Over 1,000 READ 180 and System 44 educators, teachers, and administrators gathered in Nashville, Tennessee for four days of intensive professional development and the opportunity to share best practices and successes from their READ 180 and System 44 implementations. Over 275 attendees arrived early to the Institute to attend Pre-Institute Workshops, which offered additional professional development opportunities.

"This was a great conference for our team to attend," reported one attendee. "We all left with next steps that will enhance the READ 180 implementation in our district. It was the best learning experience of my life."

New and returning attendees joined READ 180 authors Ted S. Hasselbring, Ed.D., Kate Kinsella, Ed.D., and Kevin Feldman, Ed.D., as well as educational leaders and authors Dr. Willard (Bill) Daggett, Julie Washington, Ph.D., Sharon Draper, and Sara Holbrook, amongst others, in over 50 differentiated professional development workshops.

"I learned something I could take back to my classroom in each session I attended," noted one educator. "Having presenters who still work with children was very valuable. So many times, the conference presenters have not been in a classroom for years and don’t know what it’s like anymore! This was not the case at the READ 180 National Summer Institute."

In addition to sessions led by key Institute presenters, attendees had many opportunities to collaborate with their peers. One attendee said, "Networking with other educators and the professional discussions that took place were amongst the most valuable parts of this year’s Institute." Attendees, eager to return to their classrooms, were able to share best practices with one another through presenter-led collaborative activities, team-building exercises, and unique networking opportunities throughout the Institute.

Best Practices Spotlights, led by current READ 180 and System 44 educators, featured workshops with Sweetwater Union High School District in Chula Vista, CA; Bethlehem Area School District in Bethlehem, PA;
and Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District in Houston, TX, who outlined different ways they have successfully met the diverse challenges of raising reading achievement.

Each morning 2009 READ 180 All-Stars, teacher-nominated students who have overcome their reading challenges to succeed in school, were recognized for their hard work, perseverance, and accomplishments, reminding attendees of the many ways they inspire teaching and learning every day.

The Institute concluded with the presentation of the 2009 READ 180 Outstanding Educator Award created to recognize the exceptional commitment of READ 180 educators who bring reading to life, truly turning students lives around. This year, Nancie Brennan of Edison Middle School in Green Bay, Wisconsin, was honored for her dedication as a READ 180 classroom teacher and district READ 180 coordinator. Joined at the institute by her husband and three young children, Nancie delivered a powerful acceptance speech where she shared her award through the recognition of the hard work and dedication of her fellow attendees:

"READ 180 has given my middle school students not only the skills they need to be successful, but also the insight into their abilities rather than their disabilities," Nancie has said, "This is what READ 180 is all about."

The 2009 READ 180 National Summer Institute was an immense success that we are looking forward to continuing in 2010! Thank you to those who joined us and for your continued dedication to your students and your own professional development.