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Registration Open for the 53rd National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes, July 26-30, 2027

Registration Open for the 53rd National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes, July 26-30, 2027

Registration for the 53rd National DI Conference is open! Plan to join educators from around the world at the Graduate Hotel in Eugene, Oregon, July 26-30, 2027! The conference offers training in a wide range of Direct Instruction programs, as well as comprehensive institutes for instructional leaders, coaches, and professional development specialists.

The opening keynote will be presented by Laura Doherty, President and CEO of the Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) since 2012. BCP operates six schools serving over 3,000 students as conversion charter schools. In 2026, BCP celebrated its 30th anniversary and the 30th year of using Direct Instruction programs. Laura has deep roots in Direct Instruction, coming to the University of Oregon in 1994. Her story is inspirational, motivating, and insightful. On Wednesday morning, education consultant, author, and podcast producer Dr. Zach Groshell will present a special keynote. Zach is a leading voice in the science of learning and a fierce proponent of Direct Instruction.

No matter what your job title is–principal, supervisor, literacy coach, teacher, paraprofessional, professor, or something else–the National DI Conference has something for you. Plan on coming to Eugene this summer, take advantage of the beautiful location, and take part in the most comprehensive offering of Direct Instruction training and information available—anywhere!

Register now and save $100!

To download a brochure and register, click here.

Which best describes your role?

Curriculum Decision Maker
School and District Leader

Interested in learning how to implement Direct Instruction in your district, school, or home? NIFDI can help. Click a button below to learn more. 

Leaders
Coaches
Teachers
Parents
What is a Peer Coach?

Peer coaches play a critical role in sustaining strong implementation of Direct Instruction (DI) at the school level. Selected during the first year of implementation, peer coaches are classroom teachers who demonstrate strong instructional practice, effective communication with colleagues, and a willingness to support others. Because they teach the same programs as their peers, they bring practical expertise and shared experience that help build trust and collaboration across the school.

As implementation progresses, peer coaches extend the impact of NIFDI consultants by providing ongoing, school-based support when consultants are not on-site. Their coaching is non-evaluative and focused on improving student outcomes. Peer coaches reinforce effective teaching practices and guide colleagues to make targeted adjustments that directly impact student performance and behavior.

Peer coaches participate in a structured, multi-year training sequence through NIFDI. Over the course of two to three years, they are trained to analyze student performance data, conduct both brief and extended classroom observations, and support data-driven problem solving. Advanced training prepares them to lead grade-level meetings and contribute to broader instructional planning with school leadership.

By developing peer coaches, schools build internal capacity to maintain and strengthen DI implementation over time—ensuring continuity, supporting new staff, and driving sustained student achievement.