The Power of REPRESENTATION: I See Me in What I Read

Presented by Dr. Lakeisha Johnson, Assistant Professor, Communication Science and Disorders Program, Florida State University, and Director of The Village, Florida Center for Reading Research Moderated by Cassondra Mantovani, Vice President of Revenue & Operations, Voyager Sopris Learning® Sponsored by Voyager Sopris Learning Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. As we conclude The Power of Print Lunch and Learn Week, we are honored to welcome Dr. Lakeisha Johnson, a nationally respected researcher, Assistant Professor at Florida State University, Director of The Village at the Florida Center for Reading Research, and founder of Maya’s Book Nook. Dr. Johnson is widely recognized for her work on language and literacy development in African American children, dialect and identity, and the critical role of representation in reading materials. Her research‑practice partnerships and community‑centered advocacy have made her one of the most influential voices in literacy equity today. During this powerful closing edWebinar, Dr. Johnson builds on the themes introduced by Dr. Louisa Moats and Dr. Susan Neuman, weaving together the Science of Reading, access to print, and the lived experiences of children. She explores why representation in books is not simply a matter of inclusion—it is a matter of equity, opportunity, and belonging. When students see themselves, their families, and their communities reflected in print, they engage more deeply, build stronger language connections, and develop the confidence needed to thrive as readers. Drawing from research, classroom practice, and her work curating diverse children’s literature, Dr. Johnson will show educators how to intentionally select, use, and discuss texts that affirm identity and expand students’ understanding of the world. This session is both inspiring and practical—perfect for teachers, literacy leaders, and anyone committed to ensuring every child sees themselves in what they read. This edWebinar will be of interest to K-8 teachers, school leaders, and district leaders. This edWebinar is part of The Power of Print Week. Dr. Lakeisha Johnson is an Assistant Professor in the Communication Science and Disorders Program at Florida State University and the Director of The Village, the outreach and engagement division at the Florida Center for Reading Research. Her primary research interests include language, literacy, and dialect usage in African American children and increasing the use of evidence-based practices for language and literacy development across a variety of stakeholders. It is her mission to investigate the aforementioned areas while building research-practice partnerships between the university and the local community to ensure children from underserved populations obtain strong language and literacy skills. She serves on the board for several community and national literacy-based organizations. Dr. Johnson also runs the website Maya’s Book