Coach Carter to Headline 15th Annual East Tennessee Literacy Conference
July 15, 2026
Movie Inspiration to Speak on Morristown Campus
Coach Ken Carter, whose decision to bench an undefeated basketball team over academics
inspired the 2005 film “Coach Carter,” will headline the 15th Annual East Tennessee
Literacy Conference at Walters State Community College.
The conference is Friday, Sept. 11, from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the college’s Morristown
Campus. The cost is $125, which includes lunch and six hours of TASL credit or 6.0
PDP’s for teachers and administrators. The conference features over 20 breakout sessions,
vendor booths, book buses and door prizes.
“As this is our 15th year, we have tried to make this conference the best yet,” said
Dr. Matthew Hunter, dean of high school programs, director of the Newport Center and
P-16 Program. “Coach Carter has an amazing story. He is truly a champion of education
and students. We have great breakout sessions taught by experienced educators. This
is a great opportunity for educators to connect with others while getting professional
development points or credits. Many teachers have attended all 15 years.”
As an inner-city basketball coach, Carter locked his gym and benched his undefeated
team mid-season after the student athletes failed to meet academic standards. He stood
against pressure from parents and the community. Eventually, all the players on that
team attended college. Samuel L. Jackson portrayed Carter in the film.
Over 20 break-out sessions will focus on different literacy and education issues.
This year’s sessions include:
- AI Literacy Tools in the 9-12 Classroom
- Unlocking Literacy: Practical Tools and Strategies to Support Struggling Readers
- High Impact Literacy Activities for Every Learner
- Beyond Words: Comprehension in K-2
“This conference continues to focus on advancing literacy in our area,” Hunter said. “We want to make sure our area teachers have access to the nationally-known experts and the latest information on teaching literacy. Our breakout sessions have something for everyone, from pre-kindergarten to high school, for both teachers and administrators.”
To register or for more information, visit https://ws.edu/literacy or contact Hunter at Matthew.HunterFREEWS.