East Tennessee Literacy Conference
15th Annual East Tennessee Literacy Conference
Every Student, Every Story: Coaching a Culture of Literacy Excellence
Don't miss the 15th Annual East Tennessee Literacy Conference to be held at Walters State Community College Friday, September 11, 2026! Walters State Community College and the Mid-East TN Regional P-16 Council is proud to host Coach Ken Carter as the 2026 Keynote Speaker.
- Breakout Sessions
- Vendors
- Book buses
- Door prizes
- Lunch and more
Register today by clicking the "Register Now" button, Pre-Registration is required. Once registered, WSCC will invoice your school/institution for the payment.
For more information, please contact Dr. Matthew Hunter at 423.585.2642 or email: Matthew.HunterFREEWS.
Save the Date
The conference will take place at Walters State Community College in Morristown, Tennessee on September 11, 2026 from 8:30am - 3pm. The conference registration fee will be $125 per person and will include breakfast, lunch and 6.0 hours of TASL credit OR 6.0 Professional Development Points.
Keynote Speaker
Coach Ken Carter
Coach Ken Carter, the inspiration behind the film Coach Carter, is known for redefining success through discipline, accountability, and academic excellence. With decades of experience transforming lives on and off the court, he delivers a powerful message on leadership, integrity, and rising beyond expectations.
In addition to coaching SlamBall's champion team, The Rumble, Carter is a business entrepreneur and an author. He is also founder and chairman of the Coach Ken Carter Foundation, a non-profit organization which develops, promotes, and provides education, training and mentoring programs for minority youths. He also founded the Coach Carter Impact Academy, designed to enable disadvantaged youth to reach their full academic and life potential. In 2002, he was selected to carry the Olympic torch for the San Francisco Bay Area/Richmond California.
Breakout Sessions
The conference will feature over a dozen breakout sessions, including...
- AI Literacy Tools in the 9-12 Classroom
- From Theory to Task: High-Impact Literacy Activities for Every Learner
- From Blocks to Books: How Mature Pretend Play Builds the Architectures of Literacy
15th Annual East Tennessee Literacy Conference Steering Committee
- Kaye Heavner, Coordinator of the Newport Center, Walters State Community College
- Dr. Matthew Hunter, Dean of High School Programs and Director of the Newport Center and P-16 Program, Walters State Community College
- Dr. Kristi Witt, Elementary Behavior Specialist, Greeneville City Schools
- Dr. Ricky Witt, Principal at Secret City Academy, Oak Ridge School System
Travel Information
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Morristown by IHG
2903 Millers Pointe Dr., Morristown, TN
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Morristown
2961 Millers Pointe Drive, Morristown, TN
Hampton Inn Morristown
3750 West Andrew Johnson Hwy., Morristown, TN
Candlewood Suites Morristown West by IHG
4354 Verde Crossing, Morristown, TN
Best Western Plus Morristown Conference Center Hotel
130 Cracker Road, Morristown, TN
Hampton Inn Morristown, I-81
5368 Winners Circle Road, Morristown, TN
Super 8 by Wyndham Morristown/South
5400 Quarter Horse Trl., Morristown, TN
Conference Host
For more information contact:
Dr. Matthew Hunter
423.586.2642
matthew.hunterFREEWS
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