#USA #Honolulu #Literacy Research #Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz #Honolulu 2026

Literacy Research Association Announces Major Keynote for 2026 Conference in Honolulu

The Literacy Research Association (LRA) recently unveiled an important keynote address that will take place during its annual conference, scheduled from December 2 to 5, 2026, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu, Hawaii. This year’s keynote speaker is the esteemed Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, a Professor of English Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, who will present on a profoundly relevant topic titled "Archaeologies of Self and Re-Searching Literacies as Healing Praxis."

About the Keynote

In her keynote address, Dr. Sealey-Ruiz will delve into how literacy, research, and pedagogy can intertwine as transformative practices centered on self-awareness and community relationships. Based on her framework of Archaeology of Self, her talk challenges conventional linear models of learning, advocating instead for a recursive and relational approach. This method emphasizes racial literacy and healing as fundamental principles for the future of education, aiming to cultivate classrooms where students' diverse experiences are acknowledged and valued.

Patriann Smith, the LRA 2026 Conference Chair, eloquently stated, "Literacies are not static add-ons to education; they are living, moving practices that unfold across time, space, and communities." This encapsulates the ethos of the conference and highlights the necessity to rethink the role of literacy in educational settings.

Conference Highlights

The theme for the LRA 2026 conference is "Manifesting Quantum Imaginaries: Re-searching Literacies as a Transcontextual Enterprise". This theme encourages participants to reimagine literacy through a multifaceted lens, particularly exploring how technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, interact with literacy practices in education. The agenda will showcase various sessions and discussions addressing:

• - The impact of Quantum Imaginaries on literacy practices across diverse classrooms.
• - The implications of the Archaeology of Self for culturally responsive teaching.
• - The evolution of Racial Literacy Development, with insights drawn from Dr. Sealey-Ruiz's forthcoming works, including her book and TEDx talk.

Participants can look forward to engaging with innovative approaches to literacy that take into account the evolving landscapes of education in a technological era.

Registration and Proposal Submissions

Details regarding registration for the conference and the keynote address will soon be available on the LRA website. Individuals interested in submitting proposals in response to the LRA 2026 Call for Proposals should do so by March 1, 2026, via the LRA 2026 All Academic portal. This provides a unique opportunity for educators and scholars to contribute their research and insights to this vital discourse.

Why it Matters

In an age where educational equity and inclusion are paramount, Dr. Sealey-Ruiz's keynote serves as a crucial invitation to evaluate how literacies function as dynamic, transformative practices influenced by cultural, social, and technological contexts. By positioning literacy within a framework of healing and community connection, the conference aims to ensure all learners receive the resources and skills necessary to thrive in increasingly complex environments.

Anticipated Outcomes

Attendees will have the chance to participate in numerous professional development opportunities and discussions on:

• - Innovative classroom strategies for teaching literacy in a connected world.
• - The role of diverse perspectives in enriching pedagogical practices.
• - Engaging in methods that promote equity and sustainability in literacy education.

The LRA conference promises to be a pivotal gathering for educators, researchers, and practitioners looking to redefine literacy in impactful ways as we approach 2026. Join us in Honolulu for this essential conversation about the future of literacy education!

Final Thoughts

As we gear up for this landmark event, the Literacy Research Association continues to lead efforts toward redefining literacy practices. This conference not only elevates scholarly discourse but also fosters a sense of collective responsibility for nurturing literacies that are inclusive, equitable, and transformative.