Literacy Now

Veteran teacher, literacy coach, and author Regie Routman and esteemed colleagues Judy Wallis, Sandra Figueroa, and Kathryn Schmitt will host an International Reading Association Literacy and Leadership Institute for educators committed to deep and lasting literacy change on September 10 and 11 in Saint Louis, Missouri. This is a professional development opportunity not to be missed. 

The institute includes two days of intimate and intelligent professional learning opportunities guaranteed to positively impact whole school effectiveness, efficiency, and enjoyment. Attendees will learn how to apply exemplary literacy and leadership practices and to align research-based professional development with implementation of the Common Core State Standards. Presenters will teach attendees how to develop shared beliefs, professional trust, and literacy-based Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and how to incorporate an optimal learning model (“I do it.” “We do it.” “You do it.”) across the curriculum. The presenters will deal with how to reduce the number of students who need intervention, and they will also help attendees tailor their schools’ next steps. 

K-8 principals, school and district leaders, classroom teachers, ELL, Title I, literacy coaches, special education teachers, and literacy and curriculum specialists are all invited to attend. 

The institute will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on September 10 and 11, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch in Saint Louis, Missouri. Breakfast and lunch are included. Costs are $699 for individuals and $675 per person for groups of three or more. Registration is limited to 150 attendees. Registration will open on June 19. 

Special hotel rates are available if attendees reserve their rooms by August 10. The discounted rates are $129 per night for single occupancy or double occupancy, $179 per night for triple occupancy or quadruple occupancy, and $179 per night for Regency Club. (Rates quoted are not inclusive of taxes, currently 16.74%.) 

Regie Routman has been an IRA member for 35 years. She contributes a regular column to IRA Members-Only and supports the IRA Regie Routman Teacher Recognition Grant. Read more about her on her website at www.regieroutman.com. 

Visit the Literacy and Leadership Institute webpage to register, to download the registration form, to download the program guide, and for more information.

The Board of Directors of the International Reading Association has implemented a date and pattern change for the Association’s 58th Annual Convention next year in San Antonio. This change is being implemented to avoid a conflict with the public school testing regime established by the State of Texas. 

This action shifts the usual weekday pattern of the three-day convention to a new Saturday through Monday cycle, with a day of pre-convention Institutes on Friday. The dates for the convention will be April 20-22, 2013, with the Institutes being held on April 19, 2013.

“The IRA Board of Directors voted to change the dates of the convention to ensure that our members, Texas teachers, and literacy professionals worldwide will be able to participate in the extensive professional development opportunities the annual convention offers,” explained IRA President Carrice Cummins. 

“Host-state teacher participation is an indispensable element in our conventions,” Cummins noted. “ One of our goals in changing the dates is to assist our Texas teachers in being able to interact in this exciting professional learning opportunity with literacy colleagues and researchers from across the US and from around the world.” This date and pattern change also presents a second advantage. Given the stressed condition of most school budgets, the ability of teachers across the country to attend the convention over a weekend will reduce the need to hire classroom substitutes.

Celebrating Teachers Making a Difference

The theme of the San Antonio convention is Celebrating Teachers Making a Difference. Around 500 different programs covering all aspects of effective, research-based literacy instruction will be offered during the four days of the event. The presentations range from institutes, seminars, and workshops, to research briefings, panel discussions, and other informative sessions. Certain events, hosted by publishers, will feature authors of leading children’s and young adult books.

Attendees will gain new insights and practical guidance on dealing with today’s crucial literacy education topics including such matters as comprehension, common core, critical skill development, assessments, student engagement, digital literacy, second language learning, and much more.

Over 200 vendors will be presenting their wares in the vast exhibit space at the San Antonio Convention Center during the event. Attendees will be able to interact with staffs from publishers, leading book authors, curriculum developers, technology retailers, makers of classroom materials and teaching aids, professional development providers, software developers, and others.

“This is going to be an invaluable opportunity for literacy professionals to learn, share, network, and enjoy an unparalleled level of enrichment,” Cummins emphasizes. 

So mark the new dates on your calendar right now: April 20 - 22, 2013 for the convention, and April 19, 2013 for the Institutes. We look forward to seeing you there!

by Michael Henry

Energized, excited, recharged, perhaps even reborn are the words that come to mind when thinking about my experience of the 57th Annual Convention this year in Chicago as a newly minted member of the International Reading Association’s Teacher Advisory Panel (TAP), the conduit between IRA members and the board of directors.  

Because of TAP, my convention began a bit early on Sunday when I was introduced to the most amazing, dedicated group of teachers from around the world whom I will be working for the betterment of IRA over the next three years. Although I could not possibly address everything I learned throughout my three days with the panel, what immediately struck me was that it does not matter if a teacher teaches second grade in a classroom of seven in rural Nebraska or has a class of 68 in Nairobi, Kenya—all the teachers on the panel had the same goal in mind: improving literacy instruction for students. 

Never in my life have I had the opportunity to spend so much time with so many dedicated professionals. This experience was the most cognitively stimulating, professionally challenging experience of my career. While we, as members of the TAP, will all be assigned to tasks forces with specific focus areas such as professional development, international relations, or the planning of the convention itself, we are all excited about contributing to the wonderful organization that has given us all so much over the years. 

It does not matter whether your students are familiar with evacuation plans, as those in Louisiana, an earthquake plan as those in California, or a snow plan as those from Wisconsin and Minnesota. The members of the panel want the same benefits for all students: to be engaged, to be excited, and to have a voice in the classroom and in the texts they choose to read. Our mission now is to support teachers in their endeavors to realize this goal.

While being a member of TAP was certainly the best way I have ever experienced the annual convention, it was the energy throughout the entire IRA Chicago that was so enlivening. Whether it was teachers discussing the common core or literacy coaches presenting coaching models, a shared and unwavering concern for students came up time and again—I found that common commitment to be most invigorating aspect about this year’s convention. It was clear that IRA members care deeply about their teaching and work tirelessly to improve the lives of their students, a sentiment I hope to strengthen during my tenure as an advisory panel member. In every meeting, every interview, every workshop, every presentation, and every speech, the student was at the center of the conversation, an indication, I believe, of the strength of the International Reading Association.

My spirits were boosted and my sights were brightened when I heard that even in our day of high-stakes testing, extreme accountability measures, lack of teacher respect, and an achievement gap, teachers can still care about each and every student, enough so to put them in their “balcony” of inspiration. Whether it’s buying students the uniform they need, giving them the choice of what to read, reading edgy books, recording stories, or writing about art, working always to empower students was the true theme of the convention.

As an IRA member, I could not be more proud of my organization. As a newly appointed member of the TAP, I could not have had a better convention experience. As a teacher, I could not have been more motivated to be great for my students. And as your colleague I cannot thank you enough for all that you do for improving the lives of all our students through your literacy instruction. 

New TAP members Thomas Leis, Michelle Cardaronella, Maura Rose McMahon, Mary Lou Benesch, Margaret Muthiga, and Michael Henry meet at the IRA Annual Convention in Chicago. Photo by Chuck Fazio Photography. 

Michael Henry is a high school reading teacher and literacy coach at Reavis High School in Burbank, IL.

This final list of highlights feature Wednesday afternoon events gathered from the online program grid, Guide to the Stars, and more! Visit the online program grid's event search or the interactive digital version of the program for a full list of sessions and more details. 

12:00 p.m.

The final hours of the International Reading Association 57th Annual Convention begin with the Book and Author Luncheon with Christopher Paul Curtis at noon in room W375A. 

Also at noon, authors Jay Asher (Booth #1726) and Heather Brewer (Booth #1726) sign books. 

12:30 p.m. 

Authors Debbie Shoulders (Booth #2411), Michael Shoulders (Booth #2411), Marc Tyler Nobleman (Booth #1314), and Colleen AF Venable (Booth #1035) have book signings. Visit the Guide to the Stars for more information on book signings.

1:00 p.m.

Many sessions begin at 1:00 p.m., including invited speaker Janet Allen in room 190AB and "The 2 Sisters" Gail Boushey and Joan Moser's Teaching Edge session in room 375B. 

The following authors offer book signings at 1:00 p.m.: Geoffrey Hayes (Booth #1255), Don Tate (Booth #1544), Laurie L. Knowlton (Booth #1630), and Jerry Pallotta (Booth #1524). 

1:30 p.m. 

Stop by the IRA Membership Booth (Hall F2, across from the Registration area) for a coffee break, sponsored by Thinkfinity | VerizonFoundation. 

Book signings by authors Brad Herzog (Booth #2411) and Siobhan Vivian (Booth #1255) are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. 

2:30 p.m. 

The closing general session begins at 2:30 p.m. with an author panel that includes Esmé Raji Codell, Laura Numeroff, Linda Sue Park, and Rita Williams-Garcia in room 375DE. Logical Choice will broadcast this event via live internet feed by from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Immediately following the closing general session Esmé Raji Codell will sign books in room 375DE. 

2:45 p.m. 

At 2:45 p.m., Gail Boushey and Joan Moser (Booth #1640) have a book signing. The Exhibit Hall closes at 3:30 p.m. 

Reminders

Event times and locations are subject to change. Remember to "like" the 57th Annual Convention, Chicago 2012 on Facebook and "follow" ReadingToday and the #IRA2012 hashtag on Twitter to see posts and updates throughout the day! 

We hope you enjoyed these event overviews and will visit Reading Today Online again soon! 

Program Grid with Details about Speakers and Sessions

Program Grid Event Search Tool

Itinerary Planner Tool

Interactive Digital Version of the Program

Annual Convention Guide to the Stars Book Signing Schedule

List of Author Sessions PDF from Engage

More About the Annual Convention

Register for the International Reading Association Annual Convention

This highlight list for the morning of Wednesday, May 2, features events gathered from the online program grid, Guide to the Stars, and more! Visit the online program grid's event search or the interactive digital version of the program for a full list of sessions and more details. 

9:00 a.m. 

At 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 2, the IRA Annual Convention features invited speaker Debbie Diller in room 190AB, Teaching Edge with Ernest Morrell in room W375B, as well as many other sessions, workshops, and symposia.

The Exhibit Hall opens at 9:00 a.m. Brod Bagert (Booth #2139) and Annie Crawley (Booth #1548) are signing books all day. The following authors have book signings at 9:00 a.m.: Michael Shoulders (Booth #2117), Christopher Paul Curtis (Booth #1314), Patricia McCormick (Booth #1255), Jim Murphy (Booth #1314), Erin E. Stead (Booth #1255), Philip Christian Stead (Booth #1255), Jacqueline Woodson (Booth #1255), Cathy Kaemmerlen (Booth #1630), and Jerry Pallotta (Booth #1524). Visit the Guide to the Stars for more information on book signings.

The IRA Membership Booth (Hall F2, across from the Registration area) offers a Membership Benefits Introduction presentation at 9:00 a.m. 

9:30 a.m. 

These book signings begin at 9:30 a.m.: Valerie Ellery (IRA Bookstore Booth #2247), Michael Shoulders (Booth #2117), David Geister (Booth #2411), Laura Numeroff (Booth #2240), and George O’Connor (Booth #2440). Visit the Guide to the Stars for more information on book signings.

There is also an IRA Journals Overview + Online Navigation presentation at the IRA Membership Booth (Hall F2, across from the Registration area) at 9:30 a.m. 

10:00 a.m. 

Visit the IRA Membership Booth (Hall F2, across from the Registration area) for a coffee break, sponsored by Thinkfinity | VerizonFoundation, starting at 10:00 a.m. These authors will be signing books at this time: Marilyn Pryle (Booth #1314), Jennifer Wells (Booth #2148), Nancy Boyles (Booth #929), Christopher Paul Curtis (Booth #1142), Candace Fleming (Booth #1255), Steven L. Layne (Booth #1640), Jane Yolen (Booth #1726), J. Patrick Lewis (Booth #1542). Visit the Guide to the Stars for more information on book signings.

10:30 a.m. 

A Membership Benefits Introduction is presented at the IRA Membership Booth (Hall F2, across from the Registration area) at 10:30 a.m, and these authors have book signings: Karen Romano Young (Booth #2440), Dorothy Barnhouse (Booth #2725), Stuart J. Murphy (Booth #1544), Greg Neri (Booth #1255), Vicki Vinton (Booth #2725), and Sally M. Walker (Booth #1255). At 10:45 a.m. Kwame Alexander signs books at Booth #2411. Visit the Guide to the Stars for more information on book signings.

11:00 a.m. 

The Teaching Edge series features Lori Oczkus presents at 11:00 a.m. in room W375B, and the Graphic Novel Author Panel includes Colleen AF Veneble, George O'Connor, and Geoffrey Hayes in room 183A. Many more sessions begin at 11:00 a.m. as well. 

At 11:00 a.m. come to the IRA Membership Booth (Hall F2, across from the Registration area) for an IRA Journals Overview + Online Navigation presentation. Also, Kelly Bergman (Booth #1314), Jody Feldman (Booth #2240), Jane Yolen (Booth #2611), and Steven L. Layne (Booth #1630) will be signing their books. Visit the Guide to the Stars for more information on book signings.

11:30 a.m. 

Stop by the IRA Membership Booth (Hall F2, across from the Registration area) at 11:30 a.m. for free popcorn! Then get books signed by Harvey (Smokey) Daniels (Booth #2725) and Steven Zemelman (Booth #2725). Visit the Guide to the Stars for more information on book signings. 

Reminders 

Event times and locations are subject to change. Remember to "like" the 57th Annual Convention, Chicago 2012 on Facebook and "follow" ReadingToday and the #IRA2012 hashtag on Twitter to see posts and updates throughout the day! 

Check Reading Today Online after 7:00 a.m. tomorrow for the Wednesday afternoon overview. 

Program Grid with Details about Speakers and Sessions

Program Grid Event Search Tool

Itinerary Planner Tool

Interactive Digital Version of the Program

Annual Convention Guide to the Stars Book Signing Schedule

List of Author Sessions PDF from Engage

More About the Annual Convention

Register for the International Reading Association Annual Convention