![Reading Pals Conference](/sites/default/files/styles/square_600/public/images/events/Untitled%20design.png?itok=3nuu2Prm)
Thursday, June 15, 2023
For the second consecutive year, we held our statewide virtual ReadingPals Conference & Celebration! We heard from experts in early literacy, mentoring, and social-emotional development. We discussed concepts, skills, and insights that can be applied as volunteers, parents/caregivers, teachers, and supporters.
Our topics included grade-level reading efforts in Florida, developing emotional intelligence as students and mentors, and how to use the Science of Reading to improve early literacy skills.
ReadingPals is a statewide early literacy initiative that provides volunteer mentors for students from pre-k to 3rd grade who may need extra help across 14 Florida regions. Over the last 11 years, more than 27,000 students have received a ReadingPals mentor and a share of 490,000 donated books.
2023 Video Archive
Q&A: Understanding the Science of Reading
![Dr. Stollar](/sites/default/files/images/speakers/Stollar_2020_16_Headshot%20%281%29.png)
Dr. Stephanie Stollar
Creator, Reading Science Academy
![LW](/sites/default/files/images/speakers/LizR1-1536x2048.png)
Liz Woody-Remington
Chief Academic Officer/Co-Founder, The Learning Alliance
Emotionally Intelligent Mentors: The Shift Towards Prioritizing Mental Health in Mentorship
![CM](/sites/default/files/images/speakers/Crystal%20Morris%20-Headshot.png)
Crystal Morris, MS, ACC
Lead Culture and Climate Architect, One Caring Adult
Florida Grade-Level Reading Campaign: Updates and Opportunities
![KB](/sites/default/files/images/speakers/Untitled%20%28400%20%C3%97%20400%20px%29%20%28400%20%C3%97%20400%20px%29.jpg)
Kristi Biffar
Special Projects Consultant, Florida Grade-Level Reading Campaign
ReadingPals: Reach, Impact, and Growth in 2022-2023
![John Knight](/sites/default/files/images/speakers/jknight-square.png)
John Knight
ReadingPals Statewide Director