Lecturer & Consultant

As a nationally recognized expert, I often give lectures and seminars all over the country on writing, taking standardized tests, learning effective study skills, speaking in public with confidence, writing as a career, and enjoying literature. I’d like to help you, too!

"Laurie is my go-to person when I need a great quote and memorable interview. She's well versed on an amazing assortment of topics and always makes me chuckle. Reporters and students alike benefit from working with her." 
     -- Kathy Coley, Director of Communications, Farmingdale State College




You can also arrange for me to visit your school through one of my publishers, Scholastic.com.

Here’s what the people at Scholastic, the world’s largest publishers of children’s books, said about me:

“This dynamic teacher loves visiting schools and running workshops in writing, poetry, test-taking, and editing. Energetic, upbeat, and entertaining, Dr. Rozakis empowers even reluctant students to express themselves in writing.”

Previous Lectures

Beacons of Light” TYCA-SE’s 49th Annual Conference                               
Hillsborough Community College, Tampa, Florida 

Fed up with another tedious Powerpoint presentation? If so, you’re not alone, as the phrase “Death by Powerpoint” demonstrates. In this seminar, I explained how to use an engaging  presentation software called Prezi as well as other easy-to-use ways to help people learn to write and to share their work.   
Extra! Extra! Write/Blog/Tweet All About It!”               
Atlanta, Georgia

Amtrak’s pilot program to give writers long, free roundtrip rides—what they’ve dubbed “writers’ residencies” —is attracting a lot of buzz. Amtrak’s definition of a writer is wide open and the application is a tweet. In this presentation, I explained what tweeting is, how to do it, and demonstrated how to apply for the program. Maybe this program is ideal for you, too!  
North Middle School, Martinsburg, West Virginia 

As a nationally-recognized expert on assessment and public speaking, I was sought out and invited by the district to help keep this struggling middle school from being taken over by the state. I presented a one-day workshop to the students on test-taking to prepare them for their latest round of state assessments. Based on my success, I was invited back to repeat the presentation for another group of students the following year. 
Miami-Dade Medical College       

Since I am well-known for my books and seminars on study skills, I was sought out and invited by the College to give an intensive two-day seminar on study skills, addressing more than 300 students and faculty each day.
Harrisburg Shakespeare Festival                                                      

As the guest of honor, I organized and ran an exciting one-hour “Complete Idiot’s Guide to The Tempest with the festival’s talented actors.
Appearance on ABC TV’s Live! With Regis and Kelly                                               

I served as the “Vocabulary Judge” in the Word of the Day final contest, chosen for my expertise as a professor and author of numerous vocabulary books.
Weinstein Jewish Community Center, Richmond, VA                           
St. Louis Jewish Book Festival, St. Louis, MO

In each case, I spoke on my book The Portable Jewish Mother.
Workshop at the Farmingdale Public Library on Writing College Application Essays that Work!  

I helped high school students craft successful personal essays for their college applications.
Hempstead/Uniondale Rotary Club 
Amityville High School, poetry workshop                                                       
Deer Park Public Library, "Unlock Your Creativity," Poetry workshop      

In each case, I ran a Poetry Workshop/Writing Seminar.
“How to Speak in Public with Confidence” Girl Scouts of Nassau County  

I gave a four part seminar, 2 hours each session, to the staff of the Girl Scout Service Center in Uniondale, NY.
“Emily Dickinson and Modern American Poetry.”                                             

I lectured at the North Babylon Public Library in celebration of 
Women’s History Month. 
“That Damned Mob of Scribbling Women”
I gave this survey of women in literature at the Half Hollow Hills Community Library.
North Babylon Public Library                                                                                    

I have an extensive seminar series on Journal Writing that I have delivered to multiple libraries.

The American Association of University Women, Suffolk Branch 

I addressed over 75 women on the topic of writing and publishing.
Floral Park High School 

I gave a series of writing presentations through the “Senior Connection” program.
Creative Writing Seminars at Borders Books, Westbury. 

I ran these seminars for years, gathering a loyal, talented following of writers.
Creative Writing Seminar at the North Babylon Public Library                       

I gave a four-session creative writing seminar for adults.
Writers are supposed to love all their books equally, but this one is a favorite of mine. I think you’ll like it, too.  Give it a read and tell me what you think.