by Elizabeth Bleacher
The International Reading Association (IRA) William S. Gray Citation of Merit is awarded to a nationally or internationally known person who has made significant contributions to the field of reading at various academic levels. The application deadline is November 15.
To be considered an eligible recipient, there are a number of criteria that must be met. The nominee should have made outstanding contributions to a leadership role in the field of reading and original contributions in the field of reading theory or methods. The original ideas must have been developed past the point of suggestion and implemented with successful results.
The candidate is also expected to have designed and implemented various reading courses for students and outstanding lectures for other professionals. These courses and lectures should have had a substantial impact on their recipients and the field of reading.
Selfless dedication and tireless efforts in furthering the field of reading are also required from the nominee. Their unassuming devotion is expected to be visible at a number of different levels including teacher, scholar, researcher, linguist, and so on.
The application should include a detailed rationale for recommending the nominee including a description of the candidate’s contributions to reading theory, reading practice, publications, service to the profession, and service to IRA. The candidate’s professional vita should also be submitted with the application.
Dr. Brian Cambourne, the 2012 recipient, started teaching in 1956 at the age of 19. After completing his doctoral studies in 1972, Brian began researching literacy learning. In 1998, Brian became the second Australian to become inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame. Most recently, Brian, along with Dr. Gary Kilarr and Dr. Ann Alexander, have been presenting Lifting Evidentiary Standards For the Twenty First Century: What Reading Education Can Learn From Forensic Science at national and international conferences.
More information about the application process can be found at the International Reading Association’s website.
Elizabeth Bleacher is the strategic communications intern at the International Reading Association.