Literacy Conference

Cupola atop a building on the Molloy University campus

Back to the Basics of Literacy: Engaging and Equitable Practices to Bring Joy and Excitement Back into Learning, PreK-20

Join us at this dynamic Literacy Conference where educators, administrators, leaders, teacher candidates, higher education faculty, and parents/guardians come together to explore, share, and collaborate on the critical role literacy plays in shaping the future of our students and communities from P-20 and beyond. Let’s press RESET, show up, and tune in to the basic practices that work to meet the literacy needs of our diverse 21st-century learners.

Save the Date

October 17, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Molloy University (in-person)

Register Now


CTLE credits awarded. 

$35 registration fee will go toward a college scholarship fund.

Molloy students attend for free; $10 fee for Non-Molloy students.

Breakfast and lunch are included.

Featuring

  • Keynote :

Erik Sweet, NYSED

Executive Director of Early Learning 

  • Panelists: 

Amy Benjamin, Tim Castanza, Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld, Michelle Peterson-Davis, Erik Sweet

  • Two Workshop Sessions
  • Poster Session
  • Topics: 
    • The Science of Reading  (Phonics, Phonological Awareness Fluency, Comprehension, Vocabulary, Oral Language)
    • Writing
    • Speaking and Listening
    • Cultural and Linguistic Diversity 
    • Other 

Schedule

7:00 am-8:00 am: Registration/Breakfast

8:00 am-8:20 am: Introductions & Awards

8:20 am-8:40 am: Keynote--Erik Sweet, Executive Director, Office of Early Learning

8:40 am-9:30 am: Panel Discussion--Research-Based, High-Impact Literacy Practices (Reading & Writing)

  1. Dyslexia/Language-Based Challenges (P-20): Tim Castanza, Principal of the Bridge Preparatory Charter School in Staten Island
  2. Science of Reading (P-12): Michelle Peterson-Davis, Director of English, Uniondale School District
  3. ELLs/MLLs: Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld (P-20), Molloy TESOL Faculty
  4. Disciplinary Literacy (7-12): Amy Benjamin, Consultant
  5. NYSED Policies/Guidelines: Erik Sweet, Executive Director, Office of Early Learning

9:30 am-9:45 am: Break

9:45 am-10:35 am: Session 1 (10 workshops) (Kellenberg and Wilbur Buildings)

10:35 am-10:45 am: Break

10:45 am-11:15 am: Poster Session (Lobby of Public Square)

11:15 am-11:25 am: Break

11:25 am-12:15 pm: Session 2 (10 workshops) (Kellenberg and Wilbur Buildings)

12:15 pm-12:45 pm: Session 3: Lunch and Learn (Networking Session with Panelists and Book Authors) (Larini Room in Public Square and Cameron Plaza)

12:45 pm-1 pm: Concluding Remarks/Raffle (Larini Room in Public Square)

Contact for More Information

Dr. Vicky Giouroukakis

Director of Graduate and Postgraduate Education Programs
School of Education and Human Services