The Annual Joan Prouty Conference on Literacy

Dr. Curtis Null has served as Conroe Independent School District’s Superintendent of Schools since 2018. Conroe ISD ranks in the top 10 of the 200 largest school districts in Texas for academic and financial performance, a ranking held for over a decade. Dr. Null began his career in Conroe ISD at The Woodlands High School where he served as a teacher and athletic trainer for three years. During this time, he continued his education at Sam Houston State University earning his principal certification, and in 2010 he completed his superintendent certification. Dr. Null earned his doctorate degree in professional leadership from the University of Houston in 2012. In addition to his District responsibilities as superintendent, Dr. Null volunteers on numerous educational and civic boards and committees.

Benita R. Brooks is an Associate Professor of Literacy Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). She earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Literacy Education from UNLV in 2009. Brooks was recently elected as the 2024-2026 Faculty Chair for the College of Education, she also serves as Vice President of ATE’s Nevada chapter and Recruitment and Retention Officer for AERA SIG 41-Experiential Education and Community Engagement. Dr. Brooks is a Faculty Fellow for the National Institute for the Advancement of Education, where her research focuses on nonprofit school-based organizations providing wraparound support.