The Society for the Scientific Study of Reading and Linda Farrell were recognized for their impact.
SYRACUSE, N.Y., May 6, 2026 — The Reading League (TRL), a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing the awareness, understanding, and use of evidence-aligned reading instruction, honored two outstanding contributors to literacy during its 2026 Summit, held in Syracuse.
Meaningful Impact in Education Award Recipient: Society for the Scientific Study of Reading (SSSR)
Since its founding in 1993, the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading has had a significant impact on both education and research by advancing the scientific understanding of how reading develops and which instructional practices are most effective. Through its conferences and publications, SSSR has fostered collaboration among researchers, helping to translate cognitive science and literacy research into evidence-aligned instructional practices. Its work has influenced teacher preparation, curriculum design, and policy by emphasizing the importance of systematic approaches to reading instruction grounded in science. As a result, SSSR has played a key role in bridging the gap between research and classroom practice, ultimately contributing to improved literacy outcomes.
Jessica Toste accepts the SSSR award at The Reading League Summit 2026.
Linda Farrell accepts the Benita Blachman Award at The Reading League Summit 2026.
The Benita A. Blachman Award for Advancing Evidence Into Practice Recipient: Linda Farrell, M.Ed.
Linda Farrell has dedicated her career to helping children, adolescents, and adults learn to read. A former English teacher and school counselor, Linda’s journey led her to meet her mentor, Dr. Louisa Moats, with whom she coauthored the Teaching Reading Essentials Program Guide and Coaches Guide.
As a founding partner at Readsters and a former National LETRS Trainer, Linda has spent decades presenting workshops, developing assessments, and modeling instruction in classrooms across the country. Her work extends globally; she has recently helped write curricula and assessments for children in Senegal and Niger across seven languages. Linda is also coauthor of Phonics Blitz™ (1st Edition), Phonics Boost™, and the Diagnostic Decoding Surveys.
“These awardees represent the very best of what it means to bridge research and practice,” said Dr. Maria Murray, president and CEO of The Reading League. “Their work has empowered educators to move past confusion and use data to drive the instructional impact that truly changes students’ lives.”
The awards were presented during the 2026 Reading League Summit, an annual gathering of educators, researchers, and advocates committed to advancing the science of reading and improving literacy outcomes.
About The Reading League
Celebrating a decade of impact, The Reading League is a national education nonprofit based in Syracuse, N.Y., advancing evidence-aligned reading instruction through advocacy, professional learning, research, and a growing network of 46 chapters. The Reading League’s work is grounded in the science of reading—decades of research revealing how the brain learns to read and which instructional practices are most effective. The Reading League believes that all children deserve to learn to read, and all teachers can learn to teach them. For more information, please visit thereadingleague.org.
Media Contact: Soledad Calvino, Director of Public Relations, media@thereadingleague.org, 315-362-2378
