Join us on Thursday, November 13 at the Hylton Performing Arts Center for a dynamic day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. At Newselaverse LIVE, educators and leaders will explore innovative practices through hands-on model lessons, engage in thoughtful discussions on AI and instructional strategy, and connect with peers during a teacher-led Best Practices Fair.
This in-person event will feature a keynote address by Keys to Literacy founder and author Joan Sedita, as well as special sessions led by Newsela co-founder Dan Cogan-Drew with opportunities to win prizes, enjoy lunch together, and meet members of the Newsela team.
Open to teachers, school administrators, and district leaders — space is limited, so reserve your spot today!
9:00 am – 9:45 am - Official Welcome & Keynote: The Writing Rope in Action
Keynote Address: Weaving Together Reading and Writing: A Practical Guide to the Writing Rope
An insightful keynote introducing the Writing Rope framework, which organizes the essential skills (transcription, craft, text structure, syntax, critical thinking) woven into skilled writing. We will explore the "Not-So-Simple View of Writing" and the role of scaffolds in supporting executive function challenges. The session highlights the crucial link between reading and writing, showing how instruction in one bolsters the other. We'll dive into practical, evidence-based strategies for the Critical Thinking strand (writing to learn) and the Text Structure strand (organizing informational, narrative, and argumentative texts).
10:00 am – 10:50 am - Literacy Lab: Live Model Lessons & Classroom Insights
See the Writing Rope framework come to life. Observe experienced practitioners lead focused, short model lessons that demonstrate effective, integrated reading and writing strategies in action that you can replicate immediately.
11:00 am – 11:50 am - Choose Your Path: Leadership Strategy or Classroom Application
Leadership Track: A dedicated session for administrators focusing on large-scale implementation, PD planning, and creating cohesive, K-12 vertical alignment for literacy.
Practice Track: A deep-dive for teachers into differentiation strategies and quick-prep resources for immediate use in your classroom on Monday.
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm - Networking Lunch & Grand Prize Raffle
Recharge and connect with peers and the Newsela team. Enjoy a catered lunch and enter to win fun prizes!
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm - Best Practices Showcase: Connect & Collaborate
An interactive session where educators share their most successful, high-impact reading and writing activities, tools, and routines in a collaborative fair setting. Bring your favorite idea to share, and leave with ten new ones!
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm - Optional Deep Dive & Direct Consultation
Drop in for personalized Q&A with our Newsela team or stay to discuss specific challenges and implementation questions one-on-one. This is your chance to get tailored advice!
Dan Cogan-Drew is Co-Founder and Chief Academic Officer at Newsela where he leads the delivery of learning insights that power improvements in student outcomes by Newsela's products and services. He began his education career in Teach for America and went on to teach in public and private schools, as well as in the US Navy. He holds degrees from Wesleyan University, Brown University, and Tufts University.
An accomplished educator and literacy expert, Joan Sedita has dedicated her career to improving literacy instruction for students and teachers alike. With a Master's in Reading Education from Harvard University, she brings decades of experience as a teacher, administrator, and literacy consultant.
A pioneer in the field, Joan began her career at the esteemed Landmark School, where she developed foundational reading and writing intervention programs. She later became a national trainer for the LETRS program (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) and founded Keys to Literacy in 2007.
Joan is the creative force behind The Writing Rope framework and the lead author of numerous professional development programs and books, including The Writing Rope: A Framework for Explicit Writing Instruction in All Subjects. She continues to mentor educators, consult with districts, and shape literacy practices across the country.