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School of Education
School Leadership Institute (SURN)

SURN Science of Teaching Reading Conference

In partnership with W&M T/TAC and W&M Literacy Lab

Jake Downs 

2026 Morning Keynote

Dr. Jake Downs is an Assistant Professor at Utah State University and a Reading Hall of Fame Emerging Scholar Fellow whose research focuses on word reading, fluency, and comprehension. As a former paraprofessional, fourth-grade teacher, instructional coach, and district literacy coordinator, Jake shapes his efforts around a single goal: translating rigorous science into practical classroom strategies. He brings this actionable scholarship to life through ongoing professional development and as the host of the globally recognized Teaching Literacy Podcast, reaching educators in over 140 countries. When not immersed in reading research, Jake enjoys photography, Major League Baseball, and taking care of his yard and garden. He lives in Hyde Park, Utah with his wife and three kids.

Lori Sappington

2026 Afternoon Keynote

Lori Sappington is a teacher-turned-author and podcaster dedicated to making literacy learning practical, clear, and accessible for educators. In 2019, she co-founded the podcast Melissa & Lori Love Literacy with Melissa Loftus, creating a trusted space where research meets classroom practice. Since then, the podcast has featured more than 250 experts and reached over 3.5 million downloads worldwide, helping educators better understand and apply the science of reading. Lori is the author of The Literacy 50: A Q&A Handbook for Teachers and a contributor to The Science of Reading. Her work centers on helping teachers bring evidence-based literacy practices into their classrooms every day.

 

 

AUDIENCE

  • K-8 General & Special Education Teachers, Literacy Specialists, and Leaders 

INFORMATION

  • Tuesday, October 20, 2026
  • 8:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.; Check-in opens at 8:00 a.m.
  • William & Mary School of Education

FEES

  • $200/person - SURN Division Member 
  • $300/person - General (Non-SURN Division Member)
  • Includes morning coffee, conference, materials, and lunch

 

Registration coming soon!

 

Please email surn@wm.edu with any dietary needs you have prior to October 6, 2026. After this date, we are not able to accommodate dietary requests.   

SURN is unable to provide a refund for this event. If a registered individual cannot attend, a substitute can be sent in their place. Please email surn@wm.edu with this change.  

Registration will close approximately one week in advance of this event or earlier, if the event reaches capacity. We will update this webpage when registration closes.  

 For a full list of SURN Division Members, please visit SURN. If you're interested in your division joining SURN, please have your Superintendent or Superintendent's designee contact Amy Colley, SURN’s Executive Director, at accolley@wm.edu. 

Please email surn@wm.edu with questions about registration or this event.