by Mary Lynam
The International Reading Association has always been committed to offering a quality members’ newsletter with Inspire, so naturally, we are pleased to introduce some changes that further this goal.
To better achieve Inspire’s purpose of providing classroom tips and ideas, content will now be written by a team of experienced teachers. Their hands-on suggestions and inside perspectives on literacy instruction are sure to inform teachers at all levels of schooling. Meet Inspire’s fresh batch of contributors!
Kathy Prater is a pre-kindergarten teacher and reading specialist versed in dyslexia. She lives in Starkville, Mississippi and also teaches as an adjunct professor at Mississippi University for Women.
Justin Stygles is a sixth grade language arts teacher and IRA Advisory Committee of Teachers (ACT) committee member based in Norway, Maine. He also serves as the state’s Maine Reading Association coordinator. Visit his blog at www.mrstygleclass.blogspot.com.
Mary Cotillo is an eighth grade English teacher living in Franklin, Massachusetts. She earned her National Board Certification in 2009.
In addition to content adjustments, Inspire will now put its best foot forward with a snazzier, more streamlined look.
IRA is also excited to give members more option in how they access Inspire. To remedy the way that e-mail messages are often skipped over, buried, or deleted without intent, members can now view or download the last 12 issues by logging into the members-only section of Reading.org.
The first Inspire with the new format will hit in-boxes on August 4. IRA is confident that these improvements to the newsletter will satisfy the needs of its readers. Members can gain access to Inspire through the members-only section of Reading.org. If you’d like to become a member, sign up at /join. Other benefits of membership include access to Reading Today magazine, the ability to subscribe to all three IRA journals, and discounted prices on Annual Conference registration and a wealth of professional development materials.
Mary Lynam is the strategic communications intern at the International Reading Association.