TCU Early Literacy Institute Powered by PNC
Literacy Starts Together!
June 2, 2026
8:15 a.m - 2:45 p.m.
Dee J. Kelly Alumni Center
2820 Stadium Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76129
This summer, the College of Education will present the inaugural TCU Early Literacy Institute Powered By PNC. This free institute will enhance teacher's Pre-K teaching with powerful early literacy tools that support school readiness, social-emotional development, and strong family partnerships. The one-day professional development workshop will feature a keynote address from Dr. Gloria Ladson Billing and presentations by TCU College of Education faculty members, free literacy supplies including children's books, puppets, and more, and opportunities for future follow-up.
The TCU Early Literacy Institute offers CPE credit for teachers.
This program is intended for PreK teachers, teaching assistants, or leaders who support PreK teachers in Title 1 schools.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings
Gloria Ladson-Billings is the former Kellner Family Distinguished Professor of Urban Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and faculty affiliate in the Department of Educational Policy Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She is a Fellow of the British Academy, the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, and the Hagler Institute of Texas A&M University. She was the 2005-2006 president of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). Ladson-Billings’ research examines the pedagogical practices of teachers who are successful with African American students.
Break-Out Speakers
Dr. Michelle Bauml is the Clotilda Winter Professor of Education and a Professor of Early Childhood Education. A former classroom teacher and first-year teacher coach, Dr. Bauml’s research and teaching reflect her beliefs that children need ample opportunities for creative expression, play, and meaningful instruction in today’s schools.
Dr. Robin Griffith is a Professor of Reading and English/Language Arts. Her research focuses primarily on the teacher and the critical role the teacher plays in helping students become successful readers and writers. Prior to teaching at the university, Dr. Griffith taught in the public schools in Texas and trained literacy coaches in numerous states.
Dr. Kathleen Kyzar is an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education and core faculty in the Alice Neeley Special Education Research and Service (ANSERS) Institute. Dr. Kyzar is a former deaf education itinerant teacher in Fort Worth and the surrounding communities. Her work centers on the quality of teacher-family relationships in early childhood and elementary settings.
Dr. Endia J. Lindo is a Professor of Special Education at Texas Christian University and core faculty in the Alice Neeley Special Education Research and Service (ANSERS) Institute. Dr. Lindo previously worked as an elementary resource teacher. Her current work focuses on improving educational outcomes for students with learning difficulties and disabilities, with particular emphasis on building comprehension.
Dr. Jennifer Smith is an Associate Professor of Professional Practice in the College of Education at Texas Christian University. She teaches undergraduate and graduate literacy courses, including children’s literature, adolescent literature and literacy methods courses. Much of her research examines children’s literature and ways to use literature in reading and writing instruction.