Vandal Early Literacy Symposium

Students in classroom at Vandal Early Literature Program

Moscow, Idaho

July 9-11

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 like you.

Join us in an enriching three-day symposium this summer with a passionate and committed cohort of regional educators. This cohort will continue over the course of the 2025-26 school year with four additional opportunities to delve deeper into the symposium topics and continued implementation in your classroom.

The event site has limited availability, so please submit this application by April 11, 2025, for priority consideration. Symposium participants will be notified of their acceptance from April 15 to May 1.

Apply for the symposium today

Participants will

Gain insights into the Science of Reading from nationally recognized scholars and LETRS experts Judi Dodson and Bette Lovelace.
Explore and practice the fundamentals of structured literacy acquisition and instruction.
Develop strategies to support all students in becoming effective readers and writers.
Build efficacy 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. This deposit will be applied toward University of Idaho’s professional development course fees. Upon completing the course, you’ll earn four professional development credits — four credits for the price of one!

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

Application period

Applications are open from Feb. 1 to April 11, 2025, for priority consideration.

Notification and final registration

Symposium participants will be notified of their acceptance by April 15, 2025. Final registration and the $60 deposit are due by May 1, 2025.

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 their knowledge and to network within a supportive cohort and professional learning community. Priority consideration will be given to North Idaho teachers.

Active participation is essential. Engage in discussions, practice teaching techniques and foster personal and professional growth during the symposium and the four online follow-up sessions throughout the year.

Publications participants will take home

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 20 years’ experience. She lives outside of Denver, CO, is a respected author, and invests her time and expertise in working for social justice, equity and inclusion.

Antonio Fierro

Antonio is a former Texas state teacher of the year and has been a LETRS trainer and literacy consultant for over 20 years. He lives in El Paso, Texas, and has particular expertise in supporting multilingual students.

Mary Dahlgren

Mary Dahlgren, Ed. D. has more than 40 years of experience in the field of education, including having founded Tools 4 Reading, which provides practical resources for teachers to implement the science of reading. She has been an elementary classroom teacher, dyslexia therapist, national LETRS® trainer, international literacy consultant, Idaho SMART cohort trainer and author.

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