2026 Science of Reading Institute
Face to Face or Virtual
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New dates to meet the high demands.
"Ranked #1 in Professional Development for Teachers Nationwide!"
Empowering Educators. Transforming Classrooms. Elevating Student Success.
What Is the Science of Reading + Math?
The Science of Reading is a body of research spanning more than 40 years that identifies the essential components required for effective literacy instruction. These evidence-based pillars include Phonemic Awareness, Phonics and Word Recognition, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension—all grounded in how the brain learns to read.
We now pair this with the Science of Math, an equally robust research base that explains how students develop numeracy, number sense, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving through explicit, systematic instruction.
Together, the Science of Reading + Math offers schools a unified, research-driven approach to foundational learning—ensuring students build strong literacy and numeracy skills that support all future academic success.
Phonics
Phonics refers to the relationship between sounds (phonemes) and spellings (graphemes). Phonics instruction helps beginning readers understand the relationship between letters and sounds to recognize and decode words.
“The Science of Reading isn't a trend—it's a commitment to using evidence-based practices that unlock every child's ability to read, comprehend, and thrive.”
— Dr. Ingrid Haynes
Location: Face to Face
7539 South Fwy, Suite 7539
Houston, Texas 77021
Potential New Dates
SOR Institute
Middle and High School Teachers
Nov. 18-19, 2025 Face to Face
Nov. 20-21, 2025 Virtual
SOR Institute - Elementary
Dec. 9-10, 2025 Face to Face
Dec. 11-12, 2025 Virtual
Transform your Science of Reading implementation, literacy instruction, and student outcomes
As the landscape of literacy and foundational learning continues to evolve, our annual professional development events are more essential than ever. The National Literacy Institute proudly offers two premier learning experiences designed to support educators at every stage of their Science of Reading journey:
📘 Science of Reading Institute
A deep, immersive learning experience focused exclusively on Science of Reading research, instructional practices, lesson design, intervention, and implementation.
Throughout the Institute, you’ll have the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, share ideas, and gain invaluable insights into the latest developments in literacy education. Whether you’re a veteran educator, a campus leader, or new to structured literacy, the SoR Institute is an event you simply can’t afford to miss.
📘 Science of Reading & Math Summit
Building on the foundation of the Institute, the SoR & Math Summit expands learning even further by integrating foundational mathematics with the Science of Reading.
This two-day Summit highlights the research, strategies, and instructional routines that strengthen both literacy and numeracy, providing a unified, science-based approach that schools can implement systemwide. Featuring engaging thought-leaders, practical breakout sessions, and hands-on learning, the Summit equips teams with the tools needed to transform instruction in reading and math.
Why Attend Both?
Together, the Institute and the Summit offer a comprehensive pathway for strengthening instructional expertise, building teacher and leader capacity, and accelerating student achievement across literacy and mathematics.
Join us for transformative learning, powerful collaboration, and a renewed vision for what is possible in every classroom.
Purpose of the Science of Reading Institute
The goal of this institute is to provide educators with research-based knowledge and practical strategies that align with the Science of Reading framework. Attendees will learn how to:
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Build Strong Foundational Skills: Equip young learners with essential literacy skills, including phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency, to develop confident and proficient readers.
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Address Literacy Challenges: Identify and support students with diverse learning needs, including those with dyslexia or other reading difficulties, through targeted interventions and evidence-based practices.
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Create Rigorous, Evidence-Based Curricula: Design and implement literacy instruction that integrates key components of reading—oral language, word recognition, vocabulary, and comprehension—ensuring every student has access to a challenging and engaging curriculum.
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Differentiate Instruction Effectively: Learn how to scaffold learning to meet the needs of all students, tailoring instruction to support emerging readers, English language learners, and struggling readers.
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Translate Research Into Practice: Bridge the gap between theory and classroom application with tools, resources, and strategies grounded in the Science of Reading.
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What about Secondary SOR...
Nov. 20-21 Virtual
What About Secondary Learners?
The Science of Reading is often most closely associated with foundational skills and phonics, but it is just as applicable—and critical—for students in grades 6–12. While early grades focus on phonics and decoding, secondary instruction shifts to the essential components of academic language, vocabulary development, digital literacy, content-area comprehension, and writing. These skills are vital for helping older students become confident and capable “comprehenders.”
📣 We are now offering targeted Science of Reading sessions for secondary teachers, equipping educators with evidence-based strategies to support adolescent literacy and academic success across disciplines.
Schedule
Day 1
Science of Reading Institute
Day 1: Foundations and Principles
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Registration and Breakfast
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Welcome attendees, provide materials, and serve breakfast.
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Opening Remarks
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Introduction to the institute's goals and objectives.
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Overview of the Science of Reading (SoR).
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Session 1 - The Science of Reading: An Overview
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Key concepts and research behind the Science of Reading.
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Understanding how reading develops in the brain.
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM: Break
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM: Session 2 - Phonemic Awareness and Phonics
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Importance of phonemic awareness in reading instruction.
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Strategies for teaching phonics effectively.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Session 3 - Vocabulary Development
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Techniques for building students’ vocabulary.
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Interactive activities to enhance vocabulary acquisition.
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM: Break
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM: Session 4 - Fluency and Comprehension
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Methods to improve reading fluency.
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Strategies to boost reading comprehension.
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Reflection and Q&A
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Attendees share insights and ask questions.
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Summary of key takeaways from Day 1.
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Networking and Social Hour
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Opportunity for attendees to connect and discuss.
Day 2: Application and Strategies
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast and Networking
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Session 5 - Assessment and Data-Driven Instruction
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Understanding various reading assessments.
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Using data to inform and guide instruction.
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM: Break
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM: Session 6 - Differentiating Reading Instruction
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Techniques for differentiating instruction to meet diverse learners’ needs.
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Practical examples and classroom applications.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Lunch
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Session 7 - Integrating Technology in Reading Instruction
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Tools and resources for incorporating technology in reading lessons.
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Best practices for digital literacy.
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM: Break
2:15 PM - 3:30 PM: Session 8 - Building a Literacy-Rich Environment
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Creating a classroom environment that promotes reading.
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Engaging students through a variety of texts and materials.
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Group Activity - Lesson Planning Workshop
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Collaboratively design lesson plans incorporating the Science of Reading principles.
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Reflection and Q&A
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Attendees share their lesson plans and receive feedback.
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Open floor for questions and discussion.
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Closing Remarks and Certificate Distribution
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Recap of the institute's highlights.
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Distribution of certificates and final networking opportunity.