Reading Specialist Conferences
• International Literacy Association
• Virginia State Readings Association
• Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning
• ILA West
• Literacy for All
Each year, new advances in pedagogy and curriculum are explored during conferences for reading specialists. In addition to keeping up with the latest trends in education, these gatherings can be an important time to connect with colleagues and reenergize after giving so much to your students. Find a conference that fits your interests and travel needs with these options for 2018.
1. International Literacy Association (ILA) Conference
July 20-23th, 2018, Austin, TX
As one of the largest organizations devoted to literacy, the ILA hosts the most high-profile conference of the year. Reading specialists will feel at home in this conference, where passionate presenters will challenge the boundaries of what literacy can achieve. Participants will have opportunities to catch up on the latest research on assessment and effective strategies, reflect on their strengths and impact on their students, and receive encouragement and support for the challenges they face during break-out sessions. While the national conference can count toward required professional development hours, the ILA also runs regional conferences that may be more affordable and logistically accessible.
2. Virginia State Reading Association Conference
March 8-10, 2018, Richmond, VA
Well-planned and well-organized, this conference gets rave reviews for focusing on bringing top authors to talk about their craft as speakers and in hands on work sessions. Past participants have created their own alphabet books and heard preview readings from upcoming works. If you’re looking for inspiration for new ways to connect with author purpose and to find new texts, this conference is a unique and inspiring venue.
3. Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning
October 7-8, 2018, Boston
This conference is ideal for reading specialists who need professional development hours devoted to new teaching strategies, as well as educational leaders and administrators. The focus is on break-out sessions that give participants exposure to preventative measures to use with students as well as intervention strategies for struggling readers. Practice using the strategies and creating application plans for individual classrooms is also structured into the schedule. Attendance can count toward CEUs or university credit, making this conference a good choice for mid-career reading specialists working toward next level certification.
4. ILA West 2018
March 16-17, 2018, San Diego, CA
As a two-day event, this literacy conference is a practical choice for reading specialists local to the west coast. This year’s theme, “Literacy: A Pathway to Equity”, explores the way reading specialists and other literacy teachers can close the achievement gap in any school district. Expert researchers as well as practicing classroom teachers and award winning administrators provide multiple perspectives about the transformational strategies in workshop style sessions. An emphasis on knowledge that will transfer directly to your teaching and building a professional network of peers means these two short days could have a huge impact on your student’s learning.
5. Literacy for All
October tbd, 2018, Providence, RI
The leading literacy and reading recovery conference in the Northeast, this conference for reading specialists offers over 100 workshops for those working in grades PreK-8. Participants can earn professional development hours for attending and will take home new strategies to use right away. Past speakers have included top names in reading and writing intervention such as Kelly Gallahger and Stephanie Harvey. Workshop style sessions also allow time to brainstorm and practice with strategies tailored for reading specialists, including guided reading, vocabulary, and supporting IEPs. One unique draw for this conference are the sessions focused on team building between reading specialists, administrators, and parents.
Attend a smaller, local conference that fits your travel budget, or become a part of the national conversation at a larger meeting. No matter what you choose, the time you spend gaining new tools will improve your teaching effectiveness. Whether you’re a new educator looking for teaching strategies, working on your CEUs mid-career, or a veteran teacher looking for inspiration and a creative spark, these conferences for reading specialists offer valuable professional development opportunities for 2018.
