Brooklyn Reading Council Conference a Huge Success

The Brooklyn Reading Council held its 25th Annual Professional Conference on Friday, February 4th in the MAC Rotunda, and by all accounts it was a huge success. "It was well-organized, informative, and I enjoyed seeing the generations of teachers I will join once I graduate," said Doreen Brittingham, Co-Vice-President of the ECE Club. "I am particularly interested in the topic of struggling readers, since I was one as a child, and the workshop I attended on that issue was great." When asked if the all-day conference (which cost $15 for students) was worth both the time and expense, Ms. Brittingham replied with an enthusiastic, "Yes, yes, yes! I made connections with future peers, and I would definitely go again."

The conference drew a variety of educators from many different types of settings throughout the five boroughs. Public school teachers, day care teachers, reading specialists, college professors, school principals and parent coordinators were all in attendance. Many college students also participated, and KCC students were joined by student teachers from Brooklyn College, St. Joseph's College, and others. There were a variety of vendors displaying children's books, teaching materials, and other professional resources. The conference program contained dozens of workshops to choose from, and upon arrival each participant received a free canvas bag filled with goodies: posters for the classroom, a children's book, a calendar, literacy resources, and writing materials.

There were many opportunities to make connections with other early childhood and elementary school professionals, and there was much lively conversation during the delicious free breakfast and lunch. Our own table included KCC faculty and students, staff from the KCC Child Development Center, and teachers from various parts of Brooklyn.

The keynote address was given by Laura Kotch, Executive Director of Curriculum and Professional Development at the NYC Dept. of Education. A passionate speaker and advocate for early literacy, Ms. Kotch told her rapt audience, "All kids should have the opportunity to fall in love with books, regardless of where they live." Ms. Kotch told many wonderful anecdotes from her own teaching and parenting, and shared her belief that "reading is one of life's greatest pleasures." She believes that "literacy is a key to open the door and touch the lives of the children we teach," and she challenged each of us to "create children who treasure books as much as we do." Ms. Kotch is sensitive to the needs and struggles of today's teachers, but encouraged us "not to get bogged down in paperwork" and to "fight the good fight." Her passion for literacy is readily apparent, as when she described what a classroom library should look like: "It's not just two bookshelves...it's so much more than that. If done well, a classroom library will make your heart skip a beat." Ms. Kotch finished her speech to a well-deserved round of applause, and the conference was off to a terrific start.

If you were unable to attend with us this year, we hope that we will see you next February for the Brooklyn Reading Council Conference! If you want to learn more about teaching reading and developing early literacy, please visit the New York State Reading Association website at www.nysreading.org.