The State of Maryland Literacy Association (SoMLA) is thrilled to welcome Jason Reynolds and Dr. Louisa Moats as keynote speakers for the 2027 SoMLA Annual Conference!
Jason Reynolds, a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of the most influential voices in contemporary young people’s literature, has written more than 20 books for children and young adults. His celebrated works include Ghost, Patina, Sunny, and Lu from the bestselling Track series, along with Long Way Down, All American Boys, Look Both Ways, and As Brave as You. A 2024 MacArthur Fellow and former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Reynolds brings an extraordinary passion for helping young people discover their voices, tell their stories, and build meaningful connections through reading and writing.
Dr. Louisa Moats is a nationally recognized literacy expert, researcher, author, and leading advocate for evidence-based reading instruction. With decades of experience in education, psychology, and literacy research, Moats has dedicated her career to advancing educators’ understanding of how children learn to read and the instructional practices that support reading success. She is widely recognized for her influential work in the science of reading, including her landmark publication Teaching Reading Is Rocket Science, and for her contributions to the development of LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling). Her work has helped shape literacy instruction and professional learning for educators across the nation, emphasizing the importance of strong foundational reading skills and effective, research-based teaching practices.
Together, Reynolds and Moats will bring two powerful and complementary perspectives to the SoMLA stage—celebrating the power of storytelling, student voice, the science of reading, and the essential role educators play in developing confident, capable, and lifelong readers.
SAVE THE DATE
April 7–8, 2027
Join literacy educators from across Maryland and beyond for two days of learning, inspiration, connection, and celebration.
Conference registration coming soon!
