The Reading League Celebrates a Decade of Literacy Progress at Its 10th Annual Conference

SYRACUSE, N.Y., July 8, 2026 – The Reading League (TRL), a leading nonprofit championing evidence-based reading instruction, is set to host its 10th Annual Conference from September 30–October 2, 2026, at the Hilton Chicago. This event will gather over 2,500 educators, researchers, and literacy advocates dedicated to integrating scientific reading principles into their instructional practices. With the exponential growth of online learning options and the increasing complexity of literacy challenges, this gathering comes at a pivotal moment for educators looking to adapt and refine their strategies.

Focus on Evidence-Based Practices

In recent years, the spotlight on literacy has intensified due to persistent issues that hinder student progress. The Reading League's commitment to evidence-based practices is more relevant than ever. Simply adopting new techniques isn’t enough; educators need to understand research that supports these methods deeply to ensure effective learning outcomes. The conference serves as a crucial venue for professionals eager to bridge the gap between theory and practice, addressing both current research findings and practical applications.

The upcoming conference will feature more than 85 expert speakers who will engage attendees through over 60 sessions. These sessions will cover a wide array of topics including instruction, intervention, leadership, and policy, making it the foremost gathering aimed at improving literacy for learners of all backgrounds across the nation. This year’s discussions will likely reflect ongoing debates surrounding educational metrics, curriculum standards, and technological adaptation in classrooms.

Connecting with a Global Community

Dr. Maria Murray, president and CEO of The Reading League, emphasized the event's uniqueness: “What makes this event special is not only the quality of the learning, but also the opportunity to join a global community united around helping all students become successful readers. The conversation shaping the future of literacy education happens here.” What’s particularly significant is the conference’s ability to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, from practitioners on the ground to researchers in academic circles. This exchange is vital for building a support network that extends beyond the confines of the conference.

Custom Learning Experiences

This three-day gathering offers personalized learning experiences designed to benefit various stakeholders in the literacy ecosystem. Each attendee will leave equipped with actionable strategies to enhance educational outcomes. It's about meeting specific needs, not just a one-size-fits-all approach. The breakdown of the tailored content includes:

• Educators: Gain practical classroom strategies and proven instructional methods that enhance student performance, enabling real-time application and feedback.
• Administrators and District Leaders: Learn about effective frameworks for school implementation, leadership development, and sustainable impact. The focus is on how administrators can influence the educational system long after the conference ends.
• Higher Education Professionals: Address the research-to-practice divide while enhancing educator training programs. Enhancing these connections helps ensure that new teachers enter the classroom ready to utilize best practices.
• Policymakers and Advocates: Investigate strategies for effective literacy policies with a focus on large-scale, enduring change. Their discussions should reflect on how to navigate the complexities of educational legislation.

Keynote Presentations

This year's lineup of speakers is particularly noteworthy, reflecting the complex challenges and advancements in literacy education:

• Adam Kronk: Kicking off the event with a keynote on the implications of learning in the AI age. Given today's technological landscape, his insights could prompt critical discussions about how AI tools can enhance or detract from traditional reading instruction.
• Maryanne Wolf: Addressing the nuances of deep reading within a digital context, she will likely highlight both challenges and opportunities for readers who navigate information across various platforms.
• Anita Archer: Leading sessions on effective instruction techniques, she’s recognized for her evidence-based methods that have transformed classrooms across the country.
• Zaretta Hammond: Focusing on ways to rekindle students’ ability to learn independently. This topic is increasingly pressing, as student autonomy in learning gains prominence.
• Sonia Cabell: Concluding the event with insights into fostering content-rich discussions to enhance language skills, reminding educators that dialogue is at the core of reading comprehension and literacy.

Registration is now open. Educators, district leaders, and literacy professionals are encouraged to secure their spots early. For more information on details, visit www.thereadingleague.org/conference/. If you're working in this space, securing your participation now could be essential for staying current with the latest literacy trends and methodologies.

Media inquiries for speaker interviews and press passes are welcomed. This is a great opportunity to gain insights from the leading minds in literacy education.

About The Reading League

The Reading League marks a decade of dedicated service as a global nonprofit organization advocating for evidence-based reading instruction. With a network of 46 chapters and a robust focus on research-backed practices, TRL aspires to ensure every child learns to read effectively, and every educator has the necessary support. The organization's mission resonates amid ongoing conversations about student achievement and educational access. For additional information, visit thereadingleague.org.

Media Contact: Soledad Calvino, Director of Public Relations, [email protected], 315-362-2378

Looking Ahead

As literacy continues to evolve in response to cultural, technological, and policy changes, the implications of gatherings like this conference are significant. Attendees will not only engage with new ideas but will also shape future literacy education standards that could ripple through educational systems. The importance of collaboration among various stakeholders cannot be overstated; it’s through these networks that impactful changes in instruction can emerge. The Reading League has positioned itself as a key player in driving evidence-based advocacy, and its continued influence over the next decade will be something to monitor closely. Who knows? This could be where the next big literacy movement gets its start.