Ciera Harris
PRERECORDED SESSION:
Building Thinking Readers: Cultivating Critical Thinking in the Classroom
About Ciera
Ciera Harris is a seasoned educator with over 16 years of experience in literacy instruction and the future author of a new educational textbook titled "The Thinking Reader." She brings a wealth of expertise and passion to her role as a presenter and literacy advocate. With a background encompassing 10 years of elementary teaching and 2 years as a K-4 instructional coach, she possesses a deep understanding of the complexities of literacy development in young learners. Currently pursuing her doctoral degree in literacy at St. John's University, Ciera is dedicated to advancing her knowledge and expertise in the field.
Based in Indiana, Ciera is deeply committed to supporting educators worldwide in fostering impactful literacy experiences. Through her multimedia platforms, including The Literacy Lounge podcast, her website (cieraharristeaching.com), blog, YouTube channel, and private professional development sessions, she empowers educators with evidence-based strategies for enhancing reading comprehension. She also offers an exclusive membership called The Building Comprehension Hub. Ciera has been sought after as a presenter at conferences across the country, where she shares practical insights and resources to cultivate a culture of metacognitive awareness and academic success in the classroom.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Ciera is a devoted wife and mother of three, residing in Indiana with her family and two beloved dogs. In her leisure time, she indulges her passion for collecting earrings and unwinds by cheering on Notre Dame Football. Ciera’s unique blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and personal warmth make her a dynamic and inspiring presenter in the field of literacy instruction.
SESSION
Building Thinking Readers: Cultivating Critical Thinking in the Classroom
Creating truly engaged readers requires more than just teaching comprehension skills—it demands cultivating critical thinkers. This session, based on The Thinking Reader by Ciera Harris, will focus on strategies that help students move beyond surface-level understanding to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information from texts. Participants will explore research-backed methods for fostering deep, meaningful discussions, encouraging inquiry, and developing independent thinkers who approach reading with curiosity and a critical lens.
