Film Viewing + Panel Discussion

"The Right to Read"

About the Film

Kareem Weaver's personal documentary film, "The Right to Read" was released earlier this year to widespread acclaim. Weaver, an Oakland, CA, NAACP activist, calls the right to read “the greatest civil rights issue of our time.” The core message of the film is that structured literacy is crucial to bring all students, including our most disadvantaged, to literacy proficiency.

Event Details

Where: This is a FREE online event

When: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 from 4-6pm CST

Schedule:

4-5:15pm: "Right to Read" film viewing. We will open the webinar at 4pm CST and provide a link and password to view the film. For the best viewing experience, each attendee will view the film on their own device. The webinar will remain open for those who wish to submit questions for the panel or chat with other attendees in "real time." The film is 70 minutes.

5:15-6pm: Panel Discussion. We will convene our panel online and discuss the film, including some audience submitted questions.

Special Notes: Each regsitered attendee will be given a link and password to the film that expires in 72 hours (film available May 17-May 19). The panel discussion will be recorded and archived to the HELP website for viewing later. Bethel University will provide Continuing Education Credits. CEUs will be granted only to those who watch the live film + webinar.

Panelists

Abbey Payeur, Ph.D.

Adjunct Professor, Bethel University

Dr. Payeur will moderate our panel. She is passionate about literacy and ensuring our preservice teachers are prepared to teach all students to read and write. The literacy courses she teaches integrate the Science of Reading and important research from the fields of Education, Cognitive Science, and Educational Psychology. Dr. Payeur is a member of the Higher Education Literacy Partnership.

Lisa Silmser, Ed.D.

Adjunct Professor and Program Director for MA in Ed K-12, Bethel University; Literacy Specialist, Monroe Elementary School (Anoka-Hennepin ISD #11)

Dr. Silmser provides a unique perspective on teacher preparation and classroom instruction because of her work in both higher education and the K-12 classroom. Dr. Silmser is a member of the Higher Education Literacy Partnership.

Carrie Pfeiffer, Ed.D.

Professor of Education and Special Education at Bethany Lutheran College

As director of the Bethany Lutheran Literacy Clinic, Dr. Pfeifer collaborates with area districts and private schools throughout the state and nation on best practices in literacy instruction and assessment. Dr. Pfeifer is a member of the Higher Education Literacy Partnership.

Amy Oliver

Principal, Monroe Elementary (Anoka-Hennepin ISD #11)

As principal of Monroe Elementary School in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Ms. Oliver leads a team of educators who are committed to meeting the needs of their diverse student population. Ms. Oliver is a fierce advocate for equity and literacy and is outspoken about the connection between the two.

Sidney McClain

Second Grade Teacher, Monroe Elementary (Anoka-Hennepin ISD, #11)

Mr. McClain is in his second year of teaching and is successfully implementing Bridge2Read instructional materials as part of his reading block. He is also a fellow with Black Men Teach, which supports recruiting, preparing and placing Black male teachers in elementary schools.

Rachel Moeller

K-12 Literacy Coordinator/Talent Coordinator, Mankato Public Schools

Rachel has been in education for 23 years with experience teaching in both elementary and middle school. Rachel has served schools in a variety of other roles, including: Reading Interventionist, Talent Development Reading & Math Coach, and School Improvement Consultant.

Angela Mansfield

Assistant Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Education

As Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Educational Opportunity at the Minnesota Department of Education, Ms. Mansfield oversees the divisions of School and Educator Support; Career and College Success; Student Access and Opportunity; Data Practices and Analytics; and COMPASS, the statewide model of continuous improvement. Ms. Mansfield believes leadership sets the tone for student belonging and achievement, and that strong, culturally responsive leadership will guide educators to effective, research-based instruction and assessment practices across all content areas.