475-822 Genre-Based Approach to Theme Interpretation Essays (Grades 4–8)
Description
Schedule:
- December 15, 2025: 9:00 am - 2:30 pm CT (in-person)
- February 11, 2026: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm CT (virtual)
Location: In-Person at CESA 2
Price: $275, lunch included
Content Questions: Ruslana Westerlund (ruslana.westerlund@cesa2.org)
Registration Questions: (events@cesa2.org)
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About this Event: This hands-on workshop helps teachers in grades 4-8 move students beyond “the moral of the story” toward writing essays that show deeper empathy and insight. Presenters will use texts representative of current Language Arts curriculum materials to ensure immediate classroom relevance.
Using genre pedagogy, the Teaching and Learning Cycle, and deconstruction of mentor texts, participants will explore explicit strategies for teaching the structure and language of a Theme Interpretation Essay. Through modeling and collaborative practice, teachers will learn how to scaffold from everyday talk to academic writing. Participants will leave with ready-to-use classroom strategies that build empathy, strengthen text evidence, and support authentic student voice in theme-based writing.
We also will meet one hour virtually as a group to collaboratively share progress, ideas and address questions on February 11th from 3:30-4:30pm.
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Our Presenters:
Ruslana Westerlund, Ed.D., is a Ukrainian-born educational consultant at CESA 2 specializing in using the WIDA Standards for equity through rigorous and culturally relevant teaching, providing access to disciplinary genres for all students, and designing equitable instructional practices for English Learners. She is driven by the vision to transform schools where all teachers are equipped with the knowledge to meet the needs of English Learners at both systems and classroom levels. Her unique area of expertise and research is writing in the disciplines through an apprenticeship pedagogy called the Teaching and Learning Cycle.
Kris Statz holds a Master of Science in Education, along with credentials as a Reading Teacher, Reading Specialist, and licensure in Cross-Categorical Special Education for students from kindergarten through age 21. She currently serves as an WiMLSS Coach and Literacy Consultant at CESA 2. Before joining CESA 2, Kris gained extensive experience as a special education teacher, instructional coach, and district reading specialist. In her literacy work, she is certified as a LETRS Local Facilitator, Keys to Beginning Reading Facilitator and Keys to Early Writing Facilitator. Kris is deeply committed to ensuring comprehensive access to education for all learners. Throughout her career, she has focused on empowering both students and educators by implementing and practicing evidence-based literacy strategies, and fostering opportunities for growth and success.
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