This isn't a theoretical conversation about why family engagement matters. It's a practical session full of strategies you can actually use—with a real district example showing how small, consistent habits build lasting gains.
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Allison Leedie has spent her career helping children fall in love with reading. She began her career in the classroom as an elementary teacher, where she discovered the magic of watching a child unlock a book for the first time. That experience led her to become a literacy specialist and coach, supporting other teachers in giving students the strong foundation they need as readers. With a master’s in Language and Literacy from Harvard, Allison now leads School Partnerships at Khan Academy Kids. The best part of her job is sharing joyful, accessible resources that help every child grow into a confident, curious reader for life.
Lori brings 19 years of classroom experience across elementary grades, including work as an MTSS interventionist, plus a decade in school leadership as an assistant and head principal. In her current district role, she partners with building leaders and teachers to develop evidence-based instructional practices—and is a passionate advocate for the school-family partnerships that help students thrive.
Sara leads a prenatal-to-kindergarten programming ecosystem in Hobart, focused on family engagement, play-based learning, and kindergarten readiness. She's the driving force behind the district's Brickies from the Start initiative and partners with the Indiana Department of Education on statewide PD for kindergarten transitions. Sara brings joyful, collaborative energy to helping educators and families see themselves as partners in growing confident, curious learners.
Khan Academy Kids is a research-backed early learning solution that helps schools and districts build strong foundations in literacy, math, and social-emotional development. Developed by Khan Academy in partnership with early learning experts from Stanford University, the program delivers playful, standards-aligned instruction that's equitable, accessible, and sustainable at a low per-child cost.
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