Vandal Early Literacy Symposium

Students in classroom at Vandal Early Literature Program

Vandal Early Literacy Symposiums

Moscow and Idaho Falls in 2026

Supported by the Garth and Frances Reid Literacy Initiative

Thank you for the incredible work you do in your classroom and community to educate and inspire your students. We’re excited to offer a unique professional learning opportunity designed specifically for early literacy teachers.

Join us this summer for an enriching three-day literacy symposium focused on practical instructional strategies grounded in the Science of Reading research. You will join a passionate and committed cohort of regional educators, with additional opportunities to delve deeper into symposium topics over the course of the 2026-2027 school year. All sessions are focused to help implement best literacy practices in the classroom.

The event sites have limited availability, so please submit this application by March 31, 2026, for priority consideration. Symposium participants will be notified of their acceptance from April 15 to May 1.

Participants will:

Gain insights into the Science of Reading from nationally recognized scholars and LETRS experts Judi Dodson and Bette Lovelace.
Gain essential literacy skills and knowledge of evidence-based instruction focused on the Science of Reading, from Sally Brown, Ph.D., a leading expert and associate professor at the College of Idaho.
Explore and practice the fundamentals of structured literacy acquisition and instruction.
Develop strategies to support all students in becoming effective readers and writers.
Receive Kid Lips materials to set up a Sound Wall and learn how to implement the Sound Wall in your classroom.
Learn how to implement and use assessment and data to identify students’ needs and drive your instruction.
Build competency in your teaching practice alongside your professional peers.

Registration fee

Successful applicants are required to make a $60 deposit upon registration to secure their spot. The summer symposium is worth 2 credits. Your $60 deposit covers the cost of your first professional development credit and fees. The Garth and Francis Reid Literacy Imitative will cover the cost of your second credit.

You can earn a total of 5 professional credits by completing the summer symposium (2 credits), enrolling in the follow-up monthly symposium course (2 credits), and attending a reunion day for your cohort the following summer. (1 credit)

Scholarship assistance is available to assist with credits or travel. Please inquire for details.

Travel scholarships are available upon request.
Hurry, as space is limited to only 30 participants!

Application period

Applications are open from Feb. 1 to March 31, 2026 for priority consideration.

Notification and final registration

Symposium participants will be notified of their acceptance by April 15, 2026. Final registration and the $60 deposit are due by May 15, 2026.

Idaho Falls Symposium (June 16-18)

Intended for new and experienced elementary school teachers.
University of Idaho – Idaho Falls Campus. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday

Apply here

Moscow Symposium (July 8-10)

Intended for new and experienced elementary school teachers.
University of Idaho – Moscow Campus. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday – Friday

Apply here

Moscow VELS Reunion Day (July 7)

Intended for attendees of previous symposiums.
University of Idaho – Moscow Campus. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday

Apply here

Education, Health and Human Sciences special education para professionals in training for the EHHS IMPACT Cohort.

Additional details

Participant expectations

This symposium is designed for current elementary classroom teachers seeking to enhance and improve their literacy knowledge and instruction within a supportive cohort and professional learning community. Priority consideration will be given to North Idaho and Southeastern Idaho teachers, but application is open to all Idaho teachers.

Active participation is essential. Participants are expected to engage in discussions, implement and practice new teaching strategies and foster personal and professional growth during the symposium and follow-up sessions throughout the year.

Publications participants will take home (sponsored by the GRFLI)

Speech to Print, Moats
Literacy Foundations for English Learners, Cardenas-Hagan
The Reading Comprehension Blueprint, Hennessy
Assessing Reading: Multiple Measures, CORE Literacy Library
Kid Lips, Fierro and Dahlgren
50 Nifty Activities for Reading, Dodson (+ components for activities kit)

Trainers

Judi Dodson

Judi is a national literacy consultant, former LETRS trainer and special education teacher with more than 30 years’ experience. She lives outside of Denver, CO, is a respected author, and invests her time and expertise in working for literacy and improved social outcomes. This will be her third year leading the Vandal Early Literacy symposium.

Bette Lovelace

Bette is the Education Program Specialist at Arizona Department of Education with extensive experience in the Science of Reading and works as a literacy consultant across the nation. This is her second year helping lead the symposium.

Sally Brown

Sally Brown, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Education at The College of Idaho, is a recognized expert and passionate advocate for evidence-based literacy instruction, Her research focuses on teacher knowledge and effective interventions strategies. She has been instrumental in shaping Idaho's literacy standards, including contributing to the Comprehensive Literacy plan and the Dyslexia Handbook. This is her third year presenting at the Vandal Early Literacy Symposium.

Direct questions about the Vandal Early Learning Summit to vandalliteracy@uidaho.edu.