Advancing literacy through evidence-based practices

The Learning MATTERS Cultivating the Literacy Landscape Symposium 2025, held on 20-21 August in Auckland, will focus on cultivating New Zealand’s literacy approach. This two-day event is essential for educators, caregivers, leaders, and learners to support structured and evidence-based literacy methods.

In its third year, the symposium brings together a community focused on literacy. Attendees will share knowledge, discuss challenges, and hear about best practices based on the science of reading and learning.

Highlights of the event

Renowned keynote speakers

Day One		Day Two
Dr Kymyona Burk will discuss Mississippi’s literacy transformation through policy and leadership, sharing insights on how these changes have impacted student outcomes across the state.	Dr Daryl Michel highlights the role of coaching in sustaining effective literacy practices, emphasising the importance of ongoing professional development and support for educators.	Natalie Wexler connects literacy instruction to cognitive science for improved outcomes, offering evidence-based strategies that align with how students learn best.	Dr Lorraine Hammond provides practical classroom strategies based on explicit instruction, showcasing methods that can be immediately implemented to enhance student learning.

A series of breakout sessions and workshops throughout the course of the day, will allow educators to delve deeper into specific topics and apply their learning.

The sessions will provide personalised learning opportunities, where you can engage with experts and exchange experiences with peers. Discussions focus on innovative classroom techniques and addressing systemic literacy challenges, promoting dialogue and collaboration.

You’ll find inspiration, fresh insights, and thought-provoking ideas — along with practical strategies tailored to literacy education, including:

• Deep dives into effective spelling, reading, and writing instruction
• Inspiration to strengthen your literacy leadership and coaching
• Opportunities to enhance your knowledge and practice in intervention settings

Key symposium themes

• Educational leadership – Emphasising the role of strong leadership in driving positive change in literacy instruction and supporting evidence-based practices.
• The Science of Reading and Learning – Exploring discoveries in neuroscience and cognitive science to inform and improve literacy teaching practices.
• Participants will gain a deeper understanding of what works and how to implement it effectively.

The Learning MATTERS Cultivating the Literacy Landscape Symposium 2025 is more than an event—it is a place for literacy advocates to come together and support each other.

This is an invitation to be part of a collective effort to advance literacy. Leaders, educators, caregivers, and learners are encouraged to attend and contribute to this vital dialogue, ensuring that literacy remains a priority in our education system.

This event provides a unique opportunity for individuals to come together, exchange insights, and influence the future of literacy education. Unlike previous years, there will be a selection of exhibitors at the event, showcasing resources and products to support classroom practices.  

Mark Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st August in your calendars and get ready to begin your journey to help transform how we cultivate the literacy landscape for generations to come in New Zealand.

For more information and to register to attend, go to 2025 Literacy Symposium | Learning MATTERS

Hear from 2024 symposium attendees below
why this event is not to be missed

“It is rare to find PLD that is not trying to sell you a product. I cannot emphasis enough how much this is appreciated, nor how necessary this is to keeping the integrity of professional development. Thank you so much!”

“I loved all of the speakers. The quality of their presentations was mind blowing and pedagogy changing. Most PD is a nice time and a tasty lunch and then you go back to whatever you were doing. The quality of these presentations have forced me to rethink how and why I teach the way I do. The lessons learnt on this day are still ruminating in my mind many days after this symposium.”

“This symposium went beyond my expectations. I can’t pinpoint specifics because every speaker chosen flowed beautifully onto each other. From the Science of the Brain/Learning to the practicalities of the classroom! Next level AMAZING! Thank you for the opportunity.”

“I’m still buzzing and have been sharing my new learning with every teacher I talk to. It filled my cup and it was also affirming that the work we are doing is on the right track.”

“Each of the keynote speakers had different areas of expertise but somehow they all linked together to create a big picture. It was so inspiring. As a school leader it has me thinking about new ways of doing as a whole school in our pedagogical approach.”

“I loved that this symposium was about lifting our gaze above whatever program or resource people were using and really focusing on what sit above the resources,  No matter where schools are currently at it gave a clear understanding of how children learn and why it is so important so in answer to the question more around the how and why of learning!”