Dr. Towanda Harris
Pathways to Student Agency: Student Centered Experiences in Literacy
March 5 & 6, 2026
8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Atlanta, GA
Pathways to Student Agency: Student Centered Experiences in Literacy
In today’s classrooms, educators are inundated with an overwhelming number of resources—from outdated materials passed down through generations to the latest programs endorsed by districts. How can we ensure these resources align with our students’ needs, promote access, and ultimately drive their learning?
This event will be held at CASIE’s office in Atlanta, GA.
This two-day session will provide practical, actionable strategies for evaluating resources that center students’ experiences and perspectives, focusing on increasing achievement in literacy and strengthening students’ confidence and agency. We’ll discuss how to weave varied perspectives and students’ lived experiences into your daily instruction. The goal is to create an environment where resources don’t dictate the learning experience but support and empower it.
Throughout these two days, we will:
- Identify key strategies for selecting resources that align with both student needs and instructional goals, with a focus on promoting literacy development, honoring the perspective and experiences of every learner, and strengthening students’ confidence in their abilities.
- Explore how to use resources to create accessible learning spaces that welcome multiple perspectives and experiences, ensuring all students have access to the tools they need for success.
- Discuss how to assess whether a resource is truly working for your students and how to adjust your approach to ensure maximum impact on literacy achievement, student confidence, and agency.
- Learn how to leverage one of the most valuable resources available—your colleagues—to ensure the tools you’re using are effective and meaningful.
By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with a clear path for making informed decisions about the resources that
will best serve your students. Rather than passively using a “one-size-fits-all” curriculum, you’ll be equipped to actively choose tools and practices that place your students at the center of their learning journey, driving increased literacy achievement, strengthening their confidence, and fostering a sense of agency in their educational experience.
Dr. Towanda Harris
Dr. Towanda Harris brings over twenty years of experience to the education world. Towanda is the author of The Right Tools: A Guide to Selecting, Evaluating, and Implementing Classroom Resources and Practices. She is passionate about empowering educators to support young minds, build strong relationships, and create spaces for students to be their authentic selves freely and joyfully. Educators around the country rely on her wisdom about finding resources that meet their teaching goals, connect with students, and foster agency. As an Assistant Professor, she uses her experience in education to help teacher candidates create lessons that blend best practices and skills to help all students reach their full potential. Dr. Harris’ workshops have been featured at the Virginia State Literacy Association Conference, Wisconsin State Reading Association Conference, National Reading Recovery Conference, Indiana State Reading Conference, and National Council of Teachers of English. Teachers turn to her to learn how to employ those resources, blend them with best practices, and help all students reach their full potential.
In addition, Dr. Harris’ passion for elevating teachers’ voices through her podcast, “My Two Cents,” provides a space for a community of educators to share their personal stories. Towanda is active in the education community and serves as a board member of Elevate Atlanta, a member of The Educator Collaborative, and a 2023-2024 Georgia Education Policy Fellow. Dr. Harris sees great value in engaging in meaningful dialogue that challenges education and centers students with educational professionals. She believes that once educators stop learning, it’s time to stop teaching.
OUR ADDRESS
2635 Century Parkway NE
Suite 125
Atlanta, GA
30345
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:
Other amenities include:
- Complimentary shuttle service within 3 miles of the hotel.
- The shuttle will also pick up and drop off at the Brookhaven MARTA station (public transportation) which connects directly with the Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport on the “Gold Line” as well as many local restaurants.
- Complimentary WiFi in guestrooms.
- 24/7 access to fitness center with upgrade Peloton Bikes + Fitness on Demand
- Access to outdoor pool, cabana, & firepit
AIR TRAVEL
If you have not visited Atlanta before, our airport, Hartsfield-Jackson International, is the world’s busiest! There are multiple terminals connected by a very efficient train. The airport is very large and spread out so you must allow enough time, once you get there, to deal with your luggage, make your way through security screening, get to your terminal on the passenger train, and then still reach your gate at the terminal.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
Please be aware that Atlanta is largely not a pedestrian-friendly city. Most areas of town are not easily accessible by public transportation or on foot. We strongly recommend renting a car while visiting us.
If you have a car and plan to drive to our office, there is an open parking lot with 100+ free spaces at your disposal. This lot is regularly patrolled by security.
CASIE has negotiated a discounted car rental rate with Enterprise Rent-A-Car/National Car Rental. To obtain this discount, click HERE and use group code XZ03314 when making your reservation.
Our public transportation system, MARTA, does run buses by our office campus but does not have in-town metro stops nearby.
Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are plentiful and well-priced for travel all over Metro Atlanta.
Limited Spots!
Register today to secure your seat.
