Guests & Performers

Tina Curry

Oba William King

Dr. Tina Curry is an award-winning coach, professor, and teacher. Tina brings a 24-year distinguished track record and innovative success as an educator in Chicago, as well as her experiences as a valued member of the adjunct faculty at National Louis University and a lead equity facilitator for DePaul University’s Office of Innovative and Professional Learning. Tina currently works as lead instructional coach at Fernwood Elementary School in Chicago. She has been an invited presenter for IWP, AERA, LRA, NCTE, and IRC as well as a featured guest on Coaching Conversations Podcast with Jim Knight. Dr. Curry is a longtime teacher leader in the Illinois Writing Project. She has supported professional learning at the leadership and classroom level and has transformed lives professionally and personally. 

Oba William King is a storyteller of high energy, enthusiasm, a wealth of tales, and over 25 years experience. He is popular with kids and adults of all ages, offering traditional stories and fables, historical tales, stories he writes, music, movement, joy, literacy, in performances and workshops, always emphasizing unity. He spent many years in the Chicago area and currently lives in Dallas – Fort Worth. He has appeared at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the International Storytelling Center, and the National Association of Black Storytellers.

Michael Applegate, a renowned motivational speaker, program development specialist, business consultant, and writer. He focuses on empowering students and influencing a new generation of leaders. He wrote How to Dream Bigger Dreams, a motivational playbook encouraging others to reach success. Michael Applegate was the keynote speaker for IWP’s 2024 Writing Palooza.