Scheduled for April 21, the event will feature a keynote by Kenneth Kunz, Ed.D., Board President for the International Literacy Association.

Centenary University’s School of Education and Humanities will proudly host a literacy conference for educators entitled, Spring into Joyful Literacy Instruction: Research-based best practices to invigorate your literacy instruction and enhance student motivation. The event will be held on Thursday, April 21, from 8:30 am to 3 pm in the University’s David and Carol Lackland Center. Prior events have had approximately 150 registrants, so early registration by March 30 is recommended.

Sponsored by the Centenary University Master of Education in Literacy Instruction Program, this year’s keynote address will feature Dr. Kenneth Kunz, president of the International Literacy Association (ILA). Dr. Kunz will address how the sciences of reading/research align with joyful literacy instruction. Through his experiences as a literacy coach and International Literacy Association leader, Dr. Kunz will share tips for prioritizing joy while balancing the demands of a comprehensive literacy program. 

According to the International Literacy Association (2023), the mission of the organization is to “connect research and practice to improve the quality of literacy learning across the globe in ways that are respectful, responsive, and ethical. We advocate for equitable access to literacies among individuals of all ages and diverse communities as a basic human right and a matter of social justice.” Director of Centenary University’s Master of Education in Literacy Instruction Program Dr. Lexis McCoy adds, “This conference focuses on topics that are at the heart of many conversations in education at the moment. I am proud Centenary University can offer experiences like this where educators can come together to gain knowledge and enhance their practice based on contemporary research from internationally distinguished organizations. That is the purpose of our School of Education and Humanities, and it is a fine example of what Centenary offers to the Skylands Region.”

Centenary University’s School of Education and Humanities is a leader in bachelor’s degree programs in teacher preparation, as well as studies in English, History, and Mathematics. The graduate education programs feature master’s and doctoral level degrees.  The University’s Master of Education in Literacy Instruction Program is recognized by the International Literacy Association, not only for its commitment in supporting the ILA’s Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals but also for ensuring that it offers the highest quality teacher preparation and ongoing professional development. Centenary University’s master’s degree program enables graduate students to meet state requirements for their New Jersey Reading Specialist Certification while completing a master’s degree. Candidates have the choice to pair a master’s degree with a supervisor licensure or ESL certification.

Registration for the literacy conference is $99, which includes lunch. The event is open to all K-12 educators, support staff, administrators, coaches, and curriculum directors from public and private schools. Register at https://centu.org/literacy-pr23. Questions can be directed to: Lexis.McCoy@CentenaryUniversity.edu

About Centenary University
Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township.