Curious Minds, Confident Readers: Inspiring Early Literacy Through Exploration

Presented by Lisa Burman, Former Teacher, Current Pedagogical Consultant, Lisa Burman Consultants; Zachary Linnert, Ed.D., Former Educator, Current Learning and Development Manager, Britannica Education; and Kristie Bangali, Former Teacher, Current Curriculum Learning Specialist, Britannica Education

Sponsored by Britannica Education

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Early childhood is where curiosity takes root and the foundations for lifelong learning begin to grow. This edWebinar explores how educators can nurture early literacy, rich language, and joyful learning experiences that empower our youngest students to think, question, and explore with confidence.

Together, we dive into strategies that:

• Foster early literacy through authentic language experiences and meaningful complexity
• Emphasize modeling and learner agency to make a lasting instructional impact
• Spark joy in learning while honoring each child’s natural curiosity

Join us to discover how intentional instruction and joyful exploration can go hand in hand to build strong, confident, and curious learners. This recorded edWebinar is of interest to PreK through elementary teachers, school leaders, district leaders, curriculum directors and coordinators, and literacy directors and coordinators.

About the Presenters

Lisa Burman is Director and Principal Consultant at Lisa Burman Consultants, based in Adelaide, South Australia. A passion for early childhood education was forged into her heart from her early days as a teacher, then elementary school leader. Lisa cares about children feeling a sense of agency and self-efficacy in their learning, children’s right to play, and providing authentic literacy learning contexts. She is the author of two books, Are You Listening? and A Culture of Agency.

Dr. Zachary Linnert is the Learning and Development Manager at Britannica Education. With 20+ years of experience spanning classrooms, school leadership, executive coaching, and consulting, he’s seen education from every angle. Dr. Linnert’s teaching experience ranges from kindergarten to eighth grade in public, private, independent, and special education schools. As a consultant and coach, Dr. Linnert has helped school leaders clarify their visions, draft strategic plans, and align their practice with purpose. As a former school leader, he spearheaded major initiatives including the expansion of school facilities, enrollment growth, the elevation of staff morale, and the launch of new literacy and SEL curricula. In his current role, Dr. Linnert designs and facilitates professional learning on topics including project-based learning, inclusive education, learning environments, the Science of Reading, play, and social-emotional learning. He recently completed a doctorate in entrepreneurial leadership in education at Johns Hopkins University. His work is grounded in adult learning theory because he believes educators deserve the same thoughtful, engaging experiences they create for their students.

Kristie Bangali has over 20 years of experience in education. Her background includes roles as a teacher, staff developer, and administrator across K–12. She specializes in instructional design and creating flexible learning experiences. Kristie’s expertise in digital learning earned her the 2020 LHRIC TELL Award and 2021 Teacher of the Year honor.

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Britannica Education, a global leader in digital educational technology and content, is part of the Britannica Group’s tradition of excellence in information, knowledge, and learning, stretching back more than 250 years. We partner with educators, school districts, libraries, ministries, and media companies worldwide to inspire student curiosity and provide trusted, comprehensive resources to meet evolving teaching and learning needs.