Understanding Dyslexia. Building Expertise. Changing Lives.
Explore what it takes to better understand, identify, and support students with dyslexia. This four-part webinar series brings together experts in dyslexia identification, intervention, and literacy instruction to share insights and practical guidance for educators, administrators, literacy leaders, and specialists.
*Please note these webinars are informational only and will not provide professional learning credits toward renewal of your Wilson® credentials.
Wednesday, October 7 | 3pm ET
Presented by Makenzie Black
Explore the advantages of having a certified dyslexia specialist on staff. Join us to learn how dyslexia specialists can better meet students’ unique needs, districts can ensure compliance with state requirements, and the Wilson Reading System® Level I Certification develops building expertise.
Makenzie Black
Dyslexia Training Specialist
Makenzie Black is a member of the Dyslexia Training Specialist Team. She holds a Reading Specialist Certification and a master's degree in education administration. Before coming to Wilson, she worked in public education for 18 years as a Reading Specialist, supporting students with literacy skills, and implementing the Wilson Reading System and Fundations. Makenzie also held a dual role serving as a Literacy Coach and credentialed LETRS Facilitator in the state of Pennsylvania.
Tuesday, October 13 | 3pm ET
Presented by Makenzie Black
Curious about how to become a dyslexia specialist? Join us to explore how Wilson Reading System® (WRS) Level I Certification can equip you with the knowledge and tools to support students with dyslexia—and open new doors in your career as a literacy professional.
Makenzie Black
Dyslexia Training Specialist
Makenzie Black is a member of the Dyslexia Training Specialist Team. She holds a Reading Specialist Certification and a master's degree in education administration. Before coming to Wilson, she worked in public education for 18 years as a Reading Specialist, supporting students with literacy skills, and implementing the Wilson Reading System and Fundations. Makenzie also held a dual role serving as a Literacy Coach and credentialed LETRS Facilitator in the state of Pennsylvania.
Thursday, October 22 | 3pm ET
Presented by Alisa Dorman
Explore a research-based approach to identifying dyslexia risk using screening and progress-monitoring data. Learn what to look for at the student and system levels—and why no single test tells the whole story.
Alisa Dorman
President, Acadience Learning
Alisa Dorman serves as the President of Acadience. With over 25 years of experience in education, Alisa has dedicated her career to advancing evidence-based instructional practices and improving outcomes at local, state, and national levels.
Prior to her current role, Alisa held multiple leadership positions at Acadience, including Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. Her earlier experience includes serving as Vice President of Research and Assessment at Voyager Sopris Learning and as Executive Director for the Office of Literacy at the Colorado Department of Education, where she was a member of the Education Commissioner’s Cabinet. Her career began in the classroom as an elementary educator, evolving into key roles in state-level leadership and national educational initiatives.
Alisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus on Early Childhood and Elementary Education, as well as Master of Education degrees in both Reading and School Counseling from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
A published author, Alisa is a frequent speaker and contributor to national conversations on literacy, assessment, and the science of reading. Throughout her career, Alisa has remained focused on improving student outcomes by supporting educators with practical, research-driven tools and strategies. Her work continues to shape the future of educational assessment.
Wednesday, October 28 | 3pm ET
Presented by Jill Gilbert
Explore how Esperanza Intervención®, an intensive Spanish literacy intervention grounded in Structured Multiliteracy, applies explicit, systematic instruction to the structure of the Spanish language. See how key literacy skills are taught and connected to strengthen reading and writing in Spanish for students with significant reading challenges.
Jill Gilbert
Professional Learning Manager, Structured Multiliteracy
Dr. Jill Gilbert grew up in the jungles of South America, surrounded by diverse indigenous peoples — an upbringing that sparked a lifelong fascination with how people communicate orally, in writing, and through culture. For 36 years, she's channeled that passion into literacy education: as a classroom teacher, a special education educator, a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist (LDT) and Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) working with students with dyslexia, and a Qualified Instructor (QI) training educators, including work since 2015 with Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan's Esperanza program. Most recently, she joined Wilson Language Training to head up professional learning for the structured multiliteracy team.
REAL STORIES, REAL IMPACT
Discover how educators are transforming literacy instruction in their classrooms with the Wilson Reading System®.
Explore more educator stories and real-world impact. Read more stories.
2027 Wilson Dyslexia Conference
Deepen your knowledge, strengthen your practice, and build confidence in supporting students with dyslexia at this virtual, one-day event for experienced professionals and educators beginning their journey.
Dyslexia Awareness Month Special: Register in October for just $69.