Daniel Willingham

Daniel Willingham is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia, where he has taught since 1992. Until about 2000, his research focused solely on the brain basis of learning and memory. Today, all of his research concerns the application of cognitive psychology to K-16 education. He is the author of several books, including the best-selling Why Don't Students Like School?, and most recently, Outsmart Your Brain. His writing on education has appeared in twenty-three languages. In 2017 he was appointed by President Obama to serve as a Member of the National Board for Education Sciences.

Kristen McQuillan

Dr. McQuillan is the Chief Program Officer at StandardsWork where she leads the organization's boutique consulting practice, and serves as a facilitator on school tours for the Knowledge Matters Campaign. Recognized for her expertise in literacy improvement, evidence-based practices, and professional development, Kristen has helped schools and systems in over 20 states successfully navigate instructional transitions. She began her career in Baltimore City Schools, serving as a teacher, instructional coach, and district administrator. She later worked as a Faculty Associate at Johns Hopkins University and as Partner at The New Teacher Project. Kristen holds degrees from Michigan State University, Johns Hopkins University, and Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College.

Sonia Cabell

Sonia Cabell, Ph.D., is an associate professor of Reading Education in the School of Teacher Education and the Florida Center for Reading Research at Florida State University. Before receiving her Ph.D. at the University of Virginia, she worked as a second grade teacher and literacy coach in Oklahoma and Virginia. Dr. Cabell’s research focuses on early language and literacy instruction, with a particular interest in preventing reading difficulties in young children. She has authored over 70 publications, including peer-reviewed articles, books, book chapters, and early childhood language and literacy curricula. She is the lead editor of the Handbook on the Science of Early Literacy from Guilford Press, and she co-authored Literacy Learning for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers: Key Practices for Educators from the National Association for the Education of Young Children and Strive-for-Five Conversations from Scholastic. Dr. Cabell has served as Principal Investigator or co-Principal Investigator on federally funded research projects totaling approximately $10 million dollars. She has been an advisor or consultant for a variety of organizations and state departments of education in the U.S.

Melissa Orkin

 Melissa Orkin is a Developmental Psychologist who specializes in literacy, learning disabilities, and achievement motivation. Dr. Orkin trained in the assessment and remediation of reading and learning disabilities with Dr. Maryanne Wolf, at the Tufts’ University Center for Reading and Language Research where she received her doctorate and served as a Program Director. She has worked as a reading teacher in the classroom, and in clinical settings. Dr. Orkin instructs on learning disabilities at Tufts University and has also lectured on reading disabilities at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Dr. Orkin is currently the co-director of Crafting Minds, an educational consulting and resource development group based in New England. Melissa contributes to publications on a variety of educational topics including literacy development and executive function skills, and her first book, The Structured Literacy Playbook is being published by Penguin Random House this fall.

1. Meet and hear from Daniel Willingham, Kristen McQuillan, Sonia Cabell, and Melissa Orkin.

1. Mingle with other district leaders from Illinois and the surrounding areas.

1. Enjoy delicious food with colleagues.

Space is limited at this free event. RVSP today.