The Center for Literacy & Learning

Customized Professional Learning Services for Schools, School Districts and Individual Teachers

Plain Talk Pre-Conference Day

Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning®

Pre-Conference Day

March 7, 2023

9:00 am to 3:00 pm CST

This page is updated frequently.

Register now!

The Center for Literacy & Learning is excited to bring you the 2023 Plain Talk Pre-Conference Day. The first-ever pre-conference day will give you a glimpse into the 3-day Plain Talk event. Plain Talk About Literacy & Learning® is heralded as the nation’s premier literacy Institute. Plain Talk gained its reputation because of its clear focus on providing evidence-based reading research and strategies for those who teach at all ages and grade levels.

What are the Topics?

  • Early Childhood –  Rachel Giannini, Emmy O’Dwyer, and Lucy Hart Paulson
  • New to the Science of Reading – Linda Farrell, Carolyn Strom, and Iantha Ussin
  • Parent & Family Engagement – DeJunne’ Clark Jackson and Family Engagement Lab, with one more speaker announcing soon!

Registration Fee

ONLY $199

Early Childhood stimulus funding can be used to cover the costs of the conference. Plain Talk can be counted as an allowable expenditure through the Professional Development allocation.

Note: Full payment must be made prior to the start of the event. 

Who Should Attend?

  • Early Childcare Directors/Teachers/Aides
  • Education Majors
  • Family members of a child who struggles with reading
  • Educators who are new to The Science of Reading
  • University Deans and Educators

Why is it impactful to attend? 

Early Childhood: Early Childhood Educators are essential to the developmental foundation of our youngest learners. Empowering these teachers, classroom support personnel, and leaders through the implementation of evidence-based instruction allows them to boldly adopt practices that are best for all students. The Plain Talk Pre-Conference 1-day offers an affordable option to access the robust and highly-regarded learning experience found in our full 3-day conference.

New to the Science of Reading: Teacher prep candidates are in the best position to enter their new classrooms when they know how to effectively teach reading to students. Learning about research and best practices around reading and writing can empower education majors to adopt and implement evidence-based instruction strategies that yield results in any school or classroom. Come learn from an impressive selection of experts on evidence-based teaching and writing instruction! The Plain Talk Pre-Conference 1-day offers an affordable option to access the robust and highly-regarded learning experience found in our full 3-day conference.

Parent & Family Engagement: Parents and families are a child’s first teachers and lay the developmental foundation of our youngest learners. Empowering families with the information necessary to become active participants in their child’s learning will help families understand and practice simple but powerful ways to support learning and development outside the classroom. The Plain Talk Pre-Conference 1-day offers an affordable option to access the robust and highly-regarded learning experience found in our full 3-day conference.

Presenters

Linda Farrell

Rachel Giannini

DeJunne’ Clark Jackson

Emmy O’Dwyer

Lucy Hart Paulson

Carolyn Strom

Iantha Ussin

Family Engagement Lab

Presenter Bios, Session Descriptions, and Conference Schedule

Hotel Accommodations

All Institute sessions will be held at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.

The Hilton New Orleans Riverside

Two Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130

  • $223 per night plus tax and fees. A government rate of $158 per night plus tax and fees are available to those that qualify. Taxes and fees are currently 16.2% and a $3.00 occupancy fee per night for single/double occupancy.
  • If you or your group qualify for the government rate, select “I have an access code” from the drop-down menu and enter PTAGOV0323681.
  • The room block is only available on Monday night. Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday nights are sold out.
  • Check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM.
  • Complimentary in-room basic internet for attendees that reserve a room in the block.
  • Complimentary health club use for all attendees registered in the hotel (excludes classes and court fees).
  • Overnight parking in the Hilton’s self-parking garage is discounted to $20 per night (plus tax) for guests staying in the Hilton. Valet parking is available for approximately $50 per night plus tax.
  • A daily parking rate of $10 per day in the Hilton’s self-parking garage is available for those who drive in each day. This rate is valid if you arrive after 6:00 AM and leave before 6:00 PM.
Book your room at the Hilton
Renaissance New Orleans Arts Warehouse District Hotel

700 Tchoupitoulas St. New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 613-2330

  • Located in the beautiful, historic Warehouse District which is a short walk to the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.
  • $223 per night plus tax and fees for single/double occupancy. Taxes and fees are currently 16.2% and $3.00 occupancy fee per night.
  • Each additional person beyond double occupancy is $25 per person plus applicable taxes.
  • Click HERE to reserve or copy and paste this link into your browser: https://book.passkey.com/event/50440019/owner/12587/landing
  • The room block is available through Wednesday, February 1, 2023.
  • Complimentary Deluxe WiFi in guest rooms.
  • Valet Parking: $39 overnight
BOOK your room at the Renaissance
Omni Hotels & Resorts Riverfront New Orleans

Omni Hotels & Resorts Riverfront New Orleans

  • Located directly across the street from the Hilton New Orleans Riverside
  • $223 per night plus tax and fees. Taxes and fees are currently 16.2% and a $3.00 occupancy fee per night for single/double occupancy.
  • The room block is available through Friday, February 5, 2023.
  • Complimentary Deluxe WiFi in guest rooms.
  • Overnight valet parking at the Omni is discounted to $30 per night (plus tax) for guests staying in the Omni.
BOOK your room at the Omni
The Loews Hotel

300 Poydras St. New Orleans, LA 70130 1-866-211-6411

Group name: The Center for Literacy & Learning

  • Located 1 block from the Hilton New Orleans Riverside
  • $223 per night plus tax and fees. Taxes and fees are currently 16.2% and $3.00 occupancy fee per night for single/double occupancy.
  • Click HERE to reserve
  • The room block is available through 5:00 pm on Monday, February 6, 2023.
  • Complimentary basic WiFi in guestrooms.
  • Valet Parking: $49 overnight
Reserve your Room at the Loews Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton New Orleans

300 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 581-1300

  • 5 minute walk to the Hilton New Orleans Riverside
  • $223 per night plus tax and fees. Taxes and fees are currently 16.2% and $3.00 occupancy fee per night for single/double occupancy.
  • Click HERE to reserve or copy and paste this link in your browser https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/msytcdt-cll-055c63de-4d9e-477f-ae58-f498c2fe1617/ 
  • The room block is available through Monday, February 6, 2023.
  • Complimentary basic WiFi in guestrooms.
  • Valet Parking: $45 valet, $30 self-parking
Reserve your Room at the DoubleTree