My First Michigan Reading Association Literacy Conference

This past weekend I attended the 70th Literacy Conference hosted by the Michigan Reading Association. Even though it has been bringing educators together for decades, this was my first time attending, and it was an incredible experience.

I have always loved conferences where people gather because they believe in the same thing. There is something energizing about being surrounded by educators who genuinely love reading, books, and the power of literacy.

This time I attended primarily as a teacher rather than as an author. But interestingly, I came home inspired in both roles.

One of the most powerful parts of the conference was learning more about the new dyslexia legislation in Michigan. This new law represents a historic step forward for students in our state. It focuses on early identification and support so that children with dyslexia receive the help they need sooner rather than later. I am excited to bring back what I learned and share some of the strategies, resources, and tools that will help make this transition easier for educators and, most importantly, for our students.

Throughout the sessions, I gathered several practical ideas for small-group instruction and one-on-one support. Many of the strategies included hands-on learning, engaging games, and structured activities that make literacy intervention both effective and enjoyable for students.

But more than anything, the conference kept coming back to one simple question:

What is your why?

Speaker after speaker reminded us that our why is what moves us forward. It is the reason we get up every morning and continue to do this work, even on the hard days.

During the conference, I also had the opportunity to connect with fellow authors and hear their own stories about why they write. Listening to their journeys was just as inspiring as the sessions themselves.

And it reminded me of my own why.

My why is the reason I became a teacher.

My why is the reason I wrote the Annie the Porcupine series.

And my why is the reason I will continue to advocate for my students.

Conferences like this do more than provide professional development. They refill the tank. They remind us why literacy matters, why stories matter, and why the work we do every day truly makes a difference.

I already know one thing for sure.

This will not be my last Michigan Reading Association conference.