The Role of Knowledge Building in K–5 Literacy: Creating Conditions for Active Minds and Independent Readers and Writers

Presented by Dr. Gina Fugnitto, Former Educator, Current Chief Implementation Officer, Collaborative Classroom; Dr. Taylar Wenzel, Senior Lecturer, University of Central Florida; and Dr. Analexis Kennedy, Lecturer, University of Central Florida

Sponsored by Collaborative Classroom

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In today’s educational landscape, “knowledge building” is often reduced to a list of science and social studies topics. But true literacy goes beneath the surface. While a cohesive curriculum is a vital starting point, the most impactful learning happens when students move from passive recipients of facts to active architects of their own understanding. As educators, it is our responsibility to think about knowledge more broadly and shift our focus to building knowledge from an asset-based perspective.

Join us for an insightful edWebinar where we explore the “below-the-surface” instructional practices and processes that support reading comprehension, enhance the retention of information, foster independent learning, and turn content into lifelong wisdom. We will dive into:

Learn how to cultivate a classroom culture where academic risk taking is celebrated and curiosity is the primary driver of achievement. Equip your students with the intellectual muscle to navigate a complex world—long after they leave your classroom.

This edWebinar will be of interest to K-5 teachers, literacy coaches, curriculum directors, school leaders, and district leaders.

Dr. Gina Fugnitto is the Chief Implementation Officer at Collaborative Classroom, where she leads the Implementation Department in advancing professional learning and fostering the conditions necessary for sustainable implementation success. Drawing from a career devoted to empowering educators, Dr. Fugnitto is committed to bridging research and practice to drive meaningful, long-term improvements in student learning outcomes.

With a B.S. in elementary education, an M.Ed. in educational leadership, and an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from the UCF—specializing in literacy coaching trends—Dr. Fugnitto brings a unique blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience to her work. Her journey spans roles as a classroom teacher, interventionist, and instructional coach, equipping her with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities educators face daily. Beyond her direct contributions to schools and districts, Dr. Fugnitto has made an impact at state and national levels through her leadership in designing and delivering professional learning experiences that cultivate instructional excellence.

Dr. Taylar Wenzel is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Teacher Education at the University of Central Florida (UCF). She is the founder and Co-director of the UCF Reading Clinic and the Director of the UCF Downtown Saturday Reading Camp, both of which offer acceleration opportunities to serve K-6 students in the Central Florida area and