Dear Teacher Conference

writing & narrative | arts & humanities
rural & place-based education

 

Dear Teacher is IRW’s signature professional development event, designed for educators and librarians working with children pre-K–8 in rural communities. Held once a year in the fall, this conference consists of two days of programming, including a keynote speaker, a broad selection of workshops, networking opportunities, and fun!

2025 Dear Teacher Conference

Thursday, November 6 & Friday, November 7

Cross Insurance Center | Bangor, ME

 

2025 Program Preview Register Here Scholarship Info

2025 Dear Teacher Conference

IRW is delighted to announce that our 2025 keynote speaker is John Schu! Known better online as Mr. Schu, John is an author, librarian, and a literacy advocate. We’ll feature his picture book This is a School as the 2025 conference theme, and explore all the ways that community, education, and place intersect.

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2025 Highlights

  • Flexible ticket options ($300/two-day pass; $175/one-day pass; scholarships available).

  • Earn up to 1.5 CEUs.

  • Extensive Bookshop & signings with authors.

  • Networking opportunities.

  • Breakfast, lunch & snacks included.

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What makes Dear Teacher special?

When designing Dear Teacher, IRW drew on our 18 years of experience working with educators in small and rural communities. We heard that educators wanted support for teaching writing, integrating arts & humanities in classrooms with limited resources, and workshops that felt relevant to where they live.

Every workshop presenter at Dear Teacher is tasked with designing a workshop that includes actionable takeaways that educators can implement right now, in any classroom, with any budget.

A fantastic and intimate literacy based experience that reinvigorated my passion for teaching."

“The experiences made me feel special and reminded me about the importance of our collective work."

"I was overwhelmed by the amount of connections that I made at Dear Teacher. Connections with local teachers, authors & IRW Staff—all unforgettable.

2024 Conference Attendees

Scholarships

We’re thrilled to be offering two scholarship opportunities this year for Maine educators seeking support to attend the Dear Teacher conference. Principals should fill out the appropriate form below and cite the educator(s) they would like to nominate.

  • The UMaine Rural THRIVE Project Scholarship Opportunity: 10 teachers working in Maine’s rural public school districts will be supported with a two-day pass to Dear Teacher. Please apply by submitting this form.
  • The Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Scholarship: 3 educators working in Washington County Schools will be supported with a two-day pass to Dear Teacher. Please apply by submitting this form.

Scholarship Policy: Both 2025 scholarships have been graciously supported by sponsors of Dear Teacher. By applying for this opportunity, you are confirming that if the chosen educator cannot attend, you will select an appropriate educator to attend in their place, or let us know by October 1, 2025.