(De)Normalizing Literature Conference

Join us for a life-changing conference designed to explore and challenge traditional literacy practices while promoting an approach to literacy for ALL students. This event brings together educators, thought leaders, and authors focused on broadening educational perspectives and creating classrooms that reflect the richness of our Californian population.

Throughout this dynamic two-day event, attendees will engage in hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and keynote presentations that explore:

Reimagining Literacy: Strategies for rethinking traditional approaches to teaching literacy and creating spaces where students' lived experiences and nonidentical backgrounds are acknowledged.

Variant Texts: Best practices for curating literature that reflects a wide range of voices, perspectives, and histories, ensuring that ALL students can relate to the stories they read.

Broad-Minded Practices: Practical methods for incorporating teaching techniques that engage ALL students and enhance their learning experiences.

Critical Thinking with Texts: Tools for encouraging students to analyze texts, question power structures, and engage with literature in ways that promote thoughtful inquiry.

Whether you're a K-12 educator, administrator, or literacy specialist, this conference will provide the knowledge, resources, and community needed to take your teaching practices to the next level—centered around ALL students.

Come ready to be inspired, challenged, and equipped with the tools to (De)Normalize Literature and reimagine what literacy can look like when students "Rewrite the Narrative" in text. Together, we can foster a learning environment where we hear, understand, and celebrate every voice.

Hear from our Keynote speaker: To Be Announced Soon!

Action Research Poster Presentations by practitioners on real teaching and learning inquiry, a staple of the CRLP project.

This is a chance for statewide educators to come together to network and discuss our learning. We will also recognize our CRLP teacher leader award recipients.

Participants may receive a copy of the authors’ books. Each author has a breakout session.

Classroom teachers and researchers in the field provide information on current instruction for our particular California population.

The conference fee includes breakfast and lunch, keynote sessions, expert workshops, author talks, vendor events, reception, and a swag bag with materials.

Date: May 1, 2026 and May 2, 2026

Location: Paradise Point Resort & Spa Hotel in San Diego, CA

Early Bird Special: Save $75 per person (Must be registered by April 10, 2026)

Standard Fee: April 11, 2026 - May 1, 2026 : $275 per person

Teams Fee (group of 4+): save $75 per team registration (Must be from the same school site)

Payment can be made via

• credit card
• personal check (made to UC Regents)
• School Purchase Orders/District check (Made to UC Regents)

Link to book hotel at a discounted rate will be available by April 1, 2026

Contact: [email protected] for more information

*CRLP Signature Professional Learning Programs and Conferences meets criteria for professional learning in Title IX, LCAP, LCFF, and ESEA’s High-Quality Professional Development for Title I, III, V and VII, Part A; and for Title II, Part A and B.*

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Host or Publisher California Reading & Literature Project, SO