As we step into 2026, I’ve been reflecting on what matters most—not just for Epic, but for the classrooms, families and communities we’re honored to serve.
I’m often asked why I care so deeply about reading, and the honest answer is that books shaped my life from the beginning. As a kid, I had favorite stories that I returned to again and again. They weren’t just entertainment. They were places I could go. Characters I could learn from. Worlds that felt bigger than my own and somehow, they made my own life bigger, too.
That early love of books stayed with me. It influenced what I studied later in college. Looking back, that path wasn’t an accident. It was cultivated one book at a time because someone made access to reading easy, joyful and constant.
That’s what we have to keep doing for kids today. We have to make reading feel possible. We have to make it feel exciting. And we have to meet kids where they are—in the classroom, at home, at school and everywhere in between.
Teachers at the Center
Epic is a tool for teachers. Full stop.
In every conversation about the future of edtech—especially in today’s environment—it’s easy to make technology the main character. But the truth is that classrooms don’t succeed because of tools. They succeed because of educators who bring empathy, expertise and determination to students every single day.
We will keep building Epic to fit into real classroom life—not an idealized version of it. That means listening closely to teachers, designing with their constraints in mind and measuring our success by one standard: does this make a teacher’s day better, and does it help kids read more?
Literacy as Our North Star
Everything we do starts with the goal of helping kids improve their reading ability. When kids gain access to great books something powerful happens. Reading builds vocabulary and knowledge, sure. But it also builds confidence. Curiosity. Empathy. Imagination.
Epic is built on a simple idea: when kids love to read, they read more, and reading more leads to better learning outcomes. Literacy expands opportunity, improves educational outcomes and gives kids a lifelong skill that unlocks every other subject.
We know that right now, too many children are struggling to read at grade level. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), nearly two-thirds of fourth graders are not reading at the “Proficient” level. That’s why access matters so much. The right book at the right moment can change a child’s relationship with reading and sometimes their belief in themselves.
In 2026, we’re doubling down on that mission with the highest-quality content, an even more engaging reading experience, and continued focus on serving the kids who need it most.
The Highest-Quality Content with Trusted Media Brands, Publishers and Authors
If literacy is our mission, content is our foundation.
In 2026, we’re investing even more in partnerships with trusted media brands, leading publishers, and beloved authors, not just to add more titles, but to deepen the quality and impact of the reading experience for students and teachers.
Teachers and families count on Epic to deliver books that are not only engaging, but worthy of kids’ time and attention: high-quality, age-appropriate and trustworthy. That means continuing to expand our library with excellence as the filter, not volume for volume’s sake.
It also means investing in innovative content experiences that meet kids in new ways while still keeping reading at the center. Whether it’s new formats that increase engagement, better discovery tools or experiences that connect reading to curiosity and learning, our goal is the same: help kids fall in love with reading and keep going.
One of the most exciting parts of building Epic is getting to work alongside the people and organizations who create the stories kids love.
Looking Ahead
When I think about 2026, I think about teachers trying to reach 25 different learners in one room. I think about kids who need one book that finally feels like it’s “for them.” I think about families looking for simple ways to support reading at home.
Epic’s job is to show up for those moments with tools that help, content that inspires and a mission that stays constant.
Teachers at the heart.
Literacy as the driver.
Innovation with purpose.
And access to books that help every child become a reader.
That’s our vision for 2026. We’re grateful to pursue it alongside the educators and families who make it real every day.
About the Author
Jackson Ding is the General Manager of Epic and brings more than a decade of experience across education, technology and data-driven strategy. In his role, Jackson helps guide strategic initiatives across Epic. His primary expertise lies in educational technology and leveraging digital tools to enhance learning outcomes. He has played a key role in evaluating, shaping and scaling product features that support student engagement, skill development and expanding access to high-quality content with trusted publishers and beloved media companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶ What is Epic’s vision for 2026?
Epic’s vision for 2026 is centered on keeping teachers at the heart of everything we build, using literacy as our guiding focus, and expanding access to high-quality books that help every child become a reader.
▶ Why does Epic put teachers first?
Epic is built as a tool for teachers. Classrooms succeed because of educators—not technology—and Epic is designed to fit into real classroom life by listening to teachers and building with their daily constraints in mind.
▶ What role does literacy play in Epic’s mission?
Literacy is Epic’s north star. Helping kids improve their reading ability is the foundation of everything we do, because reading builds confidence, curiosity, empathy, imagination, and long-term learning outcomes.
▶ How does Epic help kids develop a love of reading?
Epic is built on the idea that when kids love to read, they read more—and reading more leads to better outcomes. By making access to books easy, joyful, and consistent, Epic helps kids build positive relationships with reading.
▶ Why is access to books so important?
Too many children are not reading at grade level today. Access matters because the right book at the right moment can change a child’s relationship with reading—and in some cases, their belief in themselves.
▶ What kind of content is Epic focused on in 2026?
Epic is investing in the highest-quality content through partnerships with trusted media brands, publishers, and authors. The focus is on age-appropriate, engaging, and trustworthy books—prioritizing quality over volume.
▶ How is Epic evolving the reading experience?
Epic is continuing to improve the reading experience through more engaging formats, better discovery, and content experiences that connect reading with curiosity—while keeping reading at the center.
