OCTELA 2027 Annual Conference Call for Proposals

Form coming soon

OCTELA invites teachers, scholars, literacy coaches, preservice educators, and school leaders to submit proposals for the 2027 annual conference. As the landscape of literacy changes—through technology, culture, and shifting educational demands—our work must continue to design learning experiences that elevate student voice, sustain equitable practices, and support the sustainability and well-being of teachers. We are interested in highlighting innovative practices that consider the following questions: 

• How can we elevate every voice and design learning experiences that prepare students for an interconnected future? 

• How do we reimagine literacy for tomorrow while also renewing ourselves as educators today? 

• How do teachers design future-ready literacy experiences?

• How do we ensure equity and inclusion as literacies evolve?

• What new forms of storytelling and expression should ELA embrace?

• What role do educators play in shaping the next era of literacy for all learners?

We welcome proposals that explore one or more of the following strands:

Conference Strands

1. Future-Ready Literacies 

   • AI and writing instruction

   • Multimodal and digital composition

   • Critical media, information, and platform literacy

   • Digital storytelling

2. Student Voice & Identity

   • Youth storytelling, activism, and agency

   • Identity-affirming pedagogies

   • Inclusive text curation

3. Equity, Justice & Community

   • Equity-Based ELA instruction

   • Trauma-responsive literacy practices

   • Expanding access for multilingual learners

4. Teacher Renewal & Sustainability

   • Restorative and reflective teacher practices

   • Wellness, burnout prevention, and balance

   • Creativity and joy in the ELA classroom

   • Professional resilience and communal care

5. Teacher Leadership & Higher Education

   • Literacy coaching and instructional leadership practices

   • edTPA-aligned instructional approaches

   • Advocacy and policy literacy

   • Mentorship and pathways in ELA

6. Expanding What Counts as Literacy

   • Theatre, art, and performance in ELA

   • Family and community literacies

   • Maker-centered and inquiry-driven literacy

Conference Proposal Formats

• 45-min Breakout Session

• 15-min Roundtable Discussion