LATROBE, PA – Saint Vincent College will host the 2026 Literacy Love Conference: Reading and Writing Beside Our Students from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, at the Fred M. Rogers Center on campus. The conference is co-sponsored by the Saint Vincent College Education Department and the Western Pennsylvania Council for Teachers of English (WPCTE).
Designed for educators at all levels, the Literacy Love Conference brings together teachers, literacy leaders, preservice educators and higher education faculty for a full day of collaboration, inspiration and practical classroom learning.
The event features nationally recognized literacy educator and bestselling author Penny Kittle as the keynote speaker. Kittle is widely known for her influential work in student-centered literacy instruction and for championing authentic reading and writing practices in classrooms. She is the author of several foundational professional texts, including “Book Love,” “Write Beside Them,” “180 Days” and “Joy Write.” Her work emphasizes choice, voice, volume and meaningful feedback—approaches that continue to shape literacy instruction nationwide.
In addition to the keynote address, the conference will feature:
“Literacy Love is about reconnecting educators with the joy and purpose of teaching reading and writing,” said Dr. Tracy McNelly, chair of the Education Department. “At Saint Vincent, we believe deeply in teaching beside our students—listening to their voices, honoring their stories and creating classrooms rooted in care, curiosity and connection. Partnering with WPCTE and welcoming Penny Kittle to campus allows us to bring that vision to life for educators across the region.”
Interested participants are invited to register online. Registration cost is $100 for educators and professionals and $25 for college students. The registration deadline is Sunday, March 1.
The Literacy Love Conference reflects Saint Vincent College’s ongoing commitment to preparing reflective, compassionate and highly effective educators, which is aligned with the College’s Benedictine values and its longstanding partnership with the Fred M. Rogers Center.
For more information or registration details, visit the conference website or contact the Saint Vincent College Education Department.
