October 30, 2019
MBH Literacy Institute focuses on diversifying bookshelves
Participants listen to presentations at the 2019 Margaret Blount Harvey Literacy Institute.
East Carolina University’s College of Education recently hosted the 2019 Margaret Blount Harvey Literacy Institute for literacy leaders and educators at the Holiday Inn in Greenville, N.C. The group was welcomed by Dr. Kristin Gehsmann, chair of the Department of Literacy Studies, English Education and History Education.
Dr. Caitlin Ryan and Dr. Jill Hermann-Wilmarth delivered the presentation focusing on the theme, Diversifying Your BookShelf. Participants were engaged and excited as they explored a wide range of diverse books.
Following this event, the Margaret Blount Harvey Literacy Institute also hosted a review session for ECU students preparing for the Foundations of Reading Test, one of the required tests that make up the certification process to become a teacher in the state of North Carolina. The exam measures a candidates’ knowledge and understanding of how to effectively teach and promote literacy in their students.
Students attend a Foundations of Reading Test review session hosted by the Margaret Blount Harvey Literacy Institute.
Dr. Mikkaka Overstreet, an assistant professor in the College of Education, noted, “The Margaret Blount Harvey Literacy Institute does so much for North Carolina educators at various points in their careers. This fall, practicing teachers got an incredible selection of books along with expert guidance on using those books to offer mirrors and windows to all of their students. Beginning teachers are getting support from literacy professors to pass their teaching exams. The Margaret Blount Harvey Literacy Institute embodies ECU’s mission of serving our community.”
The Margaret Blount Harvey Literacy Institute is made possible through the generosity of the late Margaret and Felix Harvey and their daughters, Sunny Burrows and Leigh McNairy.