529-803 From Talk to Text: A Writing and Language Collaborative
Description
Schedule:
- October 29, 2026: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm CT
- December 17, 2026: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm CT
- February 25, 2027: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm CT
Location: In-Person at CESA 2
Price: $745, lunch included
Content Questions: Nicole Aldworth (nicole.aldworth@cesa2.org)
Registration Questions: events@cesa2.org
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About this Event: This three-session collaborative supports educators in strengthening writing, discussion, and disciplinary learning for all students through purposeful language practices. Participants will explore how structured classroom talk and meaningful writing opportunities help students develop academic language, express complex ideas, and engage deeply with content across disciplines. Educators who participated in the L3IFT Institute will find opportunities to extend and apply that learning, while those new to the concepts will gain practical strategies for integrating language, discussion, and writing into daily instruction. Through classroom examples, collaborative dialogue, and reflection, participants will design writing routines that connect reading, discussion, and writing across content areas while ensuring rigorous learning is accessible to every learner.
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Our Presenters:
Nicole Aldworth is the Statewide Early Literacy Coordinator for the Early Learning Technical Assistance and Implementation Grant. She is also an Early Learning Consultant at CESA 2. She has over 20 years of experience working with young children and their families as well as supporting educators to increase their capacity and instructional practices. Nicole spent most of her career teaching Early Childhood Special Education, 4K, and 5K. She holds degrees in the field of early childhood education and special education.
Kris Statz holds a Master of Science in Education and is licensed as a Reading Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Cross-Categorical Special Educator for students from kindergarten through age 21. She has worked as a special education teacher, instructional coach, and district reading specialist, supporting curriculum, instruction, assessment, and intervention across grade levels with a strong focus on equity and ensuring success for all students. She currently partners with districts as a WiMLSS Coach and Literacy Consultant at CESA 2, supporting systems-level coherence and multi-level supports to improve outcomes for all learners.
Fran Veguilla is a transformational leader, committed to equitable practices that help eliminate barriers for our more marginalized students and their families, so that they can fulfill their true potential. Fran has over 15 years of experience as a classroom teacher, bilingual/EL teacher, mentor, instructional coach, PLC facilitator, and advocate for change. Fran holds a Master’s degree in Bilingual Education from Rockford University and an Educational Leadership degree from Edgewood College. She is a collaborative leader who envisions schools and programs where diversity, inclusivism, and culture are seen, valued and celebrated.
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