2012 Conference Recap + Session Handouts!

The 2012 might have been our best conference yet! Record attendance, inspiring keynotes, resourceful exhibitors, interesting session choices, a beautiful location and of course, wonderful attendees.

Some top moments included Mawi…everything, adult learners reading their essays from the 2012 Essay book, State Literacy Awards Winners and watching part of Sarah Entine’s film, Read Me Differently.

We also had a lovely photographer, Ashleigh Marie, who took several wonderful photos of the event. They’ll be uploaded to our Flickr account very soon, but in the mean time, check out this sneak peek on our facebook!

There were several great presentations! Here are handouts from a few who have already sent me them. This list will be updated as more presenters email me their handouts. So if you presented at this past conference, share  your wealth of information with other literacy enthusiasts!

PBS-So much more than Sesame Street!
Gail Taylor, WEDU
PBS Fact Sheet
PBS KIDS Online Anytime
American Graduate
PBS Teacher Resources – Florida PBS Learning Media

Social Media: Marketing Made Easy
Annie Schmidt, Florida Literacy Coalition
Social Media Handout
Social Media Presentation

Literacy Awards Banquet, have you bought your ticket?

The Florida Literacy Awards Banquet is on Thursday, May 10 from 6:30-8:30. It is our opportunity to highlight the many accomplishments in literacy over the past year. Awards will be given to adult learners, literacy practitioners, literacy programs, volunteers, and business partners. Dr. Gary Mormino from University of South Florida will be the keynote speaker.

It promises to be a very exciting and inspiring evening.

For more information or to register for the event, please contact Jordan Colern (intern@floridaliteracy.org)

Interactive Workshops at the 2012 Florida Literacy Conference

In addition to the Career Pathways and Program Administration sneak peek, I’m here to give you yet ANOTHER one on the most fun of all.. the hands-on workshops! Hands-on workshops get you out of your seat and get your brain juices flowing. You’re able to experience and practice what you plan on implementing. You’ll even have the opportunity to get to know your fellow Conference participants in the process (and it can’t hurt to network). We are offering Hands On workshops in all different program areas; ESOL, ABE, Corrections, Technology, Program Administration, GED, and more. No matter what your interest is, we will provide life into your workshops.

Sneak Peek at Wednesday’s Sessions

• Transition to Work, Education and Daily Life from the Classroom or Corrections
• Ventures ESOL and Technology
• Yes, You Can! Enhancing Student Tech Skills and Goal Setting Using Web 2.0 Tools
• Nonprofit Boards: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

Sneak Peek at Thursday’s Sessions

• Bringing up Taboo Topics in the ESOL/GED Classroom
• When Words Count: Fostering Story Writing in Adult Learners

Sneak Peek at Friday’s Sessions

• Applying a Health Literacy Lens to Learning Materials
• Recruitment and Retention
• Prime time is Family Time
• Strategic reading instruction to improve comprehension of struggling readers

Why you should stay at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront, site for the 2012 FLC Conference

Welcome to the St. Petersburg Hilton Bayfront! Steps from our front door your attendees will enjoy a vibrant pedestrian friendly waterfront district.

Enjoy sailing and fishing charters, dolphin tours, and amazing local dining and night life. No cars needed, you can walk, use the local trolley with a stop in front of the hotel or our hotel shuttle. For the second year in row American Style Magazine has named St.Petersburg the TOP Arts Destination City in the Country. This is the tenth year we have been recognized for our vibrant arts community and many of our offerings are located just steps from the hotel in including the New Salvador Dali Museum and the Dale Chilhuly Collection.

Every guest room & suite offers spectacular views or partial views of Tampa Bay, The Sunshine Skyway Bridge or Downtown St. Petersburg and The St. Petersburg Sailboat Harbor. Our Hilton Honors Lounge located on the 15th floor has panoramic views and the perfect spot forVIP’s to be located.

Our spacious and elegant lobby with marble and crystal accents leads to 333 over sized guestrooms which feature the Hilton Serenity Bed Collection, Crabtree & Evelyn Amenities, an mp3 player dock and wireless internet availability. 28 Alcove Suites and 3 Parlor Suites. Our newly remodeled Executive Lounge on the 15th Floor features panoramic views of the Tampa Bay and offers complimentary continental breakfast and happy hour events for VIP guests. The hotel boasts over 30,000 square feet of unobstructed meeting space located on one floor with state-of the-art meeting room furniture

Our award winning Tangerine restaurant, offers upscale dining in a trendy atmosphere. On-Site Starbucks offers complimentary wireless internet access. New remodeled upscale Lobby Bar with backdrop that ties in the new Dali Museum.

Complimentary wireless Internet Access in public Foyers Spa Olimpia at the Hilton pampers our guests with massages, body treatments, facials, manicures and hair styling.BusinessCenteris open 24-hours and can meet many of your administrative needs when away from the office. Stay active in our heated pool, oversized Jacuzzi and full-service Fitness Center.

This is the location for the 2012 Florida Literacy Coalition Conference. For more information about registration or presenting at conference, please check out our website.