Upcoming Conferences & Webinars

Upcoming public events will be posted here. Check back often or sign up for the newsletter so you don’t miss an opportunity!

In-Person Workshop

October 15, 2025

Bridging the Gap:
What the Science of Reading Looks Like
for Middle and High School Students (Gr. 6-12)

Wabash Valley Education Center | West Lafayette, IN

Presenter: Dr. Jenny French

There are tons of PD opportunities and resources available on the science of reading for elementary teachers, but the science of reading still applies to middle and high school students! Secondary teachers are experts of their content, but are frustrated by the lack of knowledge and resources to support students who still need to master decoding and fluency. In this session, participants will explore the science of reading and its application to older students. Whether you're a classroom teacher, literacy coach, or administrator, this workshop offers valuable insights, resources, and tools to enhance your teaching practice and empower your secondary students to become confident and proficient readers.

Conference

October 24, 2025

Secondary Reading League:
46th Day of Reading

Tinley Park Convention Center | Tinley Park, IL

Presenter: Dr. Katie McKnight

The Secondary Reading League is a statewide council of the Illinois Reading Council. SRL’s purpose is to provide opportunities for the formal and informal exchange of ideas related to literacy issues and lifelong learning, with an emphasis on reading and the concerns of secondary educators. Register by 9/15/25 and receive Katie’s 2-Book Set with your Early Bird Registration. Dr. Katie McKnight will deliver the keynote address and present on the topics:

Small Group Instruction for Grades 4-12
Instructional Practices and Routines to Develop Literacy Skills for Deep Content Study
The Science of Reading Applied to Secondary Level

Conference

October 25, 2025

Indiana State Literacy Association 2025 Annual Conference

University of Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN

Presenter: Dr. Jenny French

Join us at the Indiana State Literacy Association Conference for a day of learning, networking, and celebrating all things literacy. This year’s conference theme is Joyful Literacy! Dr. Jenny French will present on the topic: What the Science of Reading Looks like in Middle and High School.

In-Person Workshop

November 4, 2025

Initiative Mastery:
Prioritizing and Launching School Initiatives that Work

Southern Indiana Education Center (SEIC) | Jasper, IN

Presenter: Dr. Jenny French

Did you know that 80% of school initiatives fail? With so much out of our control, how do we combat initiative fatigue, remain compliant, AND improve student achievement? This workshop is designed exclusively for school administrators seeking to streamline their initiatives and ensure their success. Learn how to conduct a district-wide initiative audit, assess the effectiveness , prioritize programming, and develop a plan for implementation.

In-Person Workshop

November 20, 2025

Writing Reboot:
Teaching Writing When Students Struggle to Read 

Southern Indiana Education Center (SEIC) | Jasper, IN

Presenter: Dr. Jenny French

Teaching writing in middle and high school can feel impossible when students have serious gaps in spelling, decoding, and reading comprehension. This workshop is designed for teachers who want to support adolescent writers—but aren’t sure where to begin. We’ll explore high-leverage, research-based strategies that make writing accessible for students with foundational literacy needs. From sentence level scaffolds and guided modeling to vocabulary supports, this session offers realistic, classroom-ready tools that work across content areas. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or new to writing instruction, you'll leave with ideas you can use tomorrow.

Conference

December 8, 2025

2025 Raising Student Achievement Conference

Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS) | Oak Brook, IL

Presenter: Dr. Katie McKnight

Dr. Katie McKnight is a featured speaker at this year’s IARSS conference and will speak on the following topics:

What Does the Science of Reading Mean for Content Area Teachers? (Grades 4-12)
Building a Middle School/High School Reading Intervention that Works
Creating an Engaging, Evidence-Based Writing Program for Every Subject (With AI Support)
Unlocking Potential: Transform Learning with Small Group Instruction for Grades 4-12

In-Person Workshop

January 21, 2026

Mission Possible:
Practical Solutions When Resources Run Low

Wabash Valley Education Center | West Lafayette, IN

Presenter: Dr. Jenny French

With shrinking budgets and limited support, schools are being asked to do more with less. But less doesn’t have to mean less impact. This workshop introduces a practical framework to help leaders assess what they have, focus on what matters, and maximize existing people, systems, and resources. Whether you're short on materials, staff, or funding, you'll leave with creative, actionable strategies to stretch your resources without sacrificing quality or burning out your team.

Conference

February 3, 2026

The Power of Coaching Conference

VATLL (Virginia Association for Teaching, Learning, and Leading) | Williamsburg, VA

Presenter: Dr. Katie McKnight

In this two-day conference (February 3 and 4), participants will gain knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to effectively serve in the role of instructional coach. As more and more schools bring coaches as part of their staff and as the role of ITRT shifts from resource teacher to coach, this is a much-needed conference for building capacity and for developing strong networks of coaches, instructional leaders, and coach supervisors across the Commonwealth. Dr. Katie McKnight will deliver the keynote address and present on the topic: Reading in the Content Areas for Instructional Coaches.