Grandin to Headline 14th Annual East Tennessee Literacy Conference
August 5, 2025
Register Now to Reserve Your Spot
Dr. Temple Grandin, noted speaker and author, will deliver the keynote address at
Walters State’s 14th Annual East Tennessee Literacy Conference on Friday, Sept. 12.
“We are excited about the 14th Annual East Tennessee Literacy Conference and our distinguished
keynote speaker,” said Dr. Matthew Hunter, dean of high school programs and director
of the Newport Center and P-16 Program. “Dr. Temple Grandin has an amazing reputation
with educators not only in our region, but across the state and surrounding states
and are excited to hear her speak. She is one of the leading experts on autism disorder
spectrum. We will also have great new breakout sessions for educators at all levels.”
Grandin 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.
“She is a very motivating speaker and one of the most influential voices in education
today,” Hunter said.
Hunter said those attending the conference will leave with “take it to the classroom”
ideas that are ready to help shape the coming school year.
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 conference
meets from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on the Morristown Campus.
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.