Presented in Partnership with the International Literacy Association
Presented in Partnership with the International Literacy Association
Embedded Files
Are you ready to elevate your instructional practice, reignite your passion for teaching, and connect with a dynamic community of literacy advocates? Mark your calendar for the 56th Annual North Carolina Reading Association (NCRA) Literacy Conference!
For over five decades, the NCRA conference has served as North Carolina’s premier gathering for educators, leaders, and literacy champions. Year after year, attendees return to earn CEU credits, discover practical, evidence-based classroom strategies, explore the latest research and innovation, and leave deeply inspired to empower every reader and writer across our state.
Powerful Keynotes You Won't Want to Miss
Powerful Keynotes You Won't Want to Miss
This year, we are thrilled to bring world-class visionaries to our stage:
Dr. Gholdy Muhammad – Join us for an inspiring keynote by Dr. Gholdy Muhammad, named top 1% Edu-Scholar Public Influencer due to her influence on policy and practice, as well as bestselling author of Cultivating Genius and Unearthing Joy! A former educator, administrator, and current UIC professor, Dr. Muhammad transforms education through culturally responsive practices, empowering educators to cultivate identity, intellect, criticality, and joy in every learner.
Jason Reynolds – #1 New York Times bestselling author, Newbery Honor recipient, and former Library of Congress National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Renowned for his unforgettable storytelling (Long Way Down, Ghost, and more), Jason brings a passionate commitment to ensuring all young people—especially reluctant readers—see themselves reflected in literature.
Dr. Rebecca Winthrop – Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution. A globally recognized scholar in education policy, Dr. Winthrop heads the Global Task Force on AI in Education and is a leading voice on how artificial intelligence impacts student learning, literacy, and critical thinking skills.
Gerry Brooks – Veteran educator and viral social media sensation Gerry Brooks brings humor, heart, and 20+ years of experience to our keynote stage. With over 500,000 social media followers, Gerry delivers practical, uplifting strategies to transform school culture, empower teachers, and inspire strong leadership. Don’t miss this energizing keynote!
SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL
SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL
The North Carolina Reading Association invites you to lead the conversation at our 56th Annual Conference, taking place March 21–23, 2027, at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, NC.
Our 2027 theme—"Literacy for a Reimagined World: Innovation and Humanity"—is all about bringing fresh perspectives to the forefront of education while keeping human connection at the heart of literacy and learning.
Why Present at NCRA 2027?
Share the Stage with Educational & Literary Icons: We’re thrilled to announce featured keynote speakers including award-winning author and poet Jason Reynolds, global education leader Dr. Rebecca Winthrop of the Brookings Institution, author/scholar and professor Dr. Gholdy Muhammad of the University of Illinois Chicago, and principal and social media sensation Gerry Brooks!
Inspire Educators Statewide: Share your innovative classroom strategies, research, and practical literacy tools with passionate educators from across North Carolina and beyond.
Shape the Future of Literacy: Help fellow educators navigate an evolving educational landscape with work that merges technology, empathy, and cutting-edge practice.
Ready to Share Your Spark?
Don't wait—get curious, get creative, and get ready to inspire! Submit your concurrent session proposal today and play a vital role in shaping literacy for a reimagined world.
REGISTRATION
REGISTRATION
Why You Should Attend:
Why You Should Attend:
Deep-Dive Professional Growth: Take advantage of high-impact breakout sessions and choice-based workshops led by top literacy experts across the state and nation.
Actionable Strategies & Tools: Walk away with concrete takeaways—from early childhood literacy to AI-enhanced instruction—that you can immediately implement in your school or district.
Connection & Community: Network with hundreds of educators, administrators, authors, and advocates who share your commitment to literacy as a fundamental human right.
Don't miss this transformative event where we explore literacy for a reimagined world.
Register Today & Secure Your Spot!
Bonus: the full conference rate includes a reception and 2 lunches!
Special Conference Hotel Rates:
Book by February 21st
Winston-Salem Marriott
425 North Cherry Street
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27101
Conference Rate Booking
Book your group rate for North Carolina Reading Association Room Block 2027
Last Day to Book: Friday, March 05, 2027
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Dr. Gholdy Muhammad
Dr. Gholdy Muhammad
Current John Corbally Endowed Professor of Literacy, Language, and Culture at the University of Illinois at Chicago
Jason Reynolds
Jason Reynolds
Award-Winning Author/Poet
Former Library of Congress National Ambassador for Young People's Literature
Dr. Rebecca Winthrop
Dr. Rebecca Winthrop
Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution
Gerry Brooks
Gerry Brooks
Principal, Social Media Influencer, and Education Advocate
SUNDAY INSTITUTE PRESENTERS
SUNDAY INSTITUTE PRESENTERS
AUTHORS LUNCHEON PANEL
AUTHORS LUNCHEON PANEL
Professor Alan R. Bailey
Professor Alan R. Bailey
Moderator, Professor Emeritus, East Carolina University, Author of Building a Core Print Collection for Preschoolers, Served on both the Caldecott Award Committee and the Coretta Scott King Book Award Committee
Kwame Mbalia
Kwame Mbalia
New York Times Best-Selling Author of the "Tristan Strong" series, which is included on the 2026-2027 NC Middle Grades Battle of the Books list, Publisher, and Coretta Scott King Honor Winner
Kelly Starling Lyons
Kelly Starling Lyons
Author of over 30 children's books, including Caldecott Honor Book Going Down Home With Daddy, celebrating over 20 years in the publishing industry, named to Good Morning America's 2021 List of Who's Making Black History, Contributor to The Brown Bookshelf
Scott Reintgen
Scott Reintgen
New York Times and USA Today Best-Selling Author of the "Nyxia" series, "The Last Dragon on Mars" series, and his latest book, Devious Prey
Tonnye Fletcher
Tonnye Fletcher
Debut author of the nonfiction picture book Music Plants Hope, as well as longtime elementary and music educator in North Carolina
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
TBD
CONFERENCE AGENDA
CONFERENCE AGENDA
DAY 1 - SUNDAY INSTITUTES
1:00 - 2:30 Session I
2:30 - 3:00 - Snack Break
3:00 - 4:30 Session II
4:45 - 5:30 Grand Opening of Exhibits & Reception
5:30 - 6:30 Evening Keynote: Dr. Gholdy Muhammad
DAY 2 - MONDAY
7:30 - 8:15 - Continental Breakfast & Visit Exhibits
8:15 - President’s Opening Remarks
8:30 - 9:30 - Keynote Speaker: Jason Reynolds
9:30 - 10:00 - Book signing and Visit w/ Exhibitors
10:00 - 10:50 Concurrent Sessions I
11:00 - 11:50 Concurrent Sessions II
12:00 - 1:30 Lunch
Awards Ceremony
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Rebecca Winthrop
1:45 - 2:35 Concurrent Sessions III
2:45 - 3:35 Concurrent Sessions IV
3:45 - 4:35 Concurrent Sessions V
4:45 - 5:45 Snacks with Exhibitors
DAY 3 - TUESDAY
7:45 - 8:45 Continental Breakfast with Exhibitors
9:00 - 9:50 Keynote Speaker: Gerry Brooks
10:00 - 10:50 Concurrent Sessions I
11:00 - 11:50 - Concurrent Sessions II
12:00 - 2:00 - Lunch
Authors Luncheon
Closing Musical Performance by Students
Basket Raffle Drawing
Adjourn
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