Photo: Maryland Literacy Leadership Summit 2025
On July 30th and 31st, 2025, MILE and the Maryland State Department of Education co-hosted the Maryland Literacy Summit. Photos by Heavy Feather Productions.
The two-day summit was a success, bringing together leaders from across Maryland for meaningful collaboration and inspiration. Day One set the tone with opening remarks from Dr. Simone Gibson, Dean Kimberly Griffin, Dean Glenda Prime, and Dr. Brit Kirwan, who spoke passionately about the state’s commitment to literacy as a foundation for equity. Kareem Weaver delivered a moving keynote on literacy as the great equalizer, followed by Dr. Chelsea Brewer’s call to action from MSDE. Breakout sessions led by Drs. Gibson and DJ Bolger, Jennifer Lynch, Dewayne Morgan, Dr. Laura Groth, Wanda Debrewer, Drs. Kelli Cummings, Emily Reno, and Maggie Peterson gave participants the chance to reflect on their roles in building a stronger system. Day Two continued the momentum with opening remarks from Alaina Jackson Mackell and Dr. Gibson, followed by a panel moderated by Dr. Brewer with Yvonne Cox, Sherry Eichinger-Wilson, Jenny Lazarus, Katherine Purper, Simone McQuaige, and Jaclynn Lightsey sharing promising practices from their districts. Teams worked with Dr. Antonio Fierro, Jennifer Paulsen, and Megan Gierka to advance the vision for literacy, and later with Drs. Segun Eubanks and Jean Snell on using data to anchor strategy. The summit culminated with an inspiring keynote from State Superintendent Dr. Carey Wright, introduced by Dr. Joshua Michael, who outlined a bold vision for Maryland’s literacy future. Closing reflections from Drs. Brewer, Gibson, and Bolger emphasized the shared progress and reinforced the collaborative spirit that will carry this work forward.
Presentation recordings available of MILE’s YouTube Channel here.
