District and community leaders share Indian River County’s approach to literacy, leadership, partnership, and systems change with educators from across the country.
Something special is happening right here in Indian River County, and this month, that story reached a national audience.
Leaders from the School District of Indian River County joined our partners from The Learning Alliance at the 2026 Memphis Literacy Conference to present The Moonshot Story: Lessons for Practical Application in Leadership.
The conference, held September 19 in Memphis, Tennessee, brought together educators, literacy leaders, researchers, and community partners to exchange ideas, examine research-based practices, and explore strategies for strengthening literacy outcomes.
Representing Indian River County were Dr. David K. Moore, Superintendent of Schools; Dr. Christina Jacobs, Chief of Staff; Dr. Brian McMahon, Director of Accountability & Research; Barbara Hammond, CEO and Co-Founder of The Learning Alliance; and Liz Remington, CAO and Co-Founder of The Learning Alliance.
Together, the team shared the systems, partnerships, leadership practices, and collective commitment that continue to shape literacy efforts across Indian River County.
From a Local Vision to a National Conversation
The Moonshot Story reflects years of collaboration among the School District of Indian River County, The Learning Alliance, educators, families, community organizations, and local partners working toward a shared goal: helping every child become a stronger reader and a successful lifelong learner.
During the Memphis presentation, leaders highlighted how bold ideas, aligned systems, strong partnerships, and sustained leadership can work together to create meaningful and lasting change.
The work represents more than a single initiative. It demonstrates what can happen when a school district and its community approach literacy as a shared responsibility and build systems designed to support students from the classroom through the broader community.
Sharing What We Are Learning
Presenting at the Memphis Literacy Conference provided an opportunity for SDIRC and The Learning Alliance to share lessons learned in Indian River County while also connecting with educators and leaders working toward similar goals across the country.
These national conversations help strengthen the work at home by creating opportunities to exchange ideas, learn from others, and continue refining practices that support students and educators.
We are proud of the work taking place throughout #MySDIRC and grateful for the teachers, school leaders, staff, families, students, and community partners who continue moving this work forward.
What is happening in Indian River County is an example of what is possible when schools and communities work together around a common goal.
Learn More
Learn more about the Memphis Literacy Conference, its presenters, and The Moonshot Story:
Memphis Literacy Conference: Presenters- https://www.memphisliteracyconference.org/presenters
The Story Continues in Indian River County
The national conversation may have taken place in Memphis, but the work continues right here at home.
Education leaders will have another opportunity to experience this work firsthand during the 2027 Wired to Learn Fast Summit, taking place February 3–5, 2027, in Indian River County.
The summit will bring education leaders together around literacy, leadership, the science of learning, and systems change while showcasing approaches being developed and implemented within our community.
Learn more about the Wired to Learn Fast Summit: https://www.wiredtolearnfast.com
Ideas today. Stronger readers tomorrow.