Leigh Van Horn, UHD associate professor of Urban Education, will be a guest speaker at the Literacy Through Photography's (LTP) Teacher Night from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at FotoFest International, 1113 Vine Street.

According to the program's website, LTP is the in-school education program created by FotoFest International to help students in grades 3-12 strengthen basic learning skills, particularly writing and critical thinking skills through photography and visual imagery.

"The people at Fotofest International heard about my book on teaching writing using images and they asked me to talk with them about visual literacy," Van Horn said. "I will be speaking to the group about my work with children and young adults using objects, drawings and photographs to develop writing experiences. The participants will bring an object and we will engage in an interactive writing experience together."

Van Horn's book, "Reading Photographs to Write with Meaning and Purpose, Grades 4-12," was published in 2008 by the International Reading Association, Inc. and focuses on using photographs to improve students' creative and critical writing abilities.

FotoFest International was founded in 1983 with the purpose of promoting art and the exchange of artistic ideas through international programs and exhibits while maintaining a commitment to community involvement.

For more information, contact Van Horn at vanhornl@uhd.edu.