The Northwest Montana Reading Council
presents
The Back-to-School
Literacy Conference
August 12, 2026
Flathead High School
8:00am to 3:30pm
$40 Full Conference (if received by July 31)
$50 Full Conference (if received after August 1st)
Free with a Student ID
If your district pays your registration & uses PIRnet, register there: Session #13226
Bookworks in Whitefish will attend with books from the sessions and other educational resources for sale.
2026 Reading Conference Information
Featuring
Pam Allyn
Keynote Address begins at 8:30am
Pam Allyn is an award-winning author, global literacy leader, and founder of LitWorld and LitLife. Her work, like LitCamp and World Read Aloud Day has inspired millions of students and teachers worldwide. Known for her practical, joyful approach to reading and writing instruction, Pam empowers educators with tools to help every student thrive as a reader, writer, and thinker.
Keynote Information
Every Student a Super Reader: 7 Strengths for Literacy Learners in a New Era
-
Inspire a vision for literacy in a rapidly changing world
-
Explore 7 essential strengths all readers need to thrive
-
Discover practical strategies to build confident, capable learners
-
Connect literacy learning across subjects and beyond the school day
Pam brings inspiration, research, and real-world practices to help educators meet student needs with clarity and optimism.
Breakout Sessions
Grades K-5 Session
The Science of Reading + The Power of Story
-
Explore the connection between reading and writing within SOR
-
Learn how “active phonics” strengthens student outcomes
-
Integrate storytelling to deepen comprehension and engagement
-
Apply practical strategies to connect phonics and authentic literacy
Grades 7–12 Session
Why Writing Still Matters: Engaging Students in a Digital World
-
Examine the role of writing in the age of AI and technology
-
Explore strategies to increase student engagement and relevance
-
Connect writing instruction to students’ lived experiences
-
Participate in meaningful discussion around modern literacy instruction
The Northwest Montana Literacy Council champions literacy excellence by providing high-quality professional development, encouraging professional collaboration, and sharing effective instructional practices. We are committed to building educator capacity, advancing literacy achievement, and creating opportunities for every learner to thrive through strong literacy skills.
Awards
Each year at the conference, the council recognizes certain Educators, who have been nominated by their peers, as outstanding contributors to the growth and development of Northwest Montana Students and Teachers.
The following are the awards celebrated each year:
Educator of the Year
Administrator of the Year
Support Educator of the Year
Friend of Education
Contact the NWMT Reading Council
Director: Dani Burtsfield
