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PETAA 2026 Leading with Literacy Conference
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A knowledge-rich curriculum: Strengthening literacy and unlocking knowledge

PETAA 2026 Leading with Literacy Conference

Join Australia’s national conference for primary English and literacy educators as we explore how knowledge-building strengthens reading, writing and talk across learning areas.

29–30 October 2026
Sydney + Online
Livestream + on-demand
Choose your registration option Explore the program
PETAA 2026 Conference at Royal Randwick
Royal Randwick, Sydney
Attend in person or join online from your school

Why this conference matters

Literacy does not develop separately from the ideas, texts and curriculum content students encounter. This conference explores how knowledge-building strengthens the reading, writing and talk students use to learn.

📖

Reading

Build deep comprehension through background knowledge, domain knowledge and vocabulary.

✍️

Writing

Use writing to consolidate learning, deepen thinking and demonstrate understanding.

💬

Talk

Use purposeful classroom talk to process new knowledge and clarify ideas.

Featured speakers

Learn with internationally recognised researchers, leading educators and literacy experts

Meet all speakers
International keynote

Professor Nell K. Duke

Researcher and literacy expert, USA

Deknowable texts: Why knowledge matters to reading and what that means for teaching

International keynote

Professor Steve Graham

Writing researcher and educator, USA — virtual

Using writing to facilitate comprehension and learning

Australian keynote

Dr Deslea Konza

Literacy researcher and educational consultant

Vocabulary as knowledge: The wonder of words

Australian keynote

Associate Professor Helen Adam

Researcher in children’s literature and literacy

Whose knowledge counts? Creating equity in a knowledge-rich literacy curriculum

Choose how you’ll participate

Attend in person in Sydney, join online, or use the conference as a shared professional learning resource for your school.

🏛️

Attend in person

Join the full conference experience at Royal Randwick in Sydney, including keynotes, sessions, hospitality and networking.

Register in person
💻

Join online

Access the conference through livestream, on-demand viewing, or a combined livestream and on-demand registration.

Register online
🧭

Compare options

View all registration pathways, pricing and school options before choosing the listing that fits your context.

View registration options
Knowledge-rich through a literacy lens

Explore the conference theme visually

Educator, writer and visual thinker Kathleen McLean brings the concepts of the 2026 Leading with Literacy Conference to life in an illustration exploring knowledge-rich curriculum through a literacy lens.

Explore the theme
A knowledge-rich curriculum: strengthening literacy and unlocking knowledge
Whole-school learning

Bring the conference into your school’s professional learning journey

Professional learning is most powerful when ideas continue beyond a conference session. Schools can use PETAA PL Subscription and conference access to support shared professional language, revisit key ideas, connect learning to school priorities and build greater consistency across classrooms.

  • Shared professional language
  • Whole-staff access
  • Conference recordings and online learning
  • Support sustained improvement over time
Explore whole-school learning Learn about PL Subscription
Partners and exhibitors

Meet the organisations joining PETAA 2026

Explore the publishers, education organisations and literacy partners joining the 2026 Leading with Literacy Conference.

Meet our exhibitors and partners
Major partner
Essential Assessment
"I see so many teachers posting about how disheartened they are with the profession. My advice - get along to a PETAA professional conference and and connect with your tribe."

— Literacy Leader, VIC

PETAA 2026 Leading with Literacy Conference

Ready to join us?

Attend in person in Sydney or online, and engage with professional learning that connects literacy, curriculum and knowledge-building across the primary years.

Register in person Register online Compare options
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Leading with Literacy Conference

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The Primary English Teaching Association Australia wishes to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, Traditional Custodians of the land on which our offices are located, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We also acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands across Australia, their Elders, Ancestors, cultures and heritage.

Copyright © 2026 Primary English Teaching Association Australia ABN 36 002 557 075.  Contact Us   Email Us

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