How to Help Struggling Readers Access Complex Text
2025-03-27 15:30 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Are your students struggling with grade-level texts, especially as the complexity ramps up in higher grades? Textbooks and literature become increasingly challenging in upper grades due to more intricate sentence structures, advanced vocabulary, sophisticated text organization, and abstract content. Many teachers feel forced to simplify materials for struggling readers, which can inadvertently hold students back, limiting their long-term growth and achievement.
Join literacy expert Natalie Wexler to discover how the power of oral language—including engaging read-alouds, rich class discussions, strategic use of audiobooks, and targeted oral activities—can unlock complex texts for all learners and especially struggling readers.
Learn practical tips for:
• building essential background knowledge;
• expanding vocabulary; and
• fostering deep syntactic understanding.
Let’s help all students access complex texts confidently and experience reading success!
Register now!

Spotlight on Dyslexia
2025-06-04 10:00 - 2025-06-05 17:00
Spotlight on Dyslexia: The Premier Virtual Event for Literacy & Learning
Join Learning Ally’s 10th annual Spotlight on Dyslexia virtual conference. This is a premier online event for educators. It’s designed to boost literacy and empower you. This conference combines new insights, practical strategies, and inspirational stories. Get the tools you need to support all students, especially those with dyslexia.
Thousands of educators attend this event. You’ll gain crucial insights to help you identify dyslexia. Learn how to use evidence-based literacy instruction. Implement strong support systems. Ensure every student learns to read.
Educate. Empower. Elevate.
This event is structured to help you:
Educate: Spot early signs of dyslexia. Understand screening and assessment data. Know when and what accommodations to provide.
Empower: Use evidence-based literacy instruction. Gain a deeper understanding of learning differences. Focus on how they relate to dyslexia.
Elevate: Improve your school’s literacy instruction. Implement appropriate support systems. Help all students learn to read. Create an inclusive environment for learners with dyslexia.

Maximize Your Professional Growth
Earn up to 46+ hours of Continuing Education (CE) certificates. Our CE certificates are widely recognized. They’re accepted by Wilson Language Systems and ALTA. They are also recognized in Texas, Michigan, Massachusetts, Alabama, and Louisiana.
For Wilson Reading System® Certified Educators, your certificate can be used for renewal. This includes Wilson® Dyslexia Practitioner (W.D.P.) and Wilson® Dyslexia Therapist (W.D.T.) credentials. You can also get up to 5 ALTA CE hours from a special ALTA track.

Your Two-Day Virtual Experience Includes:

Keynotes That Inspire: Hear from top voices in literacy and science. Get new ideas on addressing dyslexia.
Dyslexia Simulation: Experience the challenges students face firsthand. This fosters empathy and better support.
Tailored Learning Tracks: Choose sessions for Administrators, General Educators, and Specialists. Dive into discussions on school-wide literacy solutions.
Expert Presentations: Discover the latest research on the science of reading and dyslexia. Learn new classroom strategies.
EdTalks: Get actionable tips and accommodations from educators. These are concise, pre-recorded talks.
Networking: Connect with peers and share ideas. Build your professional learning community. Expand your network of dyslexia advocates.
On-Demand Access: Revisit all sessions at your convenience. You’ll have access through December 31, 2025.
Explore and Win: Visit the Expo Hall for new tools and resources. Play the live event game for a chance to win prizes!

Don’t miss the leading Spotlight on Dyslexia event of the year. Are you ready to transform literacy outcomes?
Register for on-demand access now!

Race to Read Program Continues
2025-08-25 - 2025-10-31
Join the excitement and fuel a love of reading with Learning Ally’s Race to Read program! This dynamic reading competition is designed to motivate students, particularly those who struggle with dyslexia and other reading deficits, to develop a lifelong habit of reading. From August 25th to October 31st, students and educators can participate by engaging with Learning Ally’s human-read audiobooks.
Learning Ally’s Race to Read is more than a challenge; it’s a powerful tool for literacy development. By providing access to engaging, grade-level audiobooks, the program helps students overcome barriers to reading, build comprehension, and gain confidence. Participants track their reading minutes to earn rewards, celebrate their progress, and compete for a chance to win prizes for their classroom.

Audiobook Office Hours
2025-09-04 16:00 - 16:30
Unlock the Power of Audiobooks with Learning Ally
Welcome to Audiobook Office Hours. This is an exclusive, interactive meeting. It’s designed just for Learning Ally Audiobook Solution customers. This is your direct connection to our expert team. You can get answers to your most pressing questions here. Master the platform. Unlock its full potential for your classroom.

What to Expect
Join these live sessions. Dive deep into key features. Find solutions to specific challenges. Get personalized support. Maximize your experience. This is an open forum. Bring your questions. Share feedback. Engage in conversations. These will help you leverage Learning Ally’s resources.
We can guide you. Learn to use the platform’s features. Differentiate instruction. Support diverse learners. Create customized reading lists. Track student progress effortlessly. Access a vast library of human-read audiobooks. These are aligned with your curriculum. We’ll also cover ways to integrate audiobooks. Use them in your existing literacy programs. Make reading more accessible and engaging. This helps all students.

Why Join Us?
Our goal is simple. We want you to feel confident. Feel empowered using the Learning Ally Audiobook Solution. Use it to support your students’ learning objectives. Join our community of dedicated educators. Discover new strategies. Help students build fluency. Improve comprehension. Develop a lifelong love of reading.
Ultimately, these sessions are about empowering you. Transform your classroom. Empower your students with the power of audiobooks. Ensure every learner can reach their full potential.
Register now!

Read a Book Day
2025-09-06
On September 6th, join millions of readers around the world to celebrate Read a Book Day! This annual observance is a wonderful opportunity to step away from the digital noise and reconnect with the timeless joy of reading. Whether you’re a lifelong bookworm or haven’t picked up a novel in years, this day is for you.

International Literacy Day
2025-09-08
Join us in celebrating International Literacy Day on September 8th, a global observance established by UNESCO to highlight the transformative power of literacy. Since 1967, this day has served as a crucial reminder of literacy’s role in building more just, peaceful, and sustainable societies. Literacy is a fundamental human right that unlocks a world of opportunities, from individual empowerment to civic participation and economic development.

SPOD Diving Deeper - Supporting Students Diagnosed with Dyslexia & Their Families
2025-09-09 15:00 - 16:00
Join dyslexia experts Missy Purcell and Mallary Lattanze for a crucial follow-up session that builds on their popular Spotlight on Dyslexia presentation. This webinar is designed to provide you with deeper insights and evidence-based strategies to effectively support students with dyslexia and empower their families.
Go beyond the basics as we dive into practical applications of dyslexia interventions and explore nuanced approaches to a more holistic support system.
This session will cover:

Evidence-Based Interventions for Dyslexia: Learn how to apply proven, practical strategies in your classroom.
Fostering Self-Advocacy: Discover nuanced techniques to help students with dyslexia understand their own learning and become strong self-advocates.
Addressing Co-Occurring Conditions: Gain insights into identifying and supporting students who have dyslexia along with other learning differences.
Building Home-School Partnerships: Refine your communication skills to create stronger, more collaborative relationships with families.

Gain the expertise needed to transform student outcomes and cultivate a truly inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Register now!

Patriot Day
2025-09-11
Join us on September 11th for Patriot Day, a solemn observance to honor the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks and recognize the bravery of first responders. This day, officially known as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, calls on all Americans to reflect on the lives lost and the enduring spirit of unity and resilience that followed.
Fly your flag at half-staff, observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. EDT, and take a moment to reflect on the meaning of service and sacrifice. By coming together, we ensure that the memory of the events of September 11th, 2001, and the heroes of that day, will never be forgotten.

National Online Learning Day
2025-09-15
Celebrate National Online Learning Day on September 15th! This day is dedicated to recognizing the transformative power of online education and the achievements of students and educators in the digital world. Online learning, also known as e-learning, has revolutionized how we acquire skills and knowledge, offering unprecedented flexibility and accessibility.

National IT Professionals Day
2025-09-16
On the third Tuesday of September, join us in celebrating National IT Professionals Day, a day dedicated to honoring the unsung heroes who keep our digital world running smoothly. From managing complex networks to safeguarding our data and troubleshooting technical glitches, IT professionals are the backbone of modern business and daily life.

World Gratitude Day
2025-09-21
Join us on September 21st to celebrate World Gratitude Day, a global observance dedicated to recognizing the power of thankfulness. Established in 1965, this day serves as a reminder to pause and appreciate the positive things in our lives—from the simplest kindnesses to the most profound blessings.

National Comic Book Day
2025-09-25
Join us on September 25th to celebrate National Comic Book Day, a day dedicated to honoring the captivating world of sequential art. From the action-packed adventures of superheroes to the compelling narratives of graphic novels, comic books are a unique art form that combines striking visuals with powerful storytelling. Additionally, graphic novels can serve as an excellent entry point for struggling readers, as the combination of images and text can make complex stories more accessible and engaging.

Walk and Bike to School Day
2025-10-01
National Walk and Bike to School Day 2025 is a fun and healthy event that encourages students, families, and schools to get active and safely walk or bike to school together. This special day highlights the importance of being active and having safe routes to school. It’s also a great way to build community spirit and teach kids about road safety. Walking or biking to school helps students stay healthy, reduces traffic congestion, and supports cleaner air around schools. The day reminds everyone that even small changes in how we travel can have a big impact on our health and neighborhoods.

National Custodian Day
2025-10-02
They work while we sleep. Sometimes we walk around them in the halls not always “seeing” them or their work as important. That’s why we love National Custodian Day, which rolls around every October 2. It recognizes the hard work that it takes to keep our school facilities in top shape as well as the people who diligently work to make sure we have schools and workplaces that are spotless and sanitary.

World Smile Day
2025-10-03
World Smile Day 2025 is a day dedicated to the universal expression of joy – the smile. It’s a time to remind ourselves of the importance of spreading happiness, kindness, and positivity through simple acts, starting with a smile. This day encourages everyone to wear a smile and share it with the world, brightening the day of those they encounter.

World Teachers' Day
2025-10-05
World Teachers’ Day is an international day held annually to celebrate the work of teachers. Established in 1994, it commemorates the signing of recommendation by the International Labor Organization and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Thank you, teachers, for the work you do each day.

National Coaches Day
2025-10-06
National Coaches Day on October 6 honors the men and women who inspire players to work harder and do their best. Across the country in every community, a coach organizes teams, plans practices and training, motivates players to strive to be the best they can be. At the same time, coaches pinpoint areas for improvement and supply guidance. Every sport or competition requires a leader. More importantly, a leader who knows the game and drives athletes to work together as a team.

Dictionary Day
2025-10-16
Dictionary Day celebrates the birth of Noah Webster, an American writer who was born in 1758. Webster is best-known for publishing the first dictionary in 1806, which he continued to compile and expand for the next 27 years. When his dictionary was published in 1828, it was a powerful resource packed with useful words and spelling updates. Webster was a true literacy pioneer for creating the reference book that continues to be used today – both in print and digital formats!

National Youth Confidence Day
2025-10-20
National Youth Confidence Day is an annual event dedicated to celebrating and fostering self-confidence in young people. The day encourages connecting with and inspiring youth by sharing positive stories, providing tools for growth, and supporting their potential to achieve success.

From Screening to Success: Navigating California's Early Literacy Landscape
2025-10-22 14:00 - 15:00
Join literacy leaders Linda Diamond, Kasey Klappenback, and Megan Potente for a compelling panel discussion on the future of reading in California. We go beyond the new law, SB 114, focusing on the essential, practical implementation of effective reading screenings. Understanding how to correctly use and interpret reading screenings is the crucial next step for all California schools.
This must-attend event shows educators and administrators how to properly utilize California’s new literacy laws to build a stronger foundation for lifelong reading success for all students. Furthermore, the panel discusses the potential impact of related legislation, like AB 1454, and explains why it’s essential for achieving early literacy success.
Key Strategies for Effective Implementation:
This session provides clarity and actionable strategies for California educators. The panelists will address:

Understanding screeners: What they are, how to correctly interpret the results, and why they must remain curriculum-agnostic.
Using data effectively: How to use screening data to identify both school-wide instructional needs and specific educator support needs.
Early warning systems: How to use screeners as an early warning to identify students who need more specific diagnostic measures. This helps determine specific skill gaps and plan targeted instruction for reading intervention.

This recorded panel is essential for all educators, administrators, and parents seeking to understand and implement California’s new literacy landscape.
Register now!

National Make A Difference Day
2025-10-25
National Make A Difference Day brings community service to a whole new level each year. Organizations join forces on the fourth Saturday in October to make a difference, big or small. Making a difference can come in many forms so this day is wide open for participation!

Halloween
2025-10-31
Happy Halloween! This day is a time when people dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, and carve jack-o’-lanterns from hollowed out pumpkins. Ghosts and witches are popular costumes of the children who go from house to house saying, “Trick-or-treat!” The treat is usually candy. The origins of Halloween date back to several ancient festivals held in the autumn.

Fall Into Literacy
2025-11-01 - 2025-11-30
Embrace the cozy vibes of fall with curated, grade-banded book lists, seasonal reading activities, and fun challenges that keep students, educators, and families engaged in the spirit of the season.
Don’t have a Learning Ally account? Request more information.

SPOD Diving Deeper - Evolving the Definition of Dyslexia for Greater Inclusivity and Practical Impact
2025-11-05 16:00 - 17:00
Unpacking the New Definition of Dyslexia
Join Dr. Tim Odegard, a key member of the International Dyslexia Association’s (IDA) Definition Committee, for this webinar about the evolving definition of dyslexia. Dr. Odegard shares a unique perspective grounded in both extensive research and personal experience. Here, we’ll dive deep into the newly announced IDA definition of dyslexia.

Practical Insights for Educators
This session offers crucial knowledge for every educator and education leader. You’ll have access to Dr. Odegard’s original session with Dr. Charley Haynes from Spotlight on Dyslexia as well. This is your chance to understand the evolving dyslexia definition and what it means for your practice.

Empowering You and Your Students
This webinar provides an invaluable opportunity to:

Understand the new dyslexia definition
Align your practices with current scientific consensus
Advocate effectively for all learners
Foster greater inclusivity and impact in your educational settings

Don’t miss this must-attend event to grasp the practical implications of this vital update.
Register now!

Stories Around the Campfire: Reading is "S’more Fun" Together
2025-11-12 14:00 - 14:30
Gather ’round (virtually!) for Stories Around the Campfire, a special live event perfect for the fall season. Join Learning Ally and acclaimed narrator and voice actor Sara Wittry Phan for a magical celebration of literacy! This event is the perfect way for elementary and middle school readers, their classmates, teachers, and families to celebrate our Fall Into Literacy theme.
Sara brings the beautiful autumn book, Fall Leaves by Loretta Holland, to life. This captivating journey explores the colors and wonders of fall. It uses wordplay and luminous illustrations to celebrate the shifts in nature as autumn deepens. Ultimately, Stories Around the Campfire is designed to inspire emotions and add creative positivity to the world, one project at a time.
Meet the Narrator and Explore Literacy:
Sara Wittry Phan is a voice-acting powerhouse with over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry. Beyond her professional work, Sara is passionate about inspiring readers and promoting literacy.

Celebrate the Season: Experience a captivating autumn story read live by a professional voice actor.
Family Engagement: This event encourages family literacy engagement and makes reading a fun, shared experience.
Free Resources: Can’t make it live? No worries! A recording and a free book guide for Fall Leaves will be available on the Fall into Literacy Landing Page shortly after the event.
Literacy Community: Join the Learning Ally community as we share this “S’more Fun” event with you!

Behind the Mic: A Day in the Life of a Voice Actor
2025-11-13 14:00 - 14:30
Ever wonder what it takes to bring characters and stories to life using just your voice? Join Learning Ally for a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at the world of voice acting! This session is perfect whether you’re an aspiring actor, curious about creative careers, or just love animated characters and great storytelling.
Our guest voice actor, Sara Wittry Phan, shares her personal journey into the field. She showcases her compelling work and answers your questions about the reality of being a professional voice actor today. Furthermore, Sara discusses how advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly changing the voice acting industry.
Key Takeaways and Insights:
This live event offers unique insight into a creative career and the intersection of voice and literacy. Viewers will:

Explore Career Paths: Learn about Sara Wittry Phan’s personal journey and discover key steps to starting a career in voice acting.
Understand the Craft: See behind the scenes as Sara showcases her work bringing audiobooks and characters to life.
Discuss Industry Changes: Get an insider’s perspective on how AI is impacting the future of the voice acting industry.
Access Resources: Can’t make it live? No worries! A recording of the event will be added to our Fall into Literacy Landing Page shortly after the session.

Great Reading Games Begins
2025-12-01 - 2025-12-31
Schools can start earning GRG Boost Up points from December 1–31, 2025 by encouraging students to read in the Audiobook App, helping them get a strong head start before the official kickoff in January. With curated book lists, built-in motivation tools, and exciting prizes, this program makes it easy to spark joy and confidence in every reader.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities
2025-12-03
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a UN day that is celebrated every year on December 3. The day is about promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, and to raise awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life. WHO joins the UN in observing this day each year, reinforcing the importance of securing the rights of people with disabilities, so they can participate fully, equally and effectively in society with others, and face no barriers in all aspects of their lives.
