From Sharon: National Conference on Family Literacy sparks excitement

As I think about our conference this year, there are so many exciting things. I can’t help but marvel at how different the conference is from the first one we had at the Friday Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. in 1991. For that conference, my main concern was having enough space for attendees and managing to keep most things on schedule.

Today, our family literacy conference is an endeavor supported by 50+ people, and each year builds upon the momentum of the last. What a way we’ve all come in family literacy!

Here are the things I’m most looking forward to at this year’s conference — now just a few days away:

  • Receiving inspiration from national notables such as award-winning author and journalist Anna Quindlen and also CBS national correspondent Byron Pitts participating in General Sessions
  • Gleaning the wisdom and insights from the National Early Literacy Panel members, who will be with us to share their insights and help build momentum for leveraging the NELP report to inform literacy practices for young children
  • Learning from new partners that can add momentum to family literacy, such as Sesame Street, the National League of Cities, American Library Association and so many more
  • Awarding the 2008 Toyota Teacher of the Year and the 2nd Annual Tech Savvy Awards
  • Visiting with so many new and old friends who are all dedicated to helping families reach their dreams through family literacy

What are you most looking forward to related to the conference? The speakers…  socializing…  maybe the great banquet food? I can’t wait to hear from you!

Here’s to another great conference!

— Sharon Darling