More than 650 Georgia educators gathered to strengthen evidence-based literacy instruction, build professional community, and improve reading outcomes for children across the state.

More than 650 Georgia educators, including 450 classroom teachers and 200 district and school instructional leaders representing more than 155 school districts, gathered in June at the Gas South Convention Center for Georgia LitLink 2026.

Co-hosted by the Georgia Department of Education and the Rollins Center for Language & Literacy, LitLink is Georgia’s premier teacher-focused literacy conference dedicated to strengthening language and literacy instruction through evidence-based practices grounded in Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading.

Expanding the Conversation Around Literacy in Georgia

Now in its third year, LitLink 2026 centered on the theme “Expanding the Conversation,” highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaborative leadership in advancing literacy achievement across Georgia.

The conference reinforced a powerful belief: children can only achieve the literacy outcomes we hope for when educators are equipped with research-based knowledge, effective instructional practices, and the confidence to put that knowledge into action.

More than 450 classroom teachers participated in three days of professional learning, networking, and collaboration featuring 52+ keynote, breakout, and featured sessions led by nationally recognized literacy researchers, education leaders, and Georgia educators—all focused on strengthening evidence-based literacy instruction and improving student outcomes statewide.

National Literacy Experts Shared Research That Educators Can Apply Immediately

Throughout the conference, nationally recognized scholars and literacy leaders shared the latest research, practical instructional strategies, and implementation guidance that educators can immediately apply in their classrooms for the 2026–2027 school year.

Featured keynote speakers included:

• Dr. Renée Boynton-Jarrett – founding director of Vital Village Networks and nationally recognized expert on child wellbeing, equity, and early childhood development.
• Melissa Loftus and Lori Sappington – educators and co-hosts of Melissa and Lori Love Literacy, who demonstrated practical ways to translate literacy research into classroom practice.
• Dr. Nicole Patton Terry – Director of the Florida Center for Reading Research and internationally recognized scholar focused on language and literacy outcomes for vulnerable learners.
• Dr. Yaacov Petscher – Associate Director of the Florida Center for Reading Research and Deputy Director of the National Center on Improving Literacy, who explored the intersection of reading science, assessment, and instructional decision-making.
• Dr. Elizabeth Stevens – Associate Professor at The University of Texas at Austin whose research focuses on improving academic outcomes for students with learning disabilities and learning difficulties.

One of the conference’s most memorable moments came from Dr. Renée Boynton-Jarrett, who challenged educators to consider the importance of trauma-informed teaching and the role of relationships in learning:

Three Learning Strands Connected Research to Classroom Practice

The LitLink 2026 theme came to life through three interconnected learning strands that emphasized how literacy success is built through intentional collaboration and evidence-based instruction:

Linking Language to Literacy

Building strong oral language skills that lay the foundation for deep reading and lifelong learning.

Linking Learning to Outcomes

Ensuring every instructional decision translates into meaningful, measurable student progress.

Linking Teachers to Each Other

Creating a connected community where educators learn together, share expertise, and lead literacy improvement across Georgia.

Building a Statewide Community Committed to Literacy

Beyond the sessions, LitLink 2026 demonstrated the strength of Georgia’s growing literacy community.

Educators from every region of the state came together with a shared commitment to collaborate, strengthen instructional practice, and improve literacy outcomes for every child. Since its inception, LitLink has become a cornerstone of Georgia’s statewide literacy movement by providing research-aligned professional learning while fostering lasting professional connections among educators dedicated to literacy and justice for all.

As participants returned to their schools and districts, they carried with them new knowledge, practical strategies, and stronger professional networks that will positively impact students throughout the coming school year.

Continue Your Literacy Learning with Cox Campus

While LitLink 2026 has concluded, the learning continues.

Educators can access hundreds of hours of free, evidence-based professional learning, classroom resources, and IDA-accredited Structured Literacy courses through Cox Campus.

Join more than 425,000 educators worldwide who are working together to strengthen language and literacy instruction and improve outcomes for every child. Create your free account today and continue your professional learning journey.