by Elizabeth Bleacher

The International Reading Association (IRA) John Chorlton Manning Public School Service Award is a non-monetary award that seeks to emphasize the importance of strengthening public education. The award is presented in memory of Professor John Chorlton Manning, an international authority on beginning reading instruction, with the intention of honoring his legacy and continuing his work.

Nominees for the award should be reading teacher educators that have demonstrated a significant commitment to improving reading instruction in public schools. Potential recipients should also have considerable experience working with public school teachers and their students within the classroom. Aside from these criteria, nominees must have a teaching affiliation with a college or university and be current IRA members.

The deadline for submission is November 15, 2012. Colleagues, students, or the nominees themselves may submit an application for the award.

The 2013 award recipient will be invited to attend the IRA 58th Annual Convention from April 19 to 22, 2013, in San Antonio, Texas.

Diane Lapp, EdD, received the John Chorlton Manning award in 2011 for her work with struggling readers and writers in economically limited areas. She is a distinguished professor of education at San Diego State University and a coeditor of Voices from the Middle. Currently, she is teaching English literacy to high school students.

Visit the IRA John Chorlton Manning Public School Service Award webpage for more information and the application.

Elizabeth Bleacher is the strategic communications intern at the International Reading Association.