February 24, 2019
Margaret Blount Harvey Literacy Institute Held
East Carolina University’s College of Education hosted the Margaret Blount Harvey Literacy Institute with two concurrent sessions-one for pre-service teachers and one for district literacy leaders from across eastern North Carolina on February 2, 2019. The session for pre-service teachers included a review of the development and progression of literacy skills and instruction needed to be successful on the Foundations of Reading Test required for licensure in North Carolina. District literacy leaders discussed advocacy and the issues and challenges literacy leaders and teachers face. Dr. Lester Laminack, a leader in the field of literacy education, presented a session One Vision: Many Voices: Developing citizens who read deeply & broadly, who think critically write cogently, who listen with an open mind & speak effectively to district leaders. Dr. Laminack is Professor Emeritus at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina where he received two awards for excellence in teaching. Laminanck is now a full-time writer and consultant working with schools throughout the United States and abroad.
The Institute is made possible by the late Margaret and Felix Harvey, and their daughters Leigh McNairy and Sunny Burrows. Named for Ms. Margaret Blount Harvey, a native of Kinston and a former member of the State Board of Education, N.C. Education Research Council, N.C. School Improvement Panel and the Learning Disabilities Association of North Carolina, the Margaret Blount Harvey Literacy Institute promotes literacy leadership and advocacy through a series of on-going professional development seminars and events designed to support public school educators, higher education faculty, and East Carolina University (ECU) students.
Dr. Johna Faulconer, of the Department of Literacy Studies, English Education and History Education at ECU, said “Literacy transforms our lives and makes a difference in our communities. The Margaret Blount Harvey Institutes affect positive change in our region, and we are grateful for the generosity of the Harvey family.”
Literacy Leader Michelle Kennedy with Dr. Lester Laminack