Southeast Early Literacy Conference

January 15-16, 2026

Join us for our 34th annual conference.

Registration is open now.

Conference Theme

“Sailing Into a Great Book”

Attend the Southeast's premier literacy conference as an educator, and learn how to better provide primary level literacy instruction.

Why Attend?

Sessions and resources for K-5 classroom teachers, interventionists, Special Educators, literacy coaches, and administrators

Features

Keynote Speakers

Thursday Session

Lester Laminack

 Lester L. Laminack is Professor Emeritus at Western Carolina University where he received two awards for excellence in teaching.  He is the author of professional books including The Writing Workshop:  Working Through the Hard Parts, Reading Aloud Across the Curriculum, Critical Comprehension and others.  He has written several beloved children’s books including Jake’s 100th Day of School, Saturdays and Tea Cakes, Three Hens, a Peacock, and an Enormous Egg, and others.

Friday Session

Heidi Anne Mesmer

Heidi Anne Mesmer is a Professor of Literacy Education at Virginia Tech, who examines the impact of texts on readers.  She has studied beginning reading materials, text difficulty, and struggling readers. Her research has been published in Reading Research Quarterly, The Educational Researcher, Elementary School Journal, and Reading Teacher. Dr Mesmer is the author of several books including Letter Lessons and First Words:  Phonics Foundations That Work. Her recent book There’s Research for That: Your K-5 Literacy Questions Answered translates key research for K-5 educators.

Accommodations

Clemson University Conference Center and Inn

Address: 230 Madren Center Drive, Clemson, SC 29634
Book a Room: To book accommodations at the James F. Martin Inn which is connected to the conference center, please call 864-654-9020 and refer to the Southeast Early Literacy Conference on January 15-16, choose a room from the block and provide payment.

Don't Miss This Event

Register now for a unique experience of inspiration, education, and networking with other educators.