52nd National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes

The National Direct Instruction Conference was founded in 1974 by the Engelmann-Becker Corporation. Siegfried "Zig" Engelmann, Wes Becker, and other Direct Instruction authors wanted to create an event that would provide educators with access to quality training they might not otherwise receive. That first year, 90 educators from mostly the Northwest gathered at Sheldon High School in Eugene. For the next several years, the conference continued to be housed in various high school buildings around Eugene. Attendance grew to about 200.

In 1981, two key events took place. The Association for Direct Instruction was founded, and the city of Eugene built a conference center adjacent to the Hilton Hotel in the downtown area. By moving the conference to a professional facility, it expanded from four to five days and incorporated a greater variety of sessions. Over the decades, attendance has reached as many as 750 participants literally from around the world.

In 2013, the Association for Direct Instruction ceased operations, and the 2014 National Direct Instruction Conference marked the first year under the National Institute for Direct Instruction (NIFDI). While this was a change in the sponsoring organization's name, the conference remained largely the same. Many of the presenters and sessions you have come to expect are featured every year.

The National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes is the largest and longest-running DI-specific training and remains true to its traditions—the most comprehensive offering of Direct Instruction training and information available—anywhere!

We look forward to seeing you in Eugene in July!

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Host or Publisher National Institute for Direct Instruction