The Power of Picture Books in Student Identity with Sarah D. Cordova
Fall 2026 Culture of Reading Virtual Conference
Wednesday, September 16th 2026 at 6:00 PM EDT
Event will begin in 5 days and 7 hours
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Participants will deepen their understanding of culturally responsive education (CRE) through an exploration of its definition, purpose, and practical application in literacy instruction. Drawing from research, including the NYU Scorecard for analyzing texts and two published articles on the topic, participants will examine how culturally responsive texts can be intentionally selected and utilized in classrooms.
Attendees will explore their own perspectives and experiences with culturally responsive education while exploring a variety of picture books across grade levels. These texts will be analyzed not only as culturally responsive literature but also as mentor texts that can support a wide range of writing mini-lessons. Participants will learn how to identify the identities, perspectives, and cultural representations present within texts and consider how these elements can enrich writing instruction.
This session is ideal for elementary and middle school teachers, literacy specialists, instructional coaches, curriculum leaders, teacher educators, and anyone interested in integrating culturally responsive practices into literacy instruction.
Sarah D. Cordova is a nationally recognized literacy consultant who works in elementary and middle school classrooms across the country supporting administrators, literacy coaches, and classroom teachers in developing and implementing the most effective and engaging reading and writing practices aligned with the New York State Next Generation Standards.
Ms. Cordova received a Master of Arts Degree in Education from New York University and worked as a classroom teacher for many years in the Smithtown School District in New York. Ms. Cordova has presented at various local, state and national literacy conferences and also taught as an Adjunct Assistant Professor for both undergraduate and graduate students in the Literacy Department at Dowling College for many years.
She is a picture book fanatic who loves sharing titles & authors with teachers around the country. She is especially passionate about ensuring that students and children see themselves represented in the books they encounter, believing that authentic representation fosters confidence, belonging, and a deeper love of literacy.
Ms. Cordova recently published a book for School Rubric entitled, The Power of Picture Books in Student Identity: Writing Lessons That Empower.
The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by BookBreak PD.