Learning Ally’s Spotlight on Dyslexia is an esteemed annual virtual conference focused on literacy education and dyslexia. In its ninth year, SPOD has become one of education’s largest and most significant professional learning events.
The conference spans two days in June and features world-class experts in literacy, dyslexia, and neuroscience. It aims to provide educators and school leaders with the latest research, tools, and methods to enhance student reading performance.
SPOD 2024 Registrations
With over 6800 registrants in 2024, Spotlight on Dyslexia reached educators and administrators across all 50 States and in 37 countries.
Registrants: 6,864 and counting
Registrants from all 50 states and 33 countries:
US, Spain, Uzbekistan, Australia, Mexico, Greece, Qatar, Sweden, UK, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Lebanon, Malaysia, Virgin Islands, India, Switzerland, Russia, Dominican Republic, Nigeria, Bermuda, South Africa, Singapore, Italy, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Cayman Islands, Thailand, Peru, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Canada
Key features of the Spotlight on Dyslexia Conference include:
- Over 50 literacy experts presenting dozens of sessions
- A variety of session formats, including EdTalks, full conference sessions, and Administrator Roundtables
- Customized tracks for Administrators, General Educators, and Specialists
- Opportunities to earn up to 35 Continuing Education (CE) certificates
- On-demand access to content for several months after the live event
Notable speakers for the 2024 SPOD Conference include:
- Jason Yeatman, Professor and Director of Brain Development and Education Lab at Stanford University
- Pamela Snow, Professor of Cognitive Psychology at La Trobe University and founding Associate Editor of The Reading League Journal
- Dr. Terrie Noland, CALP, VP of Educator Initiatives for Learning Ally
SPOD Testimonials
- “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 - “I attend each year, and it just keeps getting better and better! I have a notebook FULL of resources that I reference throughout the school year. I enjoy each presenter’s perspective.”
-Leslie Richards, FL - “I love how it is a virtual conference so there is the ability to network around the nation and get different perspectives, ideas, and updated research. It is also affordable. The ability to go back and rewatch presentations as well as view ones that were missed is amazing! I don’t have to choose which session I want to see and miss others because they all end up being available to rewatch. I can go back to sessions and listen to information I might have missed the first time or go get additional clarification. Every presenter has done an excellent job presenting content.”
-Amy O’Brien, NY
The conference is highly regarded in the education industry, where attending educators gain essential instructional knowledge and skills to drive higher reading outcomes. It is a valuable resource for educators aiming to close the achievement gap and ensure more equitable learning opportunities, especially for students struggling to read.
Spotlight on Dyslexia also features unique elements like a dyslexia simulation experience, allowing participants to gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by struggling readers. Additionally, the conference celebrates schools and districts making strides in literacy instruction.
FAQs
1. Who should attend the Spotlight on Dyslexia conference?
The conference is designed for a broad range of participants, including educators, school administrators, special education professionals, literacy coaches, and anyone interested in improving literacy education and supporting students with dyslexia. There are session tracks for Administrators, Specialists, and General Educators.
2. How can I access the conference content after the live event?
Participants who register for the Spotlight on Dyslexia conference receive on-demand access to recorded sessions and materials following the event through December 31, 2024. This allows attendees to revisit sessions they found particularly valuable or catch up on any they missed during the live conference.
3. Are there any costs associated with attending the conference?
While the conference does have registration fees for Gold-level access, Learning Ally provides early bird pricing and discounts for groups and current customers. Additionally, many school districts may cover the costs as part of professional development funding. It’s best to check the official conference website for the most current pricing and registration details.
Silver-level tickets are free, but only provide limited access to two keynote sessions plus ~12 short, pre-recorded EdTalks for two weeks (1 week before and 1 week after the live event).