on October 20, 2016. The Staten Island Reading Association is a nonprofit organization chartered by the International Reading Association and a local council of the New York State Reading Association. The purpose of this organization is to encourage growth of literacy educators and to advocate for the literacy needs of all within our community.

During this event, approximately 200 attendees and a dozen publishers and authors gathered for an afternoon of professional development concerning multiple literacies, interdisciplinary connections, and community resources. A variety of workshops were offered to students, teachers, administrators, and parents. One panel focused on the edTPA and how it helped inform many people during their first year of teaching. This panel was especially important to St. John’s Education majors who take the edTPA during their last year. Other workshops focused on children’s literature, the learning needs of special education students, and literacy and social studies connections.

"It was an energizing event," said Regina M. Mistretta, Ed.D. Professor and Associate Dean in The School of Education. “Diverse perspectives and talents were shared in a collaborative learning environment.”

The event also included St. John’s alumni who have recently graduated and entered the world of teaching and literacy. Diane Matteo is a St. John’s alumna and President of the Staten Island Reading Association. “The Literacy Symposium helped to provide an opportunity for teachers, both in-service and pre-service, to connect with and learn from other educators, gather new resources, and build upon their professional knowledge of literacy education,” she said.

The symposium highlighted the success of St. John’s students in the field of education and also encouraged current students who are interested in following the same path. Students enjoyed meeting with various publishers and authors as it helped them learn more about their field of interest.