Orlando, FL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/26/2010 -- The Florida Literacy Coalition announces two esteemed keynote speakers will highlight the organization’s 26th Annual Florida Literacy Conference, May 5-7, on Captiva Island.
Dr. Brenda Dann-Messier is the Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education for the U.S. Department of Education. A veteran of adult and family-literacy issues, she was appointed by President Barack Obama to oversee the department’s programs and initiatives related to adult education and literacy, career and technical education, and community colleges. Dr. Dann-Messier’s address will include an update on the administration’s efforts to improve the basic skills and employment outcomes of individuals, particularly those from the most vulnerable populations.
Sharon Robinson is the author of many widely praised books about her father, baseball legend Jackie Robinson, including Jackie’s Nine: Jackie Robinson’s Values to Live By and Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America. Robinson will share sources of inspiration for her new book, Testing the Ice, and her observations of how reading gives people the confidence help change the world.
“We are delighted and honored to have such distinguished individuals from the education and literary world speaking at our conference,” said Greg Smith, executive director of the Florida Literacy Coalition. “Dr. Dann-Messier and Ms. Robinson will bring a wealth of information and inspiration to the event.”
The 26th Annual Florida Literacy Conference, “Open Books Open Minds,” will take place May 5-7 at the South Seas Island Resort in Captiva, Fla. The conference offers a diverse selection of interactive workshops led by literacy experts on a variety of topics including adult basic education, literacy, English for speakers of other languages and family literacy. For more information about the Florida Literacy Conference call (407) 246-7110 or visit http://www.floridaliteracy.org.
About the Florida Literacy Coalition
Established in 1985, The Florida Literacy Coalition (FLC) promotes, supports and advocates the effective delivery of quality adult and family literacy services in the state of Florida. As a statewide umbrella literacy organization and the host of Florida’s State Literacy Resource Center, FLC provides a range of services to support more than 300 adult education, literacy and family literacy providers throughout Florida. Special emphasis is placed on assisting community-based literacy organizations with training and program development needs. For more information about the FLC call (407) 246-7110 or visit http://www.floridaliteracy.org.