Meet keynote speaker Eric Litwin

Eric Litwin is a song-singing, guitar-strumming, #1 New York Times bestselling, award-winning author who brings early literacy, music, and positivity together. He is the original author of the Pete the Cat series as well as the author of The Nuts, Groovy Joe, and The Poop Song. Eric's books have sold over 13 million copies, been translated into 17 languages, and won 26 literacy awards, including a Theodor Geisel Seuss Honor Award.

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Watch: Lincoln Center Kids Storytime at the Atrium featuring Eric Litwin
(video clip courtesy of Lincoln Center's YouTube page)

Meet featured speaker Gilberto D. Soto, Ph.D.

Gilberto D. Soto, Ph.D., is a music education/guitar professor at Texas A&M International University, teaching early childhood and elementary bilingual music education courses. He also supervises the guitar studio, teaching and mentoring its majors, and directs the “TAMIU Classical Guitar Ensemble.” In addition, Dr. Soto is the author of the bilingual music education books “Fiesta de Canciones” (primary and intermediate levels), co-author of “Multilevel Strategies for English Language Learners,” co-author of the national music series “Spotlight on Music,” co-author of the national reading series “Treasures/Tesoros,” co-author of the national bilingual series “Wonders/Maravillas,” co-author of the national early childhood series “Three Cheers for Pre-K’, co-author and bilingual song arranger for the national mathematics series and the national series “DLM Early Childhood Express.” Dr. Soto is also the author of “Music of our World: Mexico,” “Teaching Music in the Multicultural Early Childhood Classroom,” and has written several articles for the national music education magazine “Music Express,” reviewed early childhood and elementary music education textbooks, and some of his publications have been featured at the prestigious television network CNN International, and the TLC Channel. Dr. Soto’s publications have been adopted in public and private school districts, not only all over the United States but in Europe and the Middle East, and some of his bilingual song arrangements and lesson plans have been translated into Mandarin to publish translated versions of his songs, music lesson plans and activities in The Republic of China. He holds a B.A. in Education from Universidad Autonoma del Noreste, a B.A. in Music from Abilene Christian University, and an M.M. and a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Soto travels extensively, offering hands-on clinics and lectures in bilingual music education to several of the most prestigious education conferences and school districts. Dr. Soto also performs flamenco and classical guitar concerts throughout the United States, Central and South America, including the White House in Washington, and recently in Spain and the Middle East. Some of his guitar arrangements and compositions have been featured on NPR national radio station. Dr. Soto has received many awards for his contributions to bilingual music education, especially in underprivileged school communities, as well as many awards as a higher education professor, administrator, and guitar instructor/performer.

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Watch: Soto Academy featured on TLC
(Video courtesy TLC)

Meet featured speaker Dan St. Romain

Dan St. Romain is a national independent educational consultant who provides staff development and consultative services to educators and parents working with children at all developmental levels. Dan is passionate about helping individuals shift their perspective on behavior, understanding the best ways to provide support given the challenges posed in today’s society.  

After receiving his master’s degree in early childhood education, Dan worked in both private residential and public school settings. His work as a self-contained behavior unit teacher, educational diagnostician, director of a learning resource center and regional educational specialist has afforded him experience at all levels, in both general and special education settings. Dan is now enjoying semi-retirement after having worked in the school system for the past 30 years.

Dan’s overwhelming strength is his skill as a presenter. Although his sessions are exceedingly interactive, his greatest asset lies in his ability to offer participants rich insight into the connectedness between educational practices and student behavior. He is the author of Teach Skills and Break Habits: Growth Mindsets for Better Behavior in the Classroom, Positive Behavior Principles: Shifting Perspectives and Aligning Practices in Schools, Lessons from LaRoux: How Needs Shape Behavior in Developing Brains, and several resources for teaching social skills, featuring his chameleon, Juan Pablo.

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Watch: Supporting Emotional Development in Young Learners

Meet featured speaker Mary Jo Huff

Mary Jo Huff is a nationally recognized presenter, author, educator, puppeteer, recording artist and storyteller. She has a passion for literacy and oral language development. Mary Jo trains teachers nationwide on the importance of language and literacy through the power of telling stories and playing with language. Her workshops are energetic, motivational, educational, inspirational, and filled with humor and content. 

Mary Jo is the author of seven published resource books and has written articles for Early Childhood and storytelling publications.  “Storytelling with Puppets, Props, and Playful Tales” has been awarded the coveted Pegasus Award from the National Youth Storytelling Network and has received a Parent’s Choice Award.  Her accomplishments have been awarded by Kids First, Dove, Mom’s Choice, Teacher’s Choice, iParenting, and NAPPA gold.  Two new picture books were published in 2023, NO, NO, Ebenezer and Chicken Fun!

She is well known for her humorous, fast-paced delivery, and has presented at national, state, regional and local conferences with 40 years of experience.  Discover the magic that storytelling can bring to children!  Foster a love of language while developing basic skills and having fun!

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Watch: Mary Jo Huff explains why she loves the power of storytelling and its importance for all children

Meet featured speaker Barbara Gruener

Embarking on her 40th year as a passionate, connected bilingual educator, Barbara Gruener is blessed to have grown alongside thousands of children and adults of all ages and stages. This nationally-recognized and sought-after speaker and beloved school counselor holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and two Master of Science degrees from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, but more importantly, she gets to hold and dynamically shape the hearts and minds of the people whom she has the delight to teach, mentor, coach and love. Barbara truly thrives on connecting by heart and unwrapping the present as she works with the intention of helping school stakeholders and leaders create a climate of acceptance, belonging, compassion and love. She is the author of two Mom’s Choice Gold Award-winning books and the proud mom to three amazing adult children. Barbara grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Wisconsin, but today she and her husband John call Friendswood, Texas, home.

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Watch: Barbara Gruener reads an excerpt from her book, "Mr. Quigley's Keys"

Meet featured speaker Dr. Courtney Johnson

Dr. Courtney Johnson, an esteemed educator with over two decades of experience in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, has traversed a multifaceted career path that reflects his unwavering commitment to education. Beginning as a dedicated Pre-kindergarten teacher, Dr. Johnson's journey has evolved to encompass roles as a math coach, school administrator, and now the dynamic CEO of Johnson Learning Systems.

 A luminary in the field, Dr. Johnson is renowned for his influential work in elementary education, particularly in the realms of math literacy and problem-solving. His notable achievements include the authorship of the groundbreaking math workbook, "Math Fluency in Problem Solving." Focused on fostering a deep understanding of elementary math, this resource stands as a testament to Dr. Johnson's dedication to advancing education.

While Dr. Johnson's passion lies in mathematics, his professional repertoire extends to early childhood literacy, with a significant tenure as a Pre-K teacher. Throughout his illustrious career, he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and expertise in both literacy and numeracy, solidifying his status as a thought leader in elementary education.

Dr. Johnson's impact transcends individual classrooms, as evidenced by his robust connections with multiple school districts across Texas. With a finger on the pulse of educational needs, he has actively collaborated with educators and administrators to enhance curriculum strategies. Driven by a profound commitment to equity, he has focused his efforts on elevating student achievement in high-need school districts.

As a visionary leader, Dr. Johnson spearheads Johnson Learning Systems with an innovative approach to education. His transformative initiatives are underpinned by a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of elementary education, coupled with a relentless drive to improve outcomes for students. With a rich history as an educator, a trailblazing author, and a catalyst for positive change, Dr. Courtney Johnson leaves an indelible mark on the education landscape in Texas and beyond.