Higher Education Symposium

Improving Educator Preparation Programs: Preparing Future Teachers to Support Students with Dyslexia
October 1, 2025, from 12:00-4:30 pm CST
Louisiana Association of Business & Industry (LABI) 
500 Main St, Baton Rouge, LA
Overview
This interactive half-day symposium is designed for higher education faculty and educator preparation program (EPP) leaders who prepare pre-service teachers.
While dyslexia is often discussed in the context of early grades, middle and high school teachers in all content areas play a critical role in ensuring students with dyslexia can access rigorous coursework.

At this pre-summit event, you’ll gain practical strategies, collaborate with peers, and leave with actionable steps to strengthen your programs.
 
You’ll Learn How To:
  • Recognize how dyslexia presents beyond the early grades lens
  • Equip pre-service teachers with practical support strategies
  • Integrate accommodations, modifications, and disciplinary literacy into coursework
  • Audit and enhance your own courses and program requirements
  • Build a network of peers committed to improving EPPs
Make sure to bring your syllabi or program outlines — you’ll apply what you learn immediately.
 

Who Should Attend:
  • Higher Education Faculty
  • EPP Coordinators & Leaders
  • Curriculum Designers for Teacher Preparation Programs
 


Meet Your Facilitators: Dr. Tim Odegard, Dr. Amy Elleman & Dr. Megan Gierka

Dr. Tim Odegard
Tim Odegard is a nationally recognized leader in literacy and dyslexia. He holds the Katherine Davis Murfree Chair of Excellence in Dyslexic Studies at Middle Tennessee State University, where he has led major undergraduate and graduate program improvements to strengthen literacy and dyslexia preparation. Dr. Odegard was the lead author of an online course module on the science of reading and dyslexia, adopted by universities and departments of education nationally, and served on the Educator Training Initiatives Committee of the International Dyslexia Association, providing oversight for the accreditation of university programs. 


Dr. Amy Elleman
Amy Elleman is a former public educator and a national expert in reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and disciplinary literacy. She is the Director of the Ph.D. in Literacy Studies program and former Chair of the Department of Elementary and Special Education at Middle Tennessee State University. Dr. Elleman has served as a CAEP accreditation site reviewer and has led programmatic redesigns to strengthen literacy training within educator preparation programs, including coursework aligned to accreditation standards and evidence-based practice. 


Dr. Megan Gierka
Megan Gierka is a nationally recognized literacy specialist with deep experience in classroom instruction and systems-level implementation. She has worked across public and private schools, including with students with dyslexia, and now partners with state agencies, universities, and national organizations to scale structured literacy implementation. Dr. Gierka’s work helps institutions align teacher preparation with policy, practice, and the needs of students with dyslexia to ensure that future educators are prepared to support all learners, including in content areas. 
 

Reserve Your Seat Today!
Space is limited — register early!