Spotlight on Dyslexia 2025: A Decade of Impact Delivers Exceptional Value to Global Audience
Tags: spod, dyslexia, literacy, educators
The 10th annual Spotlight on Dyslexia (SPOD) virtual conference concluded on June 5, 2025, marking a milestone celebration that brought together more than 6,800 registrants from all 50 states and 37 countries! This premier two-day event showcased why SPOD has become the go-to destination for cutting-edge dyslexia research, practical strategies, and community-building over the past decade.
A Welcome from New Leadership
The conference opened with an inspiring welcome from Learning Ally’s newly appointed CEO Howard Bell III, who addressed attendees during both the opening welcome video and the first live session’s awards ceremony where he recognized outstanding educators and student achievement, including recipients of the Winslow Coyne Reitnouer Excellence in Teaching Award, the winners of the Great Reading Games, and a callout of our Spotlight Districts—schools demonstrating exemplary commitment to literacy.
Bell’s leadership presence set the tone for a conference that honored both past achievements and future possibilities in dyslexia education and advocacy.
Exceptional Engagement
One of the conference’s most popular features, the Learning Ally Dyslexia Simulation, demonstrated the continued demand for experiential learning opportunities. The simulation reached its maximum capacity of 1,000 participants almost immediately, with educators eager to gain firsthand understanding of the challenges students with dyslexia face in traditional learning environments.
“These two days were packed with valuable information that is directly relevant to my profession. I especially enjoyed the simulation. I would love to do a simulation for the staff at the schools I serve.”
– Karen Gayle-Penna, Orange County, FL
Additional dyslexia simulations will be hosted in the near future, during Dyslexia Awareness Month in October, to offer more opportunities to build understanding and advocacy.
Fun Interactive Learning
Beyond the core educational sessions, SPOD 2025 featured engaging interactive elements that kept attendees connected and motivated throughout the virtual experience. Fun games and activities provided networking opportunities and chances to win prizes, creating a dynamic conference atmosphere that transcended the virtual format.
An engaging gamification element encouraged active participation throughout the conference. Attendees competed in a points-based challenge system where they unlocked passcodes by exploring various conference activities and areas, then entered these codes to accumulate points and climb a real-time leaderboard. The competitive format kept participants engaged across sessions while offering substantial incentives—the top ten performers earned Amazon gift certificates.
Expert Presentations and Cutting-Edge Research
The conference delivered on its promise of world-class expertise, featuring keynote presentations from renowned experts Dr. Hugh Catts and Dr. Maryanne Wolf. These sessions, along with specialized tracks for Administrators, General Educators, and Specialists, provided attendees with both theoretical foundations and practical applications for supporting students with dyslexia.
In addition to Understanding Dyslexia: An Immersive Simulation Session, the top sessions for live audiences were:
- Keynote: The Latest Insights on Dyslexia: From Research to Real-World Impact
- Evolving the Definition of Dyslexia for Greater Inclusivity and Practical Impact
- Learning Ally Awards Ceremony: Shining a Spotlight on Educators
- Keynote: Expanding Knowledge and Rekindling Joy in the Teaching of Reading
Educators shared their conference experiences via a post-event survey and on social channels:
“I want to be the best teacher for my students. I was hoping to gain knowledge, skills/techniques and guidance to better serve my students with dyslexia. This conference did not disappoint!!! I learned so much at each session. I am excited to take this information to my district.”
– Mirenda Lowery, TX
“Debunking teacher beliefs was a great session. It was great to hear the myths and facts about dyslexia. Also, the interventions provided at the end were very helpful.”
– Mandy Borkman, Orlando, FL
Building Community Across Distances
Despite being a virtual event, SPOD 2025 successfully fostered the professional learning community connections that have made this conference a staple for dyslexia advocates worldwide. Attendees can earn up to 46 continuing education credits for completing sessions and create an expansive network of support for students with dyslexia.
“Excellent experience and as a “network” person, I have been sharing your site with fellow colleagues.”
– Nancy Silverman, Hoffman Estates, IL
“So thankful to have the opportunity to attend this conference without the expense included with travel.”
– Joanne Allsup, Irving, TX
Looking Forward
The enthusiasm and engagement demonstrated underscore the critical importance of continued education and advocacy in the dyslexia community. The combination of accessible free sessions and comprehensive full-conference options ensures that knowledge and resources reach educators and advocates regardless of their circumstances.
“There was so much to absorb. I am looking forward to reviewing and listening again to the recordings. Please keep me in your communication loop of future events.”
– Jennifer Elfering, Crivitz, WI
The impact and learning extend far beyond the two-day event itself. Silver-level SPOD registrants enjoy access to the free sessions through June 13, 2025. Full 2-day conference registrants, on the other hand, can access everything on-demand through December 31, 2025.
Missed the event? Sign up today to watch on-demand.
For related information, check out our Dyslexia Awareness Professional Learning. The commitment to educating, empowering, and elevating communities in support of students with dyslexia continues year-round.