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«Back to all edWebinarsThe Power of REPRESENTATION: I See Me in What I Read
Thursday, August 6, 2026 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Presented by Dr. Lakeisha Johnson, Assistant Professor, Communication Science and Disorders Program, Florida State University, and Director of The Village, Florida Center for Reading Research
Moderated by Cassondra Mantovani, Vice President of Revenue & Operations, Voyager Sopris Learning®
Sponsored by Voyager Sopris Learning
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
As we conclude The Power of Print Lunch and Learn Week, we are honored to welcome Dr. Lakeisha Johnson, a nationally respected researcher, Assistant Professor at Florida State University, Director of The Village at the Florida Center for Reading Research, and founder of Maya’s Book Nook. Dr. Johnson is widely recognized for her work on language and literacy development in African American children, dialect and identity, and the critical role of representation in reading materials. Her research‑practice partnerships and community‑centered advocacy have made her one of the most influential voices in literacy equity today.
During this powerful closing edWebinar, Dr. Johnson builds on the themes introduced by Dr. Louisa Moats and Dr. Susan Neuman, weaving together the Science of Reading, access to print, and the lived experiences of children. She explores why representation in books is not simply a matter of inclusion—it is a matter of equity, opportunity, and belonging. When students see themselves, their families, and their communities reflected in print, they engage more deeply, build stronger language connections, and develop the confidence needed to thrive as readers.
Drawing from research, classroom practice, and her work curating diverse children’s literature, Dr. Johnson will show educators how to intentionally select, use, and discuss texts that affirm identity and expand students’ understanding of the world. This session is both inspiring and practical—perfect for teachers, literacy leaders, and anyone committed to ensuring every child sees themselves in what they read.
Educators will learn:
- Why representation in print matters—and how it shapes identity, motivation, and literacy outcomes
- How to evaluate classroom libraries for diversity, authenticity, and linguistic richness
- Ways to use diverse texts to build language, background knowledge, and meaningful discourse through shared book reading experiences
- Strategies for creating equitable reading experiences that honor students’ voices and cultural identities while targeting language and literacy skills
- How families and communities can be partners in building literacy through diverse books at home
- Practical tools and book recommendations from Dr. Johnson’s work with Maya’s Book Nook
This edWebinar will be of interest to K-8 teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.
This edWebinar is part of The Power of Print Week.
About the Presenter
Dr. Lakeisha Johnson is an Assistant Professor in the Communication Science and Disorders Program at Florida State University and the Director of The Village, the outreach and engagement division at the Florida Center for Reading Research. Her primary research interests include language, literacy, and dialect usage in African American children and increasing the use of evidence-based practices for language and literacy development across a variety of stakeholders. It is her mission to investigate the aforementioned areas while building research-practice partnerships between the university and the local community to ensure children from underserved populations obtain strong language and literacy skills. She serves on the board for several community and national literacy-based organizations. Dr. Johnson also runs the website Maya’s Book Nook to promote language and literacy skills using diverse children’s books.
About the Moderator
Cassondra Mantovani brings more than 25 years of leadership experience at the intersection of education, leadership, and technology–leading teams that directly support teachers and students in classrooms every day across K–12 and higher education. She currently serves as Vice President of Revenue & Operations for Voyager Sopris Learning® and Kurzweil Education, where she has spent more than a decade partnering closely with educators and school leaders to improve outcomes for students. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she has called Dallas home for the past decade. She is deeply driven by the belief that learning to read, empowering students to graduate, and valuing education can fundamentally change the trajectory of a person’s life—opening doors to enhanced life opportunities and lasting family legacy. Above all, she is a proud boy mom, a lifelong learner, and a steadfast advocate for better serving students—today and for generations to come.
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
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Voyager Sopris Learning® is the specialist in reading, writing, and math intervention. Fully focused on intervention, we have established four decades of results that demonstrate the efficacy of our solutions. Providing a holistic offering of reading, writing, and math interventions and assessments, our solutions help educators create strong, sustainable foundations to ensure academic success for all students.
