Temple Grandin to Deliver Keynote at Literacy Conference

Dr. Temple Grandin will be the featured speaker at the 14th Annual East Tennessee Literacy Conference Sept. 12.

14th Annual East Tennessee Literacy Conference Scheduled for Sept. 12

     Walters State will hold its 14th Annual East Tennessee Literacy Conference on Friday, Sept. 12 from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on the Morristown Campus.
     This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Temple Grandin, speaker and author. Grandin is a noted advocate for education for students diagnosed as being on the autism disorder spectrum. She was diagnosed with autism as a child and did not speak until she was three years old. Her first book, “Emergence: Labeled Autistic” was unprecedented as it offered the first inside narrative of autism. Her latest book is “The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum.” She is subject of an HBO biographic movie.
     In addition to her advocacy for those with autism, Grandin is recognized as an expert in animal behavior and has had over 60 articles published by scientific journals. She was recently named a 2025 “USA Today” Woman of the Year, and she was named one of 100 Most Influential People by “Time” in 2010. Her inventions have led to more ethical treatment of livestock. 
     “We are very proud to host Dr. Grandin at this year’s conference,” said Dr. Matthew Hunter, dean of High School Programs and the director of the Newport Center and the P-16 Program. “She is a very motivating speaker and one of the most influential voices in education today.”
     “This conference continues to grow each year,” Hunter said. “This year’s conference offers valuable opportunities for all educators, with breakout sessions for all levels of teaching and administration. Those attending will leave with practical tools and fresh ideas to enhance their impact in the classroom.” 
     This year’s conference will feature over 20 breakout sessions for teachers at all levels and for administrators. Those attending will receive 6 hours of TASL credit or 6.0 PDP certification. The ever-popular book buses will be back, too.           
     The cost of this year’s conference is $125, which includes breakfast, lunch and materials. Early registration is available at https://bit.ly/43GeegK. For more information, contact Hunter at Matthew.HunterFREEWS or 423-585-2611.