SPEAKERS

Our workshop guests are experienced educators who offer valuable insights on literacy and education.

  • Meet Kim Stewart, a compassionate leader with over two decades of dedicated service in early childhood. Currently serving as the Director of Help Me Grow Westem New York and PEDALS (Positive Emotional Development and Learning Skills). Kim is on a mission to nurture young minds by embracing the timeless principles of belonging and connection.

    Kim's journey began in a small town, where, as an orphaned, homeless teenager, she found inspiration in a transformative teacher who sparked her passion for education. Investing in her own education, Kim developed a philosophy centered on relationship-based learning, subtly intertwining a love for reading as a powerful invitation to connection. This approach highlights the profound impact of meaningful connections in the learning process. Throughout her career, Kim's dedication has been a testament to her commitment to underserved populations. She passionately advocates for children of all abilities and backgrounds.

    Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kim discovers immense joy as a grandmother to four creative granddaughters and one special little boy, Andy. Her commitment to making a difference is vividly exemplified through Andy's unique journey, showcasing Kim's unwavering dedication to the well-being and development of every child.

  • Patricia Wood was born in Seattle, Washington. Throughout her life she’s had many careers and interests: she was a med tech in the Army, a horseback riding instructor, a scuba diver, an underwater photographer, a sailor. She researched sharks at Midway Atoll, she taught Marine Science to high-risk students in Honolulu, Hawaii and, through her novel writing, she’s an advocate for those who are differently abled.

    While working on a PhD at the University of Hawaii, Patricia earned her certificate in Disability Studies. Her debut novel Lottery was published by Putnam and has been translated into 29 languages. Lottery was short-listed for the 2008 Orange Prize for fiction in the UK.

    She had also contributed a short story for an anthology composed of Hawaii authors, Sunset Inn Tales from the North Shore.

    Patricia participates with book clubs, does outreach at schools and universities, attends the Kauai Writers Conference each year, and continues to write - focusing on peopling her novels with those who are marginalized by society.

  • Meet Patty Zika, the Principal at Pembroke Primary School in Pembroke, NY. Since she started her career Education in 2006, Mrs. Zika has had a passion for literacy and supporting students as they learn how to read.

    Mrs. Zika earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Childhood Education from Daemen College, and earned her Master’s in Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction. She started her career as a sixth-grade teaching assistant, where she took over as the sixth-grade summer school teacher. The following year, Mrs. Zika began to teach second grade where her passion for literacy grew greater. After five amazing years teaching second grade, she moved on to become one of the Assistant Principals at her Kindergarten through eighth grade Charter School. Mrs. Zika continued her education and earned her Administrative Certification.

    After 13 years at Buffalo United Charter School, Mrs. Zika moved to the Pembroke Central School District where she became the Assistant Principal of the High School. Although she loved her time at the High School, she missed the young learners and supporting teachers in the classroom with early literacy. After two years at the High School, Mrs. Zika accepted the position as the Principal of the Primary School.

    Mrs. Zika started several programs like the PARENT COHORT, to engage parents once a month to talk about various topics from healthy eating, the importance of reading, to behavior management and so much more. She also started The PRINCIPAL’S READING CLUB, to encourage students to read for enjoyment, pick a book out of the bin, sit on the carpet with the pillows and share a good book together.

    When Mrs. Zika is not at school, she is kept extremely busy with her two teenage children Ryan and Allison. When they slow down to enjoy some family time, she loves to go to the Florida Keys where she enjoys fishing for sharks and snorkeling.

When summarizing how teachers encourage learning with parents as well as students, use clear, positive, and collaborative language. Examples and phrases:

  • Teachers partner with families to support student growth.

  • Educators share classroom goas and practical strategies for use at home.

  • Teachers communicate regularly about progress, strengths, and next steps.

  • Families are invited to volunteer, participate in events, and reinforce learning routines.

  • Teachers provide resources and activities that families can use to practice skills together.

  • Educators listen to parents’ insights and incorporate home knowledge into instruction.

  • Teachers set clear expectations and offer guidance for supporting homework and study habits.

  • Staff offer workshops, materials, or coaching to help parents build confidence in supporting learning.

  • Teachers celebrate student successes with families to build motivation and a shared sense of achievement.

  • Educators collaborate with parents to create individualized supports when students need extra help.

Short summary sentences to use in speeches, newsletters, or meetings:

  • “Teachers and families work as partners to support every child’s learning.”

  • “We communicate frequently and share practical ways parents can reinforce classroom learning at home.”

  • “Educators invite parents’ input and provide tools to help children succeed.”

  • “Together, teachers and families celebrate progress and address challenges with shared strategies.”

Tone tips: keep language warm, respectful, and action-oriented; emphasize partnership, shared responsibility, and practical support.