The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Dr. Lauren Zepp and Dr. Lana Collet-Klingenberg as guest speakers at its upcoming monthly meeting in July. 

The GWC’s meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 13th at 7:00 a.m. at 841 Brewhouse: 841 E Milwaukee St, Whitewater, WI 53190. Dr. Zepp is on the faculty of Special Education at UW-Whitewater who is an expert in the area of literacy. Dr. Collet-Klingenberg is the Interim Dean for the College of Education and Professional Studies at UW-Whitewater. Both faculty members will educate and advocate for the Science of Reading at the GWC’S July meeting. 

The GWC is opening the meeting to the public to advocate for literacy importance. An RSVP is required to attend. To reserve your spot, contact Jeffery Knight at: jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday,  July 12th. 

“We are thrilled to learn more about the science of reading,” said GWC Chairman, Crystal Singer, “GWC has been an advocate for literacy among children for many years. We are excited to hear from trailblazers in the industry.” 

Dr. Lauren Zepp is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She is a two-time graduate of UW-Madison and was a special educator and reading specialist for 12 years before pursuing her doctoral degree. Her research focuses on two areas: (1) preparing teachers to provide high-quality reading instruction to students with disabilities, and (2) disability representation in children’s and young adult literature. 

Lana Collet-Klingenberg is a Professor of Special Education at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Since July 1, 2018, Lana has been in leadership in the College of Education and Professional Studies as Interim Associate Dean, and currently as Interim Dean. Lana is currently serving the profession as President of the Wisconsin Association of Colleges of Teacher Education. Dr. Collet-Klingenberg earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in special education from the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign, and her doctoral degree in special education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Research and scholarly interests include teacher education and professional development, secondary special education, school reform, transition from school to adult life, evidence-based practice, autism spectrum disorders, and more recently trauma informed education. 

 About the GWC The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to working with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. Its goals are to advance the economic, educational, and social policies required to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.