The Itinerant's Edge: Aligning DHH Specialized Instruction with the MN READ Act

Workshop description

The Minnesota READ Act has shifted the landscape for every educator in the state, but for itinerant DHH teachers, the challenge is unique: you have to bridge the gap between general education literacy requirements and the specialized linguistic needs of your students—often while traveling between multiple different schools in one day.

Presented by Michelle Moe and eL. Warnest.

Michelle Moe

With a career spanning nearly three decades, Michelle Moe is a dedicated educator committed to breaking down barriers for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH). Since she began teaching in 1997, Michelle has cultivated a deep expertise across a vast array of educational landscapes, including elementary, middle, and high school levels, as well as specialized center-based programs. Currently serving as an Itinerant Teacher for the Deaf with Saint Paul Public Schools, Michelle brings a versatile and student-centered approach to her work. Her educational philosophy is rooted in two core pillars: universal access to content and student empowerment. She believes that providing the right tools is only half the battle; the other half is teaching students to become confident self-advocates who can navigate the world with independence. Through her unwavering advocacy and evidence-based instruction, Michelle continues to ensure that every student she serves has the "seat at the table" they deserve. 

eL Warnest

eL Warnest is a licensed Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) with two decades of expertise spanning center-based and itinerant settings. Currently serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade at St. Paul Public Schools, eL brings a comprehensive approach to deaf education, including an endorsement in Work-Based Learning. Their career is defined by a commitment to supporting deaf plus learners and students across the communication spectrum—from ASL to spoken English. A dedicated advocate for accessibility, eL integrates the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into every facet of their instructional practice.