The World Literacy Summit is a world-renowned literacy program offers a diverse lineup literacy topics for speakers of all levels, with flexible schedules.
Free walking tour conducted by own.
Social drinks/networking on the local pub (TBD)
Secretary of State for Education
United Kingdom
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Irene Tracey CBE, FRS, FMedSci
University of Oxford
Dr Molly Ness
Literacy Advocate
Director of EAA Foundation's Innovation Development
Education Above All
Qatar
National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education Nigeria
Henry Warren Co-founder of TOTS
Michael Crawford
Lead Education Specialist, GEDDR
The World Bank
Dr. Sonali Nag
Professor of Psychology and Education
University of Oxford
(By Invitation)
LUNCH
Josh Clark
Landmark Schools USA
United States
United Kingdom
Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson
Founder & Presenter
Major Jason Gould
Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
Jonathan Douglas
Chief Executive Officer
National Literacy Trust (UK)
KPMG (UK)
Discussant - TBD
Mark Vineis
Chief Executive Officer
ProLiteracy Worldwide (USA)
Denine Torr
Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility & Philanthropy
Dollar General (USA)
Dr. Jörg F. Maas | Stiftung Lesen
Diane Gerald, CEO of Booktrust UK
Valentina Stoeva (CEO of the Bulgarian Reading Foundation)
Clare Woodcraft
Cambridge University Press & Assessment
Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri
Minister of Education, UAE
Amira Kazem
World Bank
Dr Salim M Al Malik
Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization al, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO)
FORMAL DINNER, Musical/Cultural Performance, Balliol Chapel
Shawna-Kaye Tucker, University of Toronto | Canada
Prof. Dr. Elinor Saiegh-Haddad Bar-Ilan University | Israel
Tanya Matthews, McGill University | Canada
Malak Abdelghaffar, University of Glasgow | United Kingdom
Keynote
(Governor's Early Literacy Foundation James Pond | President)
Panel Discussion
Reducing Early Literacy Failure by half in English schools: Learning From the Fischer Family Foundation Apex Project’
Eliza Hilton, FFT Education
Mike Fischer, Fischer Family Trust
Kathy Rastle, Professor Royal Holloway, University of London
Louise Parkinson, Educator FFT APEX Project Manager
Panel Discussion Two
How Neuroscience can advance Literacy Education (Brainscience, MIT, Oxford University, Stanford University, University of Connecticut)
Rebecca Chandler Leege, Worldreader CEO
Jennifer Orr, Eyeworlds | United States
Pamela Beach, Presenter.
Holly Ogden, Co-Presenter.
Queen's University, Canada
Claire Galea, United Way | Australia
Spencer Russel Lovevery United States
Tzipi Horowitz-Kraus, Kennedy Krieger Institute and Technion Israel Institute of Technology | Israel/United States
This Lit in Colour panel will explore the latest research published by the education focused social impact campaign from Penguin in September 2024 that is titled ‘The effect of studying a text by a author of colour – The Lit in Colour Pioneers Pilot’. Commissioned by Pearson and Penguin in collaboration with the Department of Education at the University of Oxford and the Runnymede Trust, this research proves the positive outcomes for students when systemic barriers of Time, Money, Teacher Confidence and Subject Knowledge are removed, and they are given access to study texts by authors of colour. The Lit in Colour Pioneers Pilot research is unique in the UK and is an important contribution to knowledge on this topic as it builds the case for meaningfully including texts by authors of colour in the study of English Literature. Join panellists as they present and discuss the context of the pilot activity, key research findings, reflections from a teacher and year 11 student from a Lit in Colour Pioneer school, and what this research could mean for the future of English Literature teaching and learning.
Alex Chu, ED of Reach Out & Read Northeast
Dr. Shabnam Lainwala, Director of Neonatal Follow-up Clinic, Connecticut Children’s
Dr. Lindsey C. Burghardt, Chief Science Officer at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
Dr. Richard L. Wintermute, Chief Medical Officer at Southwest Community Health Center
Greig Metzger, Little Free Library
Heather RC Wooldridge, Associate Director of The Education Foundation of BCPS
Mary Gordon, Founder/President
Julie Lundberg, Director of Curriculum
Konstantina Derveni, Charles University | Czech Republic
Kelly Asbury, Learning Through Art Cincinnati | United States
KS Literacy Consulting United States
Tamara Jacod, Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie | Canada
Alexandra Gottardo and Eileen Wood, Wilfrid Laurier University | Canada
Thato Letsomo, STREET CHILD UK | Botswana
Samantha Sokoya Book Aid International United Kingdom
Keynote
(Governor's Early Literacy Foundation James Pond | President)
Panel Discussion
Reducing Early Literacy Failure by half in English schools: Learning From the Fischer Family Foundation Apex Project’
Eliza Hilton, FFT Education
Mike Fischer, Fischer Family Trust
Kathy Rastle, Professor Royal Holloway, University of London
Louise Parkinson, Educator FFT APEX Project Manager
Panel Discussion Two
How Neuroscience can advance Literacy Education (Brainscience, MIT, Oxford University, Stanford University, University of Connecticut)
Caitlin Baron
CEO
The Luminos Fund
United States
Faiza Manzoor
Beyond Literacy
|
USA
Ann Jose
School Transformation Lead
Mantra4Change
India
Ruba Samain
Deputy Director of Research and Programs
Queen Rania Foundation
Jordan
Panel Discussion
1MillionTeachers Panel Discussion
Mark Vineis
Chief Executive Officer
ProLiteracy Worldwide (USA)
Priyanka Sharma
Director
World Education
Adult literacy services have tremendous potential to transform lives and unlock the power of lifelong learning, yet they currently reach only a fraction of those who could benefit. This session celebrates innovative approaches that are breaking down traditional barriers—such as lack of awareness, transportation challenges, work schedules, and limited program capacity—to create more equitable access to education at every stage of life. Together, we will explore how expanding distance learning can connect learners virtually, how partnerships with libraries can extend outreach to diverse communities, and how engaging employers can support frontline worker education through courses in foundational literacy, high school equivalency, and digital skills. We'll also highlight creative solutions to address tel Discussionhe evolving volunteer landscape, such as mobilizing college students, AmeriCorps members, and learning circles to enhance impact. Join this inspiring panel of adult literacy and education leaders as they share practical strategies to unleash the transformative power of lifelong learning, meeting learners where they are and empowering them to thrive on their own terms.
Ambreen Ahmad
Metro Toronto Movement for Literacy
Canada
Professor Jack Beetson
Literacy for Life Foundation |
Brooke Boney
Australia
The Yao literacy program for women in Malawi.
Federal University of Santa Catarina Brazil
BRIC Pakistan
Queen's University, Canada and Indian Institute of Technology.
Louisiana State University Shreveport Department of Education United States
The Garzón School Uruguay
Scots College, Wellington New Zealand
Keynote
(Governor's Early Literacy Foundation James Pond | President)
Panel Discussion
Reducing Early Literacy Failure by half in English schools: Learning From the Fischer Family Foundation Apex Project’
Eliza Hilton, FFT Education
Mike Fischer, Fischer Family Trust
Kathy Rastle, Professor Royal Holloway, University of London
Louise Parkinson, Educator FFT APEX Project Manager
Panel Discussion Two
How Neuroscience can advance Literacy Education (Brainscience, MIT, Oxford University, Stanford University, University of Connecticut)
Maketank Inc. United States
The Ruth Sembrano Foundation United States
Calm and Mindful LLC United States
Imani Productions, LLC United States
DEVI Sansthan India
Wikmedia Serbia Serbia
Room To Read & Queen Rania Foundation Panel Discussion School Libraries - Exploring Efforts Towards Scale and Sustainability. QRF and Room to Read would aim to discuss both successes and challenges as well as remaining questions and aspirations.
mc2h Foundation Panel Discussion
Moderator: Tara Wondraczek
Prof. Kwame Ayeampong
Open University
Panel Discussion
In our rapidly evolving digital landscape, we must bridge the gap between classical education and artificial intelligence while preserving Greece's rich cultural heritage. Our presentation explores how collective intelligence can revolutionize Greek education through innovative teacher training programs and hybrid curricula. Attendees will discover practical strategies for integrating AI-enhanced learning while maintaining traditional values. This transformation isn't just about technology—it's about creating a new educational paradigm where human creativity and machine capabilities work in harmony to prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow
Maria Phillipi
Doukas Schools
PhD Candidate, Ionian University of Greece
Greece
Andriana Maria Korasidi
Postdoctoral Researcher (NKUA)
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)
Greece
Chih-Hsin Hsu, Arkansas Tech University | United States
Dani Hedlund
Brink Literacy Project
United States
Geetha Shantha Ram, Dyslexia Association of Singapore, English Language and Literacy | Singapore
Roger Cuartielles Saura,
Aleix Martí-Danés,
Pompeu Fabra University
Spain
Katharine Covino-Poutasse, Fitchburg State | USA
Pati Ruiz, Digital Promise | USA
Matt Thomas, University of Central Missouri | USA
Keynote
(Governor's Early Literacy Foundation James Pond | President)
Panel Discussion
Reducing Early Literacy Failure by half in English schools: Learning From the Fischer Family Foundation Apex Project’
Eliza Hilton, FFT Education
Mike Fischer, Fischer Family Trust
Kathy Rastle, Professor Royal Holloway, University of London
Louise Parkinson, Educator FFT APEX Project Manager
Panel Discussion Two
How Neuroscience can advance Literacy Education (Brainscience, MIT, Oxford University, Stanford University, University of Connecticut)
Credentials Unlimited United States
Sunbooks Nigeria
Paula Lucie-Smith
Tejumade Hendrickson
Adult Literacy Tutors Association (ALTA)
Trinidad and Tobago
All Aboard Learning Ltd United Kingdom
“Edutainment” is not just for children. Podcasts offer a unique blend of entertainment and learning for adults. As hosts of the wildly popular podcast, The Literacy View, we take up-to-date research and bring it to life in a fun and friendly format for educators and parents.
Snapplify Foundation South Africa
Global Book Alliance IREX
Moderator - Megan Schleicher GBA/USAID
Panelist - Sergio Ramirez-Mena GBA/IREX/ACR-GCD
Panelist - Laura Conrad -USAID
Panelist - Sakil Malik - GBA/GCFIL
Oanh Crouch, Director of Education at Globeducate
Dr Helen Hendry, Senior Lecturer & co-director of the Centre for Literacy and Social Justice at The Open University
Katie Bareham, CEO Doorstep Library
Portia Dery, Doctoral Researcher The Open University
Alison King, School Librarian, Kings Monkton School, Cardiff
Panel Discussion
Shawntelle Morgan, i-Teach Transformative Knowledge Solutions Ltd. | Barbados
Alexandra Lee, Learn Platform by Instructure | United States
Angela Dantonio Barton Dyslexia Tutor Unites States
Tamara Cella, Georgian Court University | United States
Achieving equity in literacy instruction is a global challenge. In this session, two former principals share their journey of fostering inclusive school environments through evidence-based structured literacy programs. Attendees will gain practical insights into implementing early literacy programs that empower all students to become proficient readers—highlighting literacy as an essential tool for promoting social justice and equity. Co-presented by Siobhan Dennis and Lena Kim, Wilson Language Training, United States
Kari Kurto, The Reading League | United States
Dr Selena Fisk Pty Ltd Australia
Lena Kim Wilson Language Training United States
University of North Carolina United States
Keynote
(Governor's Early Literacy Foundation James Pond | President)
Panel Discussion
Reducing Early Literacy Failure by half in English schools: Learning From the Fischer Family Foundation Apex Project’
Eliza Hilton, FFT Education
Mike Fischer, Fischer Family Trust
Kathy Rastle, Professor Royal Holloway, University of London
Louise Parkinson, Educator FFT APEX Project Manager
Panel Discussion Two
How Neuroscience can advance Literacy Education (Brainscience, MIT, Oxford University, Stanford University, University of Connecticut)
Tanya Grambower, Literacy for Boys | Australia
Victoria Beach
RedEarth Village Schools
Uganda
Renee Coastes-Smith, Imani Productions, LLC | United States
Ben Bowen, Indigenous Literacy Foundation | Australia
Lena Kim, Wilson Language Training | United States
Sarah Eggleton, The Story Project | United Kingdom
Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion
Book Buddies By Ashezi Initiativ Nigeria
Rhode Island College United States
SIL Int United States
Reading Power Gear, ltd. Canada
Importance of actively teaching vocabulary to students during their adolescent years to support their language growth and academic achievements.
DSL Encantoland Argentina
Start2Finish Canada
The Story Project United Kingdom
War Child Alliance Uganda
Keynote
(Governor's Early Literacy Foundation James Pond | President)
Panel Discussion
Reducing Early Literacy Failure by half in English schools: Learning From the Fischer Family Foundation Apex Project’
Eliza Hilton, FFT Education
Mike Fischer, Fischer Family Trust
Kathy Rastle, Professor Royal Holloway, University of London
Louise Parkinson, Educator FFT APEX Project Manager
Panel Discussion Two
How Neuroscience can advance Literacy Education (Brainscience, MIT, Oxford University, Stanford University, University of Connecticut)
Douglas Fisher, San Diego State University | United States
Lotta-Sofia La Rosa, Finnish National Agency for Education | Finland
Literacy skills and the habit of reading are mutually reinforcing in the development of readers. Drawing from experience across a global portfolio of 24 countries, this presentation will describe a holistic approach to literacy development which includes nurturing children’s love of reading. We will also share results from applying Room to Read’s habit of reading measurement tool.
Saint Mary's College of California
University of Florida, College of Education United States
Eleanor Neff
Lecturers in the Literacy Development Centre
SETU, Ireland
Kris Nystrom
Executive Director
Reading the World, Inc.
Ivy Haoyin Hsieh
National Taipei University of Education/National Dong Hwa University
Taiwan
Natalie King-Shaw, Harvard Medical School Division of Medical Sciences | United States
Shawna-Kaye Tucker, University of Toronto | Canada
Chad Waldron, Central Michigan University | United States
Marion Waldman, Beth Bevars Teach My Kid To Read | United States
James Bloom Libraries for Literacy South Africa
Clinica de Psicopedagogia Brazil
Pamela Matamoros
Eduktiva
Honduras
Christopher Page Page by Page United States
Keynote
(Governor's Early Literacy Foundation James Pond | President)
Panel Discussion
Reducing Early Literacy Failure by half in English schools: Learning From the Fischer Family Foundation Apex Project’
Eliza Hilton, FFT Education
Mike Fischer, Fischer Family Trust
Kathy Rastle, Professor Royal Holloway, University of London
Louise Parkinson, Educator FFT APEX Project Manager
Panel Discussion Two
How Neuroscience can advance Literacy Education (Brainscience, MIT, Oxford University, Stanford University, University of Connecticut)
Vickie Johnston
Florida Gulf Coast University
United States
Lane Clarke
University of New England
United States
Jessica Sack
Yale University Art Gallery
Lisa Ryan
United States
Allie Bruce
Boston University, Wheelock College of Education
United States
Olivia Modesto
Patricia Rodriguez
Erika Hernandez
Texas A&M University-Kingsville
United States
Rajesh Kumar
University of Delhi
India
Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion
Judy Paredes
NABU
United States
Yvonne Pratt-Johnson
Bonnie Johnson
St. John's University
United States
Kirk Person
SIL Global
Thailand
Gavin Mccormack
Upschool.co
Australia
Myrna Rosado Rasmussen, Ed.D
CEO National Multilingual Services
United States
Martha E. Garza, Ed.D
Region One ESC
United States
Ifeoluwa Abimbola, Theirworld organization Global Youth Ambassador | Nigeria
Stefanie Hohl, ABC See, Hear, Do, Founder | United States
TaVshea Smith, North Carolina Central University | United States
Theresa Garcia, Texas A&M Central Texas | Untied States
Debby Spitzer, Debby Spitzer Consultants | Untied States
The University of Adelaide Australia
University of Education Heidelberg Germany
Utopia, Education, Equity and Development Uganda
Miriam P. Trehearne Literacy Consulting Inc Canada
Institute for Preschool Learning Germany
IRead For Life Cayman Islands
As an author of children’s picture books I have seen first-hand the power of access to storytelling in children. I will talk about my journey to understanding that books, imagination and storytelling are a wonderful way to escape day to day life, and have a huge benefit to mental health. I want to highlight the importance of children’s access to books and emphasise the importance of the work that everyone at the World Literacy Summit is doing. United Kingdom
Nimh Bushnell Curriculum Associates Ireland
Hello Computer & Sunbooks United States
UN SDG Book Club African Chapter Nigeria
Education for Villages and Disadvantaged People Initiative Nigeria
Sharon Runge Kenya Connect Kenya
Midlands State University Zimbabwe
Creative Minds Publications, LLC United States
University System of Georgia United States
Hunan Institute of Science and Technology China
Miami Country Day School United States
St Augustine's College - Sydney Australia"
Educational Initiatives India
Discovery Foundation Nigeria
Minha Khan, Associate and PhD Student
Ekaterina Cooper, Educator and Researcher
Global Schools Forum
United Kingdom
Aaron Kirunda Enjuba Uganda
Maria La Selva Department Of Education Australia
Abigail Williamson Edge Hill University United Kingdom
Mario Manhães Mosso CEFET-RJ Federal Center for Technological Education of Rio de Janeiro Brazil
Victoria Beach MBE RedEarth Village Schools Uganda
Ramona Miza SC NOMINA GROUP EXPERT Romania
Irma Assemian Ebenezer France
Andrew Person International Leadership of Texas, Department of Leadership United States
Priscilla "Dr. P" Kucer Priscilla Kucer Consulting Solutions LLC® United States
Ashley Murphy Chester County Intermediate Unit United States
Debra E.S. Bogle Academy of the Arts & University of Southern California United States
Chin Idirisu
CEO
Cameroon Education Foundation
Kim Cook
Amber Paz
Book Depot
Matthew Jaekel
St. Andrew's College - Financial Literacy Lead
Canada
Valerie Williams-Sanchez
Valorena Publishing
United States
Edel Ní GhráinneI
Literacy Development Centre, South Eastern Technological University, Waterford
Ireland
Letti Romero Grimaldo
Shannon Giroir
University of Texas at Austin
United States
Cat Davison
EduSpots
Uganda
Gunay Rasulova
You Will Speak
Azerbaijan
Mitchelle Chao
Chao and Friends Foundation
Kenya
Delegates and presenters are required to reserve and settle their own travel and accommodation reservations. At the following link, you’ll find a list of accommodation options and discount coupons for hotels near the event: https://worldliteracysummit.org/about/#hotel.
The World Literacy Summit is an Initiative of the World Literacy Foundation, a global nonprofit organisation that works to ensure every young individual regardless of geographic location has the opportunity to acquire literacy and reading skills to reach their full potential, succeed at school and beyond.
Know more about The World Literacy Foundation at www.worldliteracyfoundation.org
225 – 46 Eversholt Street
London NW1 1DA
United Kingdom