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Come for the content,

Stay for the party!

Join us for a day of fun-filled sessions designed to help K-5 teachers teach aligned to the Science of Reading!

June 25, 2026 in Racine, WI

 

If you are tax-exempt or would like to pay with a purchase order, please email us for tickets at [email protected].

Register NOW for just $189!

Need a letter requesting funding from your school or district? 

Grab our editable copy here!

Hands - On Sessions - You will be an active participant in all sessions so that you can take everything you learn right back to your classroom!

Resources - each session includes resources from the presenter that relate to the topic. You get the tools and the training!

Experienced Educator Presenters - While we know learning from the researchers is important, we also think it is important to learn from teachers! We know all the demands you face each day and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to teach following the research!

Full Day of Content and Fun! - Our action-packed sessions will keep you engaged and having fun all day! As if that is not enough, we will have fun-filled activities for you throughout the day as well!

BONUS Sessions - Because we want to help you help your students! We keep the in-person conference "mini" so you don't get overwhelmed & give you access to 3 bonus sessions online for 30 days after the conference!

Hands - On Sessions - You will be an active participant in all sessions so that you can take everything you learn right back to your classroom!

Resources - each session includes resources from the presenter that relate to the topic. You get the tools and the training!

Teacher Presenters - While we know learning from the researchers is important, we also think it is important to learn from teachers! We know all the demands you face each day and we want to make it as easy as possibly for you to teach following the research!

Full Day of Content and Fun! - Our action-packed sessions will keep you engaged and having fun all day! As if that is not enough, we will have fun-filled activities for you throughout the day as well!

BONUS Sessions - Because we want to help you best serve your students! We keep the conference "mini" so you don't feel overwhelmed and then give you access to 3 bonus sessions for 30 days after the conference!

Science of Learning 101

Did you know the brain is built to forget? So the real question is…how do we help students retain what matters most? In this session, Jessica will introduce the science of learning and how to apply it directly to your literacy instruction. You’ll learn evidence-based practices such as retrieval practice, spaced review, and high-yield engagement routines. PLUS, you'll practice each strategy in real time! Walk away with simple, effective techniques you can use immediately to boost retention and engagement in your literacy block.

 

Write it Right: Breaking Down the Science of Writing

Writing instruction used to be understood as a “go off and write” time, leaving students with little explicit instruction. So, where do we start? What categories of focus can I sort student writing samples into? Join Jake in this session where he breaks down sentence-level instruction, sentence expansion, sentence variety, planning, and revision. This session will give concrete examples of how to positively impact student writing development.

 

Why Words Work: Phonics Rules, Origins, and Tips Kids Never Forget

Get ready for a lively deep dive into the patterns behind the words we read every day! In this upbeat session, we’ll uncover the “why” behind English spelling through phonics generalizations, word origins, and memorable tricks you can take straight back to your classroom. You’ll walk away with easy rhymes, chants, and student-friendly explanations that make tricky patterns click. Come explore how to boost transfer, build confidence, and make phonics instruction feel joyful—for you and your students! 

 

Vocab That Sticks: How to Plan Lessons Kids Actually Remember

Building vocabulary isn’t about handing students a list of words and memorizing their definitions. It’s about designing lessons that make those words stick. In this lively, hands-on session, we’ll walk through a simple, research-aligned routine for planning effective vocabulary lessons from start to finish. You’ll learn how to select high-impact words, introduce them in ways the brain remembers, and weave in morphology, orthography, and background knowledge without overwhelming your students (or your planning time!). We’ll model the routine using real classroom examples, explore what “explicit instruction” truly looks like, and unpack how word learning connects to the reading brain. We’ll also dive into a few high-leverage activities that build word consciousness, deepen meaning, and boost long-term retention. You’ll leave with a practical planning template, easy-to-use routines you can implement immediately, and a toolkit of strategies to help your students develop the kind of vocabulary that endures well beyond the lesson.

 

 

Stress-Free Sight Words!

Tired of endless repetitions and forgotten sight words? There’s a better way! In this session, discover how science reveals that we store words by matching sounds to symbols, not by memorization. Learn simple, effective strategies to make high-frequency word learning fun and engaging in whole group, small group, and center activities. Say goodbye to the stress and hello to meaningful learning!

Kickstart Literacy Centers: The 4-Step KICK Framework

with MeQuel Bolden

Say goodbye to chaotic centers and hello to a literacy block that runs like magic! In this upbeat, hands-on session, you’ll learn the 4-Step KICK Framework... your new secret weapon for launching literacy centers that are calm, purposeful, and packed with skill-building power. Walk away with practical routines, engaging ideas, and a clear roadmap for creating centers that practically run themselves… so you can focus on what matters most: teaching!

 

Rock Your Literacy Block!

with Lindsay Kemeny

We can read studies and listen to experts, but implementing the things we’re learning is on a whole other level. How exactly do you apply the science of reading? There are so many things to teach, how do you fit it all in? How can you maximize the amount of time students are engaged in learning? Join teacher and author, Lindsay Kemeny, as she guides you through her literacy block, step-by-step – from morning arrival to whole-class and small-group instruction, writing time, and read-aloud. Gain concrete examples of how to effectively teach reading and writing so you can rock your literacy block!

When Reading Fails: The Hidden Path from Classroom to Incarceration

with Hilderbrand Pelzer III

For more than 50 years, we have known that reading failure is one of the strongest predictors of incarceration—yet the cycle continues. In this powerful session, Hilderbrand Pelzer III shares stories from students he taught inside correctional facilities and connects them to what is happening in classrooms today. Drawing on research and lived experience, he examines why reading frustration remains unaddressed, how adult decisions shape student outcomes, and what it will take to equip teachers with the science of reading and the leadership necessary to interrupt the pipeline. 

Need paperwork to submit to your school/district for funding?

Download our conference guide below! If you need a letter requesting funding, download our editable version here!!

Check out our Conference Guide for Admin!

Amie Burkholder is a K–5 Literacy Coach, national speaker, consultant, and author of Literacy Unlocked: How to Implement the Science of Reading With Young Learners.

With 15 years of experience in education, Amie specializes in turning research into practical, teacher-friendly instruction. She is the creator of the Route2Reading Membership and the Foundations to Fluency phonics curriculum, and she’s trained in Orton-Gillingham and LETRS. Amie is passionate about helping teachers build strong literacy systems, supporting struggling readers, and making evidence-based practices feel doable in real classrooms.

REGISTER NOW!

NEW VIP Upgrade Option for 2026!

You can choose to upgrade to one of the front row tables (only 24 available) or to VIP balcony seating. Both options include exclusive VIP swag!

 We know how much you give to your students and we want you to know you are appreciated! Enjoy these activities included with your ticket! 

P.S. There may be even more surprises in store!

DJ Amar F - playing the best hits all day!

Mocktails - What is more fun than sipping on a Digraph Daiquiri while learning?

Bracelet Making Stations - because who doesn't love arts & crafts!

Sound Bath - This will be held the night before on the beach!

Other activities available at an extra cost on-site: 

T-shirts on demand - Choose your style & design from our inventory!

Food trucks on site for a convenient lunch option and a coffee truck in the morning to help you get started! (Other food options are within walking distance!)

An evening mixer with the speakers. Come hang out, have a drink, and make some new literacy friends!

 We know how much you give to your students and we want you to know you are appreciated! Enjoy these bonuses included with your ticket! 

DJ Amar F - playing the best hits all day!

Mocktails - What is more fun than sipping on a Digraph Daiquiri while learning?

Sound Bath - This will be held the night before on the beach!

 Other activities available at an extra cost on-site: 

T-shirts on demand - Choose your style & design from our inventory!

Food trucks on site for a convenient lunch option.

An evening mixer with the speakers. Come hang out, have a drink, and make some new literacy friends!

SoR Mini Con will take place in beautiful downtown Racine, WI. With a gorgeous beach, you may just want to stay an extra day and make it a family vacation!

The venue is just 30 minutes from Milwaukee and 75 minutes from Chicago O'Hare!

NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS FOR 2026!

Hotel Verdant is just 5 minutes walking distance from the venue. They are a newer hotel & also have a beautiful rooftop bar!

If you prefer, you can call to make your reservations. Just mention the SOR MiniCon when you book or use code DROP26 -  (262) 456-6851  
Hotel Verdant - Book Now!

Are you a business looking to support literacy?

Click below or mail us today to find out more about sponsorship opportunities! [email protected]

LEARN MORE!

Our 2026 Premier Partner:

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that is not answered here, please reach out to us anytime at [email protected]!

Terms & Conditions - 2026 Science of Reading Mini-Con