Beyond the Page: Cultivating an Authentic Passion for Literature & Lifelong Reading with Chris Kyser, Ed.D
Fall 2026 Culture of Reading Virtual Conference
Tuesday, September 15th 2026 at 8:00 PM EDT
Event will begin in 4 days and 11 hours
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Systematic decoding is essential, but cracking the code is only half the battle—we must also cultivate the will to read.
This session explores the vital intersection between technical word-solving skills and the deep passion that turns children into lifelong readers. Designed for educational leaders, classroom teachers, and literacy stakeholders, we will examine how moving away from isolated worksheet drills toward immersive experiences with children’s literature gives foundational skills their ultimate purpose.
Grounded in reader-response research, this session offers a unified framework that honors both the science of decoding and the joy of storytelling to drive cognitive and emotional growth simultaneously.
Chris Kyser, Ed.D. is an Associate Professor of Literacy at the University of Northern Colorado, where she coordinates the Educational Studies doctoral program and teaches across undergraduate and graduate levels. A dedicated educator with more than two decades of experience, Chris is passionate about helping teachers and students fall in love with literacy. Beyond her university work, she serves on the board of the Belize Education Project. Her current research focuses on teacher recruitment, authentic children's literature, and the transformative power of international teacher exchange programs.
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