"The Bear Necessities of Literacy: Helping Readers and Writers Succeed"
Join local PK–12 educators on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at the SUNY Potsdam Sheard Literacy Center for a powerful day of learning focused on literacy instruction.
We all work with students who struggle with reading and writing.
How can we provide instruction to best support our learners?
This research-informed professional development experience blends expert-led sessions with practical classroom strategies that educators can apply immediately in their work with students.
What You'll Experience
- Research-informed workshops
- Practical strategies across grade levels
- Tools to support readers and writers
- Networking with local educators
This event is free, but requires registration for head-count. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!
Register for the Literacy Conference
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Cary Boles at charlece@potsdam.edu.
Schedule (June 4, 2026)
Please check back for workshop details and information about the keynote address.
| Time | Events |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. | Arrival & Coffee (coffee, tea and pastries provided) |
| 9 - 9:45 a.m. | Keynote address |
| 10 - 10:50 a.m. | Workshop 1 |
| 11 - 11:50 a.m. | Workshop 2 |
| Noon - 1 p.m. | Lunch (provided) |
| 1 - 1:50 p.m. | Workshop 3 |
| 2 - 3 p.m. | Panel spotlighting local authors sponsored by NCRC |
Keynote Speaker
Jennifer Lynn Hoffman
"When Students Aren’t Progressing: How to Decide What Comes Next - Responding with Clarity and Confidence"
Jennifer Lynn Hoffman is the Founder and CEO of WNY Dyslexia Specialists. She has been the owner of the WNY literacy center since its inception in 2016. She has a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education with a reading emphasis and holds a NYS Teacher Certification in Elementary N-6 and Secondary 7-12 Social Studies.
Jennifer has been a Dyslexia Consultant and Reading Interventionist since 2015. Visit Jennifer's website to learn more.