Welcome to the registration page for Island Readers & Writers' (IRW) Fourth Annual Dear Teacher Conference! We can't wait to welcome you to Husson University in Bangor, ME on Friday, November 6, 2026. Here you'll find all the details you need regarding agenda, speakers, selecting workshops, and reserving hotel accommodations.
Ticket Details
All Day Access Pass $150 - Your ticket includes opportunities to learn and network alongside fellow educators, explore popular topics, and choose from a variety of engaging sessions, including hands-on workshops. Registration also includes breakfast, lunch, a signed copy of Grandpa Cacao: A Tale of Chocolate From Farm to Family by Elizabeth Zunon, and the chance to win door prizes!
Presentations Include
- Opening Keynote, Weaving Worlds Together, with author/illustrator Elizabeth Zunon
- All Together Now, an interactive workshop with artist Mike Duffy
- Reflecting the World in Short Poems, with author Holly Thompson
- Centering Youth, Schools and Community: Vision & Strategy, with educator Val Peacock
- Place-Based Writing as a Literacy Tool, with educator Josephine Cameron
- Comics in the Classroom, with teaching artist Marek Bennett
Scholarship Options
We’re thrilled to offer 12 scholarship opportunities this year! Priority consideration will be given to first-time attendees. Please have your principal/supervisor complete the scholarship form before registering. If selected, you will receive a coupon code via email to complete your registration.
Invoice My School
This option is intended to provide participants the flexibility to register for the Dear Teacher conference at any time and invoice their school administrator for the ticket cost. Schools must remit payment on or before October 12, 2026. Please note that when you use this option, you are reserving a ticket for the conference and are responsible for ensuring the invoice is paid. For any questions about the Invoice My School option, please contact our Data & Information Manager, Dawn Severns, at dseverns@islandreadersandwriters.org.
Thank you for joining us!
