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
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Inspire a vision for literacy in a rapidly changing world
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Explore 7 essential strengths all readers need to thrive
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Discover practical strategies to build confident, capable learners
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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
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Explore the connection between reading and writing within SOR
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Learn how “active phonics” strengthens student outcomes
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Integrate storytelling to deepen comprehension and engagement
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Apply practical strategies to connect phonics and authentic literacy
Grades 7–12 Session
Why Writing Still Matters: Engaging Students in a Digital World
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Examine the role of writing in the age of AI and technology
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Explore strategies to increase student engagement and relevance
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Connect writing instruction to students’ lived experiences
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Participate in meaningful discussion around modern literacy instruction
Our Mission
The Northwest Montana Reading 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.
About Us
The Northwest Montana Reading Council is a volunteer organization made up of current and retired educators from across the greater Flathead Valley. United by a shared passion for literacy and learning, we believe that educators grow strongest when they learn from and alongside one another.
Throughout the year, council members work together to plan and organize the annual Northwest Montana Back-to-School Literacy Conference, a long-standing tradition that connects educators with nationally recognized experts, local teacher leaders, and practical, research-based instructional practices. Our goal is to provide meaningful professional learning that inspires educators, strengthens classroom practice, and ultimately benefits the students we serve.
We are always looking for enthusiastic educators who share our commitment to literacy and professional learning. Whether you are a classroom teacher, specialist, administrator, retired educator, or simply someone passionate about literacy, we welcome new members and volunteers to join us in supporting literacy education across Northwest Montana.
Council Members:
President: Dani Burtsfield
Treasurer: Megan Koppes
Secretary: Alicia Benson
Session Coordinator: Tricia Hall
Technology Coordinator: Aarica Phillips
Conference Logistics: Kelli Higgins, Sue Brown, Beth Lincoln, Allison Mitchell, Janelle Willette, Emily Hagreen, Callie Moore, Alicia Hakes, Autumn Mansfield, Lisa Bell, Kraig Pickell, Michaul Bosch
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
