Carlow University’s College of Education and Social Work Presents:

Empowering Educators to Support Every Learner

A conference on dyslexia and literacy

Support every learner in reaching their full potential. Come together with fellow educators to explore structured literacy strategies and deepen your approach to dyslexia support. Offering tools and real-world strategies to address dyslexia in the classroom and beyond, this conference reflects Carlow’s commitment to preparing educators who lead with empathy and believe in the transformative impact of teaching with compassion.

Featuring Keynote Speakers: 

Deon Butler 

• From Field to Fluency: An NFL Athlete’s Story of Overcoming Dyslexia. Deon Butler, former NFL player for the Detroit Lions, will share his personal journey with dyslexia from struggling to read, leaving the NFL, and finding his voice as an advocate.  Deon is the author of The Gift & Curse: One Man’s Journey with Dyslexia.  All participants will receive a copy of his book.

Dr. Amanda McCaleb 

• Too often, the burden of dyslexia is placed solely on the shoulders of the student. But what if it’s our systems that are truly at risk? In this keynote, Dr. Amanda McCaleb invites educators to rethink what it really means to support students with dyslexia and those at risk for it. Blending the latest research with lived experience from classrooms, coaching, and leadership, she challenges us to look beyond programs and labels—and examine how systems, not students, often determine outcomes. Dr. McCaleb shares what it takes to create schools where equitable access to literacy isn’t just a hope—it’s the standard.You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how every educator can be a literacy advocate—and how lasting change begins when we confront the uncomfortable truth: we’ve seen the gaps, we’ve seen the students falling through them, and the systems aren’t changing fast enough.
• Dr. Amanda McCaleb is a national literacy leader, systems builder, and passionate dyslexia advocate with over 15 years of experience in K–12 education, higher ed, and large-scale educator development. Her work centers on bridging research and practice—helping educators transform reading instruction through the science of reading and sustained support that drives real change. Amanda contributes strategic insight and leadership to national initiatives, helping build and refine coaching and professional development models that scale with both quality and impact. She also teaches graduate-level courses on dyslexia and assessment as an adjunct professor at Carlow University.A former special educator, district literacy interventionist specialist, and special education process coordinator, Amanda brings a 360° view of student needs and instructional systems. She’s a published researcher and national speaker, with work featured by the Rockefeller Institute of Government and in literacy journals. Known for her high standards, big heart, and quick wit, Amanda is committed to empowering educators and making systems work better for kids.

Special Panel Discussion – Supporting Students with Dyslexia in School: Moderated by Pam Kastner

Additional Breakout Sessions:

• Spelling Analysis
• Structured Literacy for ESL
• Maximizing the Literacy Block: Five Guiding Principles from Research
• Assessment and Testing for Dyslexia
• MTSS/Literacy in Secondary
• Sound Walls and Multi-Sensory Strategies
• Effective Practices with Tiered Groups
• Developmental Language Disorders
• Collaborative Classroom: Writing Instruction
• Assistive Technology
• Devoted to Transformational Learning and Teaching

PLUS: a Special Pre-Conference, Wednesday October 29th

• 12- 4 p.m. Pre-Conference Workshop Session
  Unpacking Evidence-Aligned Writing Instruction: How to integrate writing to support reading comprehension across all disciplines
  Val Piccini, Instructor, directs Carlow University’s International Dyslexia Association accredited Reading Specialist program. She holds a Master of Education degree in Reading with Disabilities from Wilmington University and is completing her doctorate degree in literacy leadership at Carlow University. Her role at Carlow prepares professional reading educators to become competent practitioners and agents for equitable literacy: ensuring every learner achieves full literacy through systematic and explicit teaching of reading, writing and spelling. Additionally, Val is a National LETRS Professional Learning Facilitator for Lexia Learning. Val trains thousands of teachers each year across the United States in translating the body of research known as the Science of Reading. She is a strong advocate for teachers having access and knowledge to implement evidence-based curricula and assessments, and she provides ongoing support for schools in using these tools in the classroom.