Literacy Speaking Engagement with Dr. Heather Blackwell

Speaking That Respects the Work of Educators

Dr. Blackwell's sessions as an educational speaker integrate research, storytelling, and practical examples with purposeful interaction, focusing on culturally sustainable pedagogy. Whether facilitating a webinar, presenting a conference session, joining a panel, or leading an extended professional learning experience in literacy education, she creates space for participants to think, connect, and apply. Her approach is grounded in the science of reading, ensuring it remains academically rigorous yet accessible, practical without oversimplifying the work.

Signature Topics

The Science of Reading and the Science of Learning

Understand these distinct yet related bodies of research, including culturally sustainable pedagogy and the science of reading, and explore how changes occur when educators, motivated by insights from educational speakers, use both to guide instruction and enhance literacy education through professional learning.

Adolescent Literacy Across the Disciplines

Explore the critical importance of literacy education in grades 4–12 and how vocabulary, morphology, knowledge, comprehension, and disciplinary language play a vital role in shaping access to content. Emphasizing culturally sustainable pedagogy can enhance these components, and educational speakers can help disseminate the principles derived from the science of reading to foster equitable learning environments.

Making Vocabulary Stick

Move beyond definitions and one-time exposure by connecting morphology, meaning, context, retrieval, and distributed practice within a framework of culturally sustainable pedagogy that enhances literacy education. As an educational speaker, emphasize the importance of integrating these elements in the science of reading.

Culturally Sustainable Pedagogy Through LILACS

Utilize the six pillars of the LILACS Framework to explore how evidence-based instruction can embody culturally sustainable pedagogy, while also being relational, reflective, and responsive, as emphasized by educational speakers in the field of literacy education and the science of reading.

From Codes to Consciousness

Explore how qualitative researchers can leverage digital tools, iterative coding, reflexive memoing, and triangulation to support rigorous inquiry rooted in culturally sustainable pedagogy, enhancing literacy education and reflecting the principles of the science of reading.

Preparing Teachers to Teach Reading With Purpose

Consider how teacher education can foster culturally sustainable pedagogy, develop explicit knowledge, enhance instructional judgment, and promote literacy education. This approach also emphasizes the ability to connect evidence from the science of reading with learners and their diverse contexts.

Formats

Conference keynotes and featured sessions will focus on culturally sustainable pedagogy and feature prominent educational speakers. Participate in interactive workshops and masterclasses designed to enhance literacy education and explore the science of reading. Engage in webinars and virtual professional learning that delve into these crucial topics. Attend panels, moderated conversations, and symposia that spotlight innovative approaches to teaching. Join leadership retreats and strategic learning sessions that emphasize the importance of effective educational practices. Don’t miss out on university and teacher-education presentations that incorporate best practices in culturally sustainable pedagogy.

About Dr. Blackwell

Heather Blackwell is a literacy scholar, college professor, educational speaker, and founder of Purposeful Literacy. Her research focuses on culturally sustainable pedagogy among Black teacher candidates during Science of Reading instruction. Her broader work bridges the gap between literacy education, the Science of Learning, culturally sustainable practice, teacher development, and the implementation challenges that schools and education organizations face.

Heather has shared her insights on these important topics through national conferences, university symposia, professional webinars, and educator learning experiences. She is recognized for her ability to simplify complex ideas while respecting the knowledge, identity, and experiences that participants contribute to discussions.