Last week, school was out, but the International Reading Recovery Institute was in! The Institute celebrated diverse paths to literate lives, with Reading Recovery leaders and educators from around the globe sharing their knowledge and passion in Indianapolis.

The first day began with Embracing Alternative and Multiple Literacies to Create Greater Equity in Education and Schooling, presented by Dr. Ann Lopez, followed by a Teacher Leader Seminar. Each day of learning contained keynote sessions, featured speakers, and concurrent sessions. From Engaging with Indigenous Theories in Reading Recovery to Creating a Community of Support: Transition for Reading Recovery Students into the Classroom, there was something for everyone. The Welcome Reception, sponsored by Richard C. Owens Publishers, ended the first day with fun and fellowship. Attendees relaxed and connected with their counterparts worldwide — including the United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

Between sessions, attendees browsed the exhibitors, including Blueberry Hill Books, Heinemann, MaryRuth Books, Pioneer Valley, SongLake Books, and Reading Reading Books, and checked out their book selections. Everywhere you looked, attendees connected with one another and shared ideas. 

When attendees weren’t learning on-site, they were exploring all the bustling city of Indianapolis had to offer. Groups journeyed down the Cultural Walk of downtown public open spaces, taste-tested local restaurants, and followed the Canal Walk. On the last evening of the institute, attendees gathered at Eiteljorg Museum to learn about the art, history, and diverse cultures of Native America and the West. After a guided tour, everyone celebrated a successful International Reading Recovery Institute over dinner.

The last keynote closed out the institute with De(Limiting) Literate Lives: Expanding Politics and Pathways as an Ethical Imperative by Dr. Mariana Souto-Manning. After three days of fellowship, celebration, and knowledge-sharing, it was time for attendees to pack their bags and catch their flights, with the sound of the New Zealand delegate’s heartfelt closing song following the attendees home.