VATLL Annual Conference

Strong vocabulary instruction is essential for improving reading comprehension and academic success across all content areas. In this interactive session, participants will explore research-based strategies for explicitly teaching vocabulary, increasing student engagement, and promoting meaningful word learning. Educators will leave with practical, classroom-ready techniques that can be implemented immediately to strengthen vocabulary instruction, support language development, and enhance students' understanding and use of academic language in everyday learning.

Students rarely skip places where they feel successful, connected, and valued. This session reframes attendance as an instructional issue and explores how coaches can increase student engagement and belonging through intentional coaching practices. Participants will learn an engagement-focused coaching framework and leave with observation tools, coaching questions, and practical strategies to create classrooms students don't want to miss.