RIGHT TO READ | Linked2Literacy Event

Linked2Literacy aims to shed light on childhood reading gaps, especially concerning the alarming statistics: 56% of Black 4th graders, 50% of Hispanic 4th graders, and 57% of American Indian/Alaska Native 4th graders read below basic levels. These gaps hinder future success, leading to higher crime and poverty rates. This impactful event includes a film screening and panel discussion to inspire a passion for childhood literacy. L2L is committed to providing inclusive literacy resources and promoting book ownership for underserved families. 

THE RIGHT TO READ shares the stories of an NAACP activist, a teacher, and two American families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read. (2023 | d. Jenny Mackenzie | 1 hour, 20 minutes)

DISCUSSION PANELISTS

Dolores Simpson-Kirkland, Ph.D (Moderator)

Dolores Simpson-Kirkland, Ph.D., is a retired educator with 33 years of dedicated service in Lincoln Public Schools. Her career includes 22 years as a school counselor and 11 years as an administrative assistant at the district office. Furthermore, she contributed five years to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, serving as Assistant to the Dean of Students for four years and counseling in the Office of Multicultural Affairs for one year.

Dr. Karen Kassebaum | Global Inclusion Lead

Dr. Karen Kassebaum, a native of Chicago, earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Psychology and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Higher Education from University of Nebraska at Lincoln. At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Kassebaum served as the Director of Undergraduate Recruitment, Director of Staff Diversity Recruitment and Retention, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Inclusive Leadership and Learning. She, also served as the Director of Diversity Education and Inclusive Excellence at the University of South Carolina, Columbia where she developed an inaugural Inclusive Excellence Institute for staff and faculty which increased the capacity of the campus community to engage across differences.

Kassebaum currently serves as the inaugural Global Inclusion Lead at Hudl. She is also the founder of Athlete2Athlete, an organization that provides transitional mentoring and leadership development for student athletes. Kassebaum is also a professional mentor for individuals who are new to the DEIAB (diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging) space. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and the Omaha Chapter of The LINKs, Incorporated. She received the 2017 Chancellor’s Fulfilling the Dream Award for contributing to the university or community by promoting the vision of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Karen Kassebaum believes intentional inclusion must be embedded in everyone’s everyday thoughts and actions. If you want to be included, you must be inclusive.

Dr. Lawrence Chatters

Dr. Lawrence Chatters currently serves as the Executive Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Initiatives. Dr. Chatters serves as an executive administrator advising the Director of Athletics. He provides support to the Human Resources department, directs departmental professional and leadership development, and provides oversight of the implementation and progress of Nebraska Athletics’ strategic plan. Dr. Chatters also provides leadership for staff and student-athletes toward creating an inclusively excellent athletic department. Dr. Chatters comes to athletics with a unique perspective based in his training as a psychologist and his wide experience spanning higher education, philanthropy, and business. Chatters is the primary sport administrator for Men’s and Women’s Gymnastics, Wrestling, Men’s and Women’s Golf, and Swimming and Diving. Lawrence and his wife, Katie, have two daughters, Airalon and Mikayla.

Carrie M. Banks, M.Ed

Carrie Banks is a retired Lincoln Public Schools teacher and teacher leader. She has been a classroom teacher, a reading interventionist, and a literacy teacher leader for forty years. As a literacy teacher leader, she has trained hundreds of teachers in best literacy practices. She has written curriculum, provided professional development, and provided classroom demonstration lessons in literacy. Additionally, she has presented locally, state and internationally.

Carrie received her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in reading and special education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She received her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. In addition, she has received several certifications and taken numerous workshops and classes in literacy, classroom management and student engagement.

Carrie is an active member of the NAACP and Let’s Talk Alliance. She’s also a member of the International Literacy Association. She participates in a collaborative group that advocates for and encourages the Nebraska Department of Education and Lincoln Public Schools to make decisions and develop practices that ensure ALL students become proficient readers.

Carrie is a humble woman of faith, courage, and determination. She is a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and serves as a Deaconess, Sunday School Superintendent, Greeter, Chair of the Scholarship Banquet Committee and serves in the Culinary Ministry.

Dr. Anh Le

Dr. Anh Le is a Vietnamese immigrant who came to the US after graduating high school in Vietnam. She earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Higher Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2014. She currently serves as an International Student Success Navigator in the International Student and Scholar Office. Dr. Le is passionate about helping college students, especially underserved and marginalized students, succeed in college and find their best self. Throughout her career, she has worked with students in various capacities as an instructor, advisor, coach, and mentor.

Dr. Le is also a certified life coach and parenting educator and the founder of TRUE HOME NOW COACHING, a life coaching service with an emphasis on holistic wellbeing, mindful living, and community building. Through her life coaching, educational workshops/courses, and speaking engagements, she aspires to facilitate the healing and empowerment of individuals and communities using mindful practices, compassionate connections, and holistic approaches to parenting and living.

Mark Larson

Mark Larson has been an integral part of Lincoln High School’s community since 2003. His journey began as a Reading Support Teacher, where he dedicated himself to empowering high school students who struggled with reading, providing them with crucial skills for academic achievement. Progressing to the role of Associate Principal, Mark spearheaded initiatives to equip all Lincoln High School teachers with strategies for integrating reading skills across various subjects, fostering student success. Since 2015, Mark has now served as the esteemed Principal of Lincoln High School. Beyond his professional commitments, Mark finds joy in family life with his wife Ashley and their three children, Lily, Sam, and Liam, residing just south of Lincoln High School.