On January 28, Columbus welcomed educators from across the country and the world for the homecoming of literacy leaders at the first in-person LitCon in three years! Attendees reconnected with literacy leaders and committed to their ongoing professional development. By the end of LitCon, everyone headed home inspired and ready to tackle the rest of the school year.

LitCon ’23 kicked off with a keynote presentation from Patrick Harris, author of The First Five, a love letter to teachers. The audience laughed and cried, feeling invigorated and reconnected to the profession; everyone was reminded why they love being an educator. Next up, attendees walked the purple carpet to The Big Win, a celebration for the Foundation for Struggling Readers with an evening of games and prizes. While the lucky winners got to shout BINGO, everyone had fun partying for a good cause.

Next, a day of learning kicked off with a day full of educational sessions! From Refining Our Teaching Expertise in Reading Recovery to Let Me Take a Selfie! Unpacking the Complexity of Identity, there was something for everyone. In between sessions, attendees browsed the Exhibit Hall and munched on bite-sized speed learning sessions led by LitCon speakers and exhibitors. Hallways buzzed with laughter, brainstorms, and discussions. The energy in the convention center was palpable as attendees reconnected in person for the first time in three years!

In the Monday keynote Teaching Readers (Not Reading), Peter Afflerbach shared how students need skills such as motivation and engagement, self-efficacy, metacognition, self-regulation, and healthy attributions — each representing a “science” of reading — to be successful. He advocated for teachers to teach successful readers, not just reading. After more days of concurrent and featured breakout sessions, LitCon wrapped up Tuesday with Change Over Time in Literacy and Research Policy by Rachael Gabriel. She shared how understanding where we are in the big picture of policy trends, advocacy movements, and broader movements will allow us to move intentionally toward a future that engages and protects liberatory pedagogies for developing literacy. 

By Tuesday afternoon, the convention center was quiet. LitCon attendees traveled home across the country, armed with new skills and techniques to apply to their lessons. Most importantly, attendees left recharged and reenergized from connecting with other educators. Save the date for LitCon ’24, January 27 – 30. We can’t wait to see you next year!