In July 2025, NSLA hosted an all day conference in Kearney where over 190 registrants participated either in person or online. Participants heard from three nationally known speakers Lindsay Kemeny - 7 Mighty Moves for Reading Succes
Teacher and author, Lindsay Kemeny, took us on an inspiring journey to unlock effective reading instruction. She shared seven ways teachers can modify what they are currently doing to transform their reading instruction. Each “mighty move” focused on a critical area of foundational reading-from the most efficient ways to teach phonemic awareness and phonics to how to boost comprehension. Lindsay briefly discussed each move and offered up a specific strategy for each one that could be implemented right away. Brent Conway - "From Philosophy to Framework: A systems change for structured literacy instruction to avoid The Balanced Literacy Hangover" New training, different instructional routines, new curriculum, different assessments and more, are all things educators are dealing with as they seek to implement the science of reading. But this work is hard and it is made even harder when aspects of our balanced literacy training creep back in or remain in place. Dr. Brent Conway, an assistant superintendent and former principal of a National Blue Ribbon School helped educators look at the systems view for implementing all these changes. The philosophies, practices and ways of thinking that linger from balanced literacy and can be tough to shake, like a bad hangover, or more like A Balanced Literacy Hangover. Brent shared real data, real stories and provided a path for real success in classrooms and schools. Interactive Podcast Experience/ Panel Discussion with our Keynote speakers Lori, Brent, and Lindsay. When we make shifts in practice, there’s so much to think about and learn. We’re all at different places in our learning. The most important thing we can do is be curious and keep learning. Participants explored how to put research into practice. We heard from Brent & Lindsay, who are doing this work in their school districts. Nebraska Department of Education NDE spoke to the participants about what is happening in Nebraska and the Nebraska Literacy Project. Lori Sappington - Fluency & Vocabulary as Bridges to Comprehension
Lori unpacked fluency and vocabulary as the bridge to comprehension. Participants considered their fluency schedule, learned a five-step vocabulary routine, and heard why we shouldn’t be teaching reading comprehension strategies in isolation (and what you can do instead). Participants learned research-backed strategies they could use in their classroom tomorrow, along with downloadables like podcasts and printable resources. | 
Dr. Brent Conway