2026 Conference Info!

Reasons to Attend CCIRA’s Annual Conference:

• Experience three days of in-depth collaboration with fellow educators from across the country in a rich literacy setting.
• Deepen your skills in reading instruction, writing instruction, student engagement, and leadership while learning alongside leading authorities in ECE-12 education. 
• Our keynote speakers represent a wide range of voices in education today. For the upcoming 2026 conference, we have Penny Kittle, Katie Kelly, Gravity Goldberg, Colby Sharp, and John Schu.
• Our luncheon speakers are incredibly knowledgeable. We are welcoming Cara Mentzel and Ashlee Saddler for the 2026 conference. 
• Because your time is valuable, CCIRA offers a variety of choices for attending which include:
• Full conference (Thursday-Saturday)
• Friday & Saturday
• Saturday only (Saturday includes breakfast)
• Groups of teachers can register using a single invoice when their school and/or district is paying the conference fees. (Contact Lisa at lisakahnccira@gmail.com for information.)

Look Who's Coming To

The 2026 Conference!

Rajani LaRocca

Step into the world of storytelling with Rajani LaRocca, Newbery Honor–winning author and practicing physician whose work beautifully blends art, empathy, and intellect. Drawing inspiration from her Indian roots, scientific background, and love of language, Rajani invites educators to explore the transformative role of stories in shaping understanding and compassion. In her sessions—Poetry as Narrative and Using Picture Books to Build Empathy—you’ll discover how verse novels can captivate readers and how picture books can open hearts and minds. Come ready to gather fresh ideas, creative prompts, and renewed inspiration to help students see the world—and themselves—through the power of story.

Amy Ludwig VanDerwater

Celebrate the joy and craft of writing with Amy Ludwig VanDerwater, beloved poet, educator, and author of Forest Has a Song, Write! Write! Write!, Poems Are Teachers, and The Sound of Kindness. With over 25 years of experience inspiring young writers, Amy brings warmth, creativity, and deep insight into the classroom writing experience. In Poems Are Teachers, she’ll show how poetry helps students discover the beauty of language and carry those lessons into all forms of writing. In Rehearse! Risk! Romp!: Notebooks Still Matter, Amy invites educators to rediscover the magic of notebooks as spaces for curiosity, voice, and authentic expression—even in the age of AI. Expect to leave refreshed, grounded, and ready to help your students fall in love with writing all over again.

Louise Borden

Join award-winning author Louise Borden at the CCIRA Conference for an inspiring look into the heart of storytelling and the power of books to connect young readers across the world. With 32 books to her name—including The Journey That Saved Curious George and her upcoming release Thank You, School—Louise brings rich experiences from classrooms, libraries, and museums across the globe. In her session, One Writer’s Energy, Connections, and Vision, she’ll share her creative process, classroom applications, and interactive activities that inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection in students. Come discover how stories can spark imagination and bring history, hope, and learning to life!

Colby Sharp

Join Colby Sharp, fifth-grade teacher, co-founder of Nerdy Book Club, and author of A Commonsense Guide to Your Classroom Library, for an engaging session at the CCIRA Conference. In What My Students Taught Me About Falling in Love with Reading, Colby will share heartwarming and inspiring stories of students discovering the joy of reading through book talks, classroom libraries, and vibrant reading communities. His session is packed with practical strategies and insights to help cultivate a love of reading in every classroom. Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the most passionate literacy advocates—and catch him introducing John Schu on Saturday morning!

John Schu

Join us for an inspiring Saturday session with John Schu, children’s librarian, former classroom teacher, and New York Times best-selling author of Louder Than Hunger, This Is a School, This Is a Story, Ruthie Rose’s Big Idea, and The Gift of Story: Exploring the Affective Side of the Reading Life. Introduced by fellow educator and speaker Colby Sharp, John will lead The Gift of Story, a session exploring the powerful ways stories touch our hearts, connect us to others, and inspire empathy, healing, and understanding. Through five affective elements of story—healer, inspiration, clarifier, compassion, and connector—you’ll discover how sharing and engaging with stories can transform the reading experience for both students and educators. Walk away with a renewed appreciation for the emotional and transformative power of literacy.

Don't miss out on our fantastic luncheon speakers! Be sure to purchase your tickets when you register!

Thursday Luncheon

Friday Luncheon

Cara Mentzel

Join us for a lively luncheon with Cara Mentzel, author of the memoir Voice Lessons: A Sisters Story and co-author, with her sister Idina Menzel, of the delightful picture books Loud Mouse and Proud Mouse. Drawing on her 15+ years as a literacy specialist and classroom teacher, Cara brings humor, heart, and real-world insight to her session, The Complete Idiom’s Guide to Being a Literacy Educator in 2026. Through engaging stories and clever use of idioms, she’ll help you reflect on what matters most in teaching and how to transform ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. You’ll leave this luncheon inspired, reenergized, and ready to bring fresh creativity into your classroom!

Ashlee Saddler

As a national leader in education and professional learning, Ashlee draws on 18 years of experience as a principal, district leader, and mental health professional to help educators reconnect with their passion and purpose. In her luncheon, Power Up: Reignite Passion, Purpose, and Possibility, she will guide you through energizing exercises, actionable strategies, and powerful insights to awaken your drive, realign with your purpose, and unlock new possibilities for yourself and those you lead. Leave ready to hit refresh, reignite your vision, and make a meaningful impact in your classroom, school, and community.

Looking For Professional Development?

Dr. Katie Kelly will be presenting at the conference and has dates right before or after our February event when she can come to your district or school. Check out her flyer below!!

Join Us As a Vendor!

Mark your calendar for our 2026 CCIRA Conference on Literacy! We encourage you to join us as a vendor for the 2026 Conference in Denver, Colorado, February 5-7, 2026.

As a vendor you'll be part of one of the largest literacy conferences in the region. The conference will be held at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel Denver on Quebec Street. The hotel offers several amenities including a large locked ballroom for exhibits, comfortable conversation areas, restaurants, and accessible parking. 

This year’s theme will help educators “Hit Refresh” and inspire them to reorganize, reconnect, and "re-vision" their practice. Our exhibit hall will offer vendors limitless opportunities to interact with approximately 600 educators, invited speakers, authors, students, and other vendors. The exhibit area is spacious and centrally located within the conference itself.

Exhibit registration is now open. Click the link below to join us as a vendor for the 2026 Conference on Literacy! *Your space is not reserved until you have both registered and paid for your booth. 

Highlights for our 2026 Vendors: 

PRICING/SCHEDULE:

● Cost is $800. 

● The exhibit hall is in a large, lockable ballroom. The space is well-lit, and easily accessible to all attendees. 

● The exhibit hall will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday. In addition to the 7-8:45 time slot (before Keynote), we have specifically scheduled times for attendees to peruse the hall:

7:00-8:45 am

10-10:30

12:00-12:30

1:30-2:00

● Attendees will have opportunities to visit throughout the day as their schedules permit. 

● A table with a skirting and tablecloth, Wifi, and electricity, and free parking are included in the vendor fee. 

GOOSECHASE:

● We will be using Goosechase once again for our event. It is an interactive app designed to encourage people to explore the exhibit hall and engage with vendors! Goosechase allows us to track attendees' activities throughout the conference. We invite you to contribute donations for prizes that will be awarded to participants who enter Goosechase activities. Each vendor will create a unique "mission" for attendees to complete at their booth (we'll reach out later with details). It's lots of fun and increases booth perusal! 

SPONSORSHIPS/ADVERTISEMENTS:

● As vendors, you can sponsor an event during the conference. This can be as simple as providing cookies for the attendees or perhaps sponsoring a special event during the day and/or evening. You can look at our website for options and contact Lisa Kahn, Executive Director, to discuss opportunities and sponsorship details. 

● Advertisements in the conference program can be purchased at the time of registration. 

We remain committed to making the exhibits an important part of the conference experience. Exhibits at the conference are relevant and valuable for both attendees and vendors.

Please register now to reserve your space! Early registration helps with planning, and is more economical for vendors! Please do not hesitate to contact CCIRA with any questions.

Anne Cook (Exhibitor Chair)    

annecook59@gmail.com         

Mary Jo Ziegman (Co-Chair)   

mjziegman@gmail.com 

Show Your CCIRA Pride – Shop Our Store!

Looking for a way to celebrate literacy and support CCIRA at the same time? Check out the CCIRA Store! We have a great selection of t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, and tote bags—perfect for showing your CCIRA pride at school, at home, or on the go.

You can have your items conveniently delivered straight to your home, or choose free pickup at the 2026 Conference—either way, it’s easy to get your favorites. Best of all, every purchase supports CCIRA and helps us continue our mission to promote literacy.

Don’t miss out—browse the store today and snag your favorite items!

Become a CCIRA Ambassador

CCIRA Ambassadors are passionate, lifelong learners who bring our mission and vision to life. We’re looking for classroom teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators who are eager to connect, inspire, and support literacy education.

By volunteering just six hours of your time, you’ll receive free registration to the 2026 conference as a thank-you for your service. Join us in advancing literacy through research-based instructional practices and helping ensure every learner has access to the power of reading and writing.

Visit CCIRA.org to sign up today and make a difference in literacy education!

2027 Conference Theme Contest!

Shape the future of literacy by entering the CCIRA 2027 Conference Theme Contest! Submit your creative theme idea with a brief explanation of why it’s inspiring and relevant. The winning theme will guide the 2027 conference and earn the winner a complimentary registration to the 2026 CCIRA Conference. Open to everyone passionate about literacy, the contest runs until October 30, 2025. Check past CCIRA themes for inspiration, share with friends, and make your mark on the next conference!

Colorado Children's Book Nominees Are Out!

2026 Nominees

Here are the nominees for the 2026 Picture Book and Junior Book categories! Be sure to have these books available in your school so your students can read, enjoy, and cast their votes for the 2026 winners!

Click the button to find a PDF of the 2026 nominees

and information on how to have students vote.

CCIRA Professional Development Blog

All Things Literacy

The CCIRA blog features a wide variety of nationally renowned literacy experts, as well as talented practitioners from across Colorado. Check out the posts on https://ccira.blog/  

📢New Blog Alert!!📢

Read our newest blog posts Ice Cream, Penguins, and Other Thoughts on the Growth Mindset, by Cara Mentzel and Digging Deeper with Sentence Level Instruction: Teaching the Reading and Writing Connection, by Amy Buckner Haisten. We are excited to have Cara and Amy presenting at the 2026 CCIRA Conference!

Additional posts by previous speakers include:

• Respond to the Creativity Crisis by Teaching Fantasy Writing by Carl Anderson
• Boost Student Comprehension Through Intentional Movement by Gravity Goldberg
• True Student Voice: Helping students be better speakers by Erik Palmer
• Reading Identity Matters: A Broad View of Foundational Skills by Hannah Schneewind and Dr. Jennifer Scoggin
• Conferring With Young Writers by Ralph Fletcher
• Student Agency: Strategies to Build a Strengths-Based Classroom by Dr. Towanda Harris
• Sparks in the Dark: Returning to Joy, Love, Curiosity, and Passion by Travis Crowder and Todd Nesloney
• From Empathy to Compassion: Reading to Make a Difference by Katie Kelly and Lester Laminack

If you are interested in submitting a guest post to the CCIRA blog, please contact Hollyanna Bates. hollyannabates@gmail.com

Did you know that CCIRA does more than just host an excellent conference? We provide funding for literacy initiatives around the state!

Nancy Fox Grant - Deadline Extended!

Due October 20th

The purpose of this grant is to encourage and support CCIRA participants’ efforts to involve families in a community celebration that incorporates practices that support literacy in children’s lives. Applicants may receive up to $500!

Model Literacy Award - Due October 10

CCIRA sponsors a Model Literacy Award to recognize outstanding language arts programs in schools. The awards will showcase effective literacy instruction in schools. The exemplary reading programs will also serve as models for other schools. State recognition will be given to schools that meet the established criteria. The award of a plaque and $1,000 will be presented at the CCIRA Conference. The schools receiving this award could expect on-site visitations from interested people.

Fannie Stabenow Award - Due November 1st

Do you know someone who has significantly contributed to CCIRA and the mission of the organization? If so, nominate them for the Fannie Stabenow Award! The award is presented to the winner at the 2026 CCIRA Conference.

CCIRA Futures Award - Due November 1st

To honor past presidents, who are now deceased, CCIRA annually recognizes a teacher in their first five years of teaching reading. One successful applicant each year will receive a certificate and a $300 cash reward. There are no restrictions on how the recipient may use the cash award.

Put it in your calendar now! CCIRA's next Board of Directors Meeting will be held at the Lone Tree Hub on September 13th from 9:00-1:00. Please plan on being there if you serve on your local council so we can have important conversations and make decisions. Lunch will be included! Please RSVP today! Anyone interested in serving with CCIRA is welcome too! Please reach out to Michele Warner if you'd like to join us.

Make a Difference in Literacy Education - Volunteer With CCIRA!

CCIRA is always looking for passionate volunteers to help support literacy education in meaningful ways! There are many opportunities to get involved, including:

📌 Executive Committee & Board of Directors – Help shape the future of CCIRA through leadership roles.

📌 Local Councils – Engage with your community to promote literacy initiatives.

📌 Annual Conference – Assist in running one of the most impactful literacy conferences in the country.

📌 Other Key Tasks – From outreach to event coordination, there’s a place for everyone!

Volunteering with CCIRA is a fantastic way to connect with fellow educators, develop leadership skills, and contribute to a cause that transforms lives through literacy.

Interested? Contact CCIRA President, Michele Warner, today!

CCIRA is a non-profit organization that works to empower literacy educators. As a non-profit organization, we appreciate support in a variety of ways:

• Donate
• Support a Conference Scholarship Opportunity
• Leverage fundraising programs to earn CCIRA money
• Volunteer with CCIRA

Raise Funds for CCIRA!

CCIRA Partners in Empowering Literacy Educators

TOP REASONS TO PARTNER WITH CCIRA

• Over 600 conference attendees will learn about your partnership with CCIRA.
• Our educator community will see your support on our webpage.
• Visitors to the CCIRA website will learn about your organization and its events.
• Our combined support of literacy will impact students across our state and neighboring states.

CCIRA collaboratively encourages, supports, and advances literacy through research-based instructional practices to increase literacy access to all.

All people will be empowered to critically engage in our changing world by developing and utilizing literacy skills throughout life.

CCIRA.inc. | ccirainfo@gmail.com | ccira.org