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West Texas Reading Symposium, Aug. 19, 2026

Welcome!

Welcome to the West Texas Reading Symposium, where the power of words ignites the spark of knowledge! 

SAVE THE DATES: 

Secondary Educators (6th-12th grades) mark your calendars for several extraordinary FREE events taking place:

•West Texas Reading Symposium, August 19, 2026 

•Pre-conference Session 1: Building Better Writers, May 6, 2026

•Pre-conference Session 2: Building Great Writers, June 23 & 24, 2026

•Pre-conference Session 3: Leadership Session, August 18, 2026

 

This symposium is not just a gathering; it's a celebration of the transformative impact that reading can have on education.

REGISTRATION OPENING SOON!

Seats for all the events are FREE but are limited, and the demand is expected to be high, so be ready to secure your spot in the front row of this educational extravaganza. The Symposium on August 19 will be held at the Starlight Event Center, 6650 Continental Dr. Some pre-conference sessions will be held at ESC19, 6611 Boeing Dr. Building A, Paso Del Norte Rooms.

OUTSTANDING SPEAKERS

What makes this symposium truly exceptional? We've curated a lineup of reading experts who will share their insights not only on language arts but across all academic subjects. Imagine a symphony of ideas, a fusion of knowledge, and a cascade of inspiration pouring forth from experts dedicated to transforming the landscape of education through the power of reading.

 

Don't miss the chance to be part of this groundbreaking event! The West Texas Reading Symposium is not just an event; it's a commitment to advancing education, one page at a time.  

The symposium and pre-conference sessions are FREE and funded by the Texas Reading Initiative Grant

NO FEES / SUBSTITUTE COST COVERAGE

Brought to you through generous grants, the West Texas Reading Symposium is breaking barriers by eliminating registration fees. We believe that access to top-tier professional development should be universal, and this event promises to be a game-changer for educators dedicated to enhancing their students' learning experiences.

We understand the challenges educators face when attending events, so we've gone above and beyond to support you. Substitute reimbursement for the first 200 qualifying attendees is available. To qualify for reimbursement, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Currently employed as a full-time teacher in a K-12 Region 19 public/charter school
  • Be a Texas certified teacher OR be enrolled in an alternative certification program
  • Be in attendance for the entire symposium (reimbursement will not be available for any attendees needing to leave early)
  • Provide requested documentation (available the day of the event) by deadline

Documentation will be provided at the end of the symposium for educators. 

Check Out Online Content!

Relive the Magic! Link to Past Picture Album

Follow Us: #WTRS #WeR19

WTRS Podcast 2

Event Coordinator

Linda B. Caudillo, 915-780-5062

Professional Development Consultant, 
ESC19 Academic Instruction and School Success Department
EMAIL

MORE DETAILS:

We invite you to join other educators to focus on the science of reading and biliteracy!

West Texas Reading Symposium

August 19, 2026

at Starlight Event Center, 6650 Continental Dr. El Paso, TX 79925 

Free for secondary school educators (6th -12th grades)

•Substitute Funding available

 

Pre-Conference Sessions are scheduled, with limited seating, on:

May 6: Building Better Writers
All Day. Location at ESC19 Building A, Paso Del Norte Rooms.
Limited Seating (30 seats)
 
June 23 & 24: Building Great Writers
All Day. Location at ESC19 Building A, Paso Del Norte Rooms.
Need to attend both days. Limited Seating (30 seats)
 
 
August 18: Leadership Session @ Starlight
Half a day, 8:30AM-11:30AM.
Location at the Starlight Event Center, 6650 Continental Dr.
For principals, superintendents, instructional coaches, campus coaches and any educators involved in PLCs.
Limited Seating (30 seats)

The symposium and pre-conference sessions are FREE and funded by the Texas Reading Initiative Grant
 

Who Can Attend?

  • Current 6th-12th school educators in a Texas public or charter school.
  • Must be a fully certified teacher in the state of Texas.
  • Must have a current school email address on file through Click & Learn.