Literacy Now

On Sunday, April 29, as the day long Institute sessions were in process, the McCormick Center West Building stirred to life. Final preparations were made for the International Reading Association’s three-day Celebrating Teaching convention. As more and more attendees arrived to register and collect their badges and materials, the place began to swell with educators from across the world.

Excitement is building for the Monday morning General Session, during which IRA President Victoria Risko will officially open the event. Dr. Steve Perry, CNN education correspondent and passionate advocate for educational change, will deliver the keynote address.

On this Sunday, groups of teachers could be spotted stretched out in the hallways, pouring over their program books to select the particular program sessions that will make up their respective conference itineraries. Attendees seeking to join IRA or renew their memberships streamed over from the registration counters to the new membership booth, while others who needed answers to specific questions lined up at the information desk to get the directions they needed.

Members and potential members ask questions at the IRA Membership Booth 

Attendees take a break at the Membership Booth

Attendees review the program

Behind the long curtain wall just past the registration desk, the finishing touches were put on IRA’s spectacular new bookstore. Visitors recalling the Association’s past convention booths will be struck with awe at the size and scope this outstanding facility now offers, replete with ample bookshelves and a sofa lounge.

New IRA Bookstore

In the aisles of the Exhibit Hall vendor staffs were racing to get their booths erected and stocked, while convention hall staff laid carpets and removed unpacked cases and containers. The place has now been transformed into a colorful wonder-world of educational products, and tomorrow it will be staffed by vendor representatives ready to meet and greet the visiting multitudes.

Substantive meetings of Association groups began in earnest. In the morning, IRA’s International Development Coordinating Committees (IDCCs) began a day of intensive planning of projects and events for the coming year. In another meeting room, the new members of the IRA Teacher Advisory Panel joined their colleagues for briefings from the Association’s Executive Committee and IRA’s New Executive Director, Marcie Craig Post.

Dr. Oscar J. Martinez-Alaniz (center) with IDCC members

Michelle Cardaronella and Margaret Muthiga await their TAP colleagues

In the late afternoon, the action shifted to the Chicago Hilton for IRA’s annual Council Awards presentation. In the packed International Ballroom, representatives of councils that qualified for recognition by meeting the established criteria were called up on stage to receive their well-earned honors.

Council and International Awards

Upstairs in one of the Hilton meeting rooms, the ReadWriteThink advisory board meeting took place. Staff teams from IRA and the National Council of Teachers of English got together with an official from the Verizon Foundation, which supports the online resource through a grant program, to discuss new apps and other enhancements that are being developed now to meet release dates later in the year.

ReadWriteThink  Advisory Board Meeting

As the evening drew on after all of this, the lobby lounges at the convention hotels began to swell over with joyous commotion as colleagues and friends reunited once again to share personal and professional news, while other groups of attendees searched out the cab stands to explore the attractions of this great city, Chicago.

It’s here now. It has started. The buzz is in the air, and the celebration is on. Focus now turns not to celebrities or politicians, but to the real heroes of this epoch’s greatest challenge, namely classroom teachers. These dedicated professionals bring the gifts of literacy to millions of students, while contending with evaporating budget support and mounting public scrutiny.  It’s time somebody celebrated them, and IRA is just the just the right group to do it. Daily walk-in registrations are still available. To find out how to register, visit www.iraconvention.org.

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

These Monday afternoon highlights feature 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. 

On Monday at noon at the International Reading Association (IRA) Annual Convention, the Primary Literature Luncheon features The Dot author Peter H. Reynolds. Also at noon are some informative research sessions, research poster sessions, and research into practice sessions as well as book signings by Nancy Jennison (Booth# 1314), Janet Allen (Booth# 1640), and Peter Johnston (Booth #1640).

12:15 p.m. 

At 12:15 p.m. Thomas Gunning begins signing books (Booth #2451), and at 12:30 p.m. Karen Bromley signs (Booth #1314), and at 12:45 p.m. Jerry Pallotta signs (Booth #2411). Visit the IRA Annual Convention Guide to the Stars for more information about book signings.

1:00 p.m.

Many sessions, including "Talk About Understanding: Enhancing Students’ Understanding through Discourse" with invited speaker Ellin Keene, begin at 1:00 p.m. The following book signings start at 1:00 p.m.: Diane Lapp (IRA Bookstore Booth #2247), Michael Buckley (Booth #1255), Henry Cole (Booth #2240), Floyd Cooper (Booth #1436), Adam Gidwitz (Booth #1726), Deirdre Godin (Booth #929), Linda Hoyt (Booth #2725), J. Patrick Lewis (Booth #1544), Trudy Ludwig (Booth #1420), Ed Masessa (Booth #1314), Tony Stead (Booth #2725), Lauren Tarshis (Booth #1314), and Jane Yolen (Booth #1544). Visit the Guide to the Stars for more information about book signings.

1:30 p.m.

At 1:30 p.m. Laura Robb (Booth #1314) and Nick Bruel (Booth #2440) sign books, and the IRA Membership Booth (Hall F2, across from the Registration area) offers a coffee break sponsored by Thinkfinity | VerizonFoundation. 

2:00 p.m. 

The Early Literature Author Panel features Annie Barrows and Shannon Hale at 2:00 p.m. Irene Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell present their Teaching Edge session at that time as well, and there are several research sessions scheduled. 

Many book signings begin at 2:00 p.m., including Jim Aylesworth (Booth #1940), Doug Buehl (IRA Bookstore Booth #2247), Robert Burleigh (Booth #2438), Cynthia Lassonde (Booth #2451), Janet Richards (Booth #2451), Michael Shoulders (Booth #2117), Kendare Blake (Booth #2340), Henry Cole (Booth #1314), Carolee Dean (Booth #2611), Simone Elkeles (Booth #2342), David L. Harrison (Booth #1542), Esther Hershenhorn (Booth #2411), Uma Krishnaswami (Booth #2611), Jarrett J. Krosoczka (Booth #1420), Deborah Dover Layne (Booth #2411), Steven L. Layne (Booth #2411), J. Patrick Lewis (Booth #1026), Tom Lichtenheld (Booth #1255), Kate Messner (Booth #1740), Stuart J. Murphy (Booth #1255), Peter H. Reynolds (Booth #1255), Sherri Duskey Rinker (Booth #1255), Ruta Sepetys (Booth #1726), Jane Yolen (Booth #1026), and Jerry Pallotta (Booth #1524). Visit the Guide to the Stars for more information about book signings.

2:30 p.m.

At 2:30 p.m. these authors are signing books: Douglas Fisher (IRA Bookstore Booth #2247), Linda Hoyt (Booth #1314), Susan Goldman Rubin (Booth #2438), Samantha Caughlan (Booth #2725), Nell Duke (Booth #2725), Anne Goudvis (Booth #2725), Stephanie Harvey (Booth #2725), Ben Hatke (Booth #2440), Mary Juzwik (Booth #2725), Cynthia Levinson (Booth #836), Nicole Martin (Booth #2725), Anne Sibley O’Brien (Booth #1544), Dave Roman (Booth #2440), and Sara Varon (Booth #2440). Visit the Guide to the Stars for more information about book signings.

3:00 p.m. 

3:00 p.m. is the start time for many workshops, symposiums, and Special Interest Group (SIG) sessions. Visit the program grid for details about events during that time. The Reluctant Readers Author Panel with Melissa Kantor, Brent Crawford, and Leslie Margolis is scheduled at that time, as well as these book signings: Robert Burleigh (Booth #2440), David L. Harrison (Booth #1314), Mary Hynes-Berry (Booth #2148), Timothy Rasinski (Booth #1314), M. Molly Backes (Booth #1026), Rebecca Barnhouse (Booth #1420), Tonya Bolden (Booth #2438), Shannon Hale (Booth #2342), Ellin Keene (Booth #2725), Kimberley Griffiths Little (Booth #1314), David Lubar (Booth #2340), Kate Messner (Booth #1314), Carolyn Meyer (Booth #2611), Susan Goldman Rubin (Booth #1940), Lisa Schroeder (Booth #2611), Jane Yolen (Booth #1542), J. Patrick Lewis (Booth #1540), and Eric Ode (Booth #1630). Visit the Guide to the Stars for more information about book signings.

3:30 p.m. 

You'll probably need a break by now, so stop by the IRA Membership Booth (Hall F2, across from the Registration area) for Happy Hour! From 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., relax with friends—new and old—purchase wine or beer, and browse free copies of the IRA journals and Reading Today. 

Authors Tracy Barrett (Booth #2440), Simone Elkeles (Booth #1255), Tom Lichtenheld (Booth #2440), Ruta Sepetys (Booth #1255), and Annie Barrows (Booth #1740) sign books at 3:30 p.m. Visit the Guide to the Stars for more information about book signings.

4:00 p.m. 

The Research Address and Awards begin at 4:00 p.m., and this year Elizabeth Moje presents "The Role of Disciplinary Literacy Instruction: Delivering and Expanding on the Common Core State Standards." 

4:00 p.m. is also when these authors start signing books: Amanda Freyman (Booth #2438), Joan Sommers (Booth #2438), Tonya Bolden (Booth #1420), Robert Burleigh (Booth #2611), James Dashner (Booth #1314), Irene Fountas (Booth #2725), Gay Su Pinnell (Booth #2725), Ben Hatke (Booth #835), Trinka Hakes Noble (Booth #2411), Eric Velasquez (Booth #2342), and Janet Wong (Booth #1544). 

At 4:15 p.m., Brent Crawford (Booth #1255), Jane Feber (Booth #929), Melissa Kantor (Booth #1255), and Trudy Ludwig (Booth #1255) sign books. Visit the Guide to the Stars for more information about book signings.

4:45 p.m. 

Many sessions occur simultaneously at 4:45 p.m., including invited speaker Mary Bigler's "Teaching Reading with Pizzazz!" The Exhibit Hall closes at 5:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m. 

The popular Poetry Olio is at 7:30 p.m. at the Chicago Hilton & Towers. 

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 11:00 a.m. today for the Tuesday morning 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

This highlight list for the morning of Monday, April 30, 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. 

8:30 a.m. 

The Annual Convention kicks off with the Opening General Session with Dr. Steve Perry at 8:30 a.m. on the third floor of McCormick Place West. Perry will sign books immediately following the session. If you cannot attend the Annual Convention this year, Logical Choice will be broadcasting the Perry's speech via live internet feed from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. 

9:00 a.m. 

Authors Brod Bagert (Booth #2139) and Annie Crawley (Booth #1548) will be signing books all day. At 9:00 a.m. authors Cathy Kaemmerlen (Booth #1630) and Laurie L. Knowlton (Booth #1630) are signing books and the IRA Member Booth (#2247) will offer a Member Benefits Introduction presentation. 

10:00 a.m. 

The Exhibit Hall opens at 10:00 a.m. on Monday morning. Susan Goldman Rubin (Booth #1544), Uma Krishnaswami (Booth #1255), Michael Buckley (Booth #2438), Daniel Kraus (Booth #1420), Kate Messner (Booth #1255), and Michael Shoulders (Booth #2117) begin signing books at 10:00 a.m. Visit the Guide to the Stars for more information on book signings.

If you need a pick-me-up, stop by the IRA Membership Booth (Hall F2, across from the Registration area) for a coffee break sponsored by Thinkfinity | VerizonFoundation between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Why not read a free copy of an IRA journal or the Reading Today print magazine while you're there? Also, stay for the IRA Journals Overview & Online Navigation presentation at 10:00 a.m. 

10:30 a.m. 

Find out more about IRA's Literacy Research Panel at 10:30 a.m. in W183A or visit teacher preparation and professional development research poster sessions in W184D. Also, the Teaching Edge series features Regie Routman in W375B. 

10:30 a.m. is also the start of book signing sessions by Floyd Cooper (Booth #1740), Sherri Duskey Rinker (Booth #1740), Devin Scillian (Booth #2411), and Sara Holbrook (Booth #1542). Visit the Guide to the Stars for details.

11:00 a.m. 

Many symposiums and workshops begin at 11:00 a.m. as well as the Making Your First IRA Convention Productive and Enjoyable session for first-time convention attendees in W196C and the Membership Benefits Introduction presentation at the IRA Membership Booth (Hall F2, across from the Registration area). Nick Bruel is the Featured Published Speaker in a session at 11:00 a.m. in W184ABC. Do you still have questions about the differences between symposiums, workshops, sessions, etc.? Visit the descriptions on the Annual Convention website. 

The Exhibit Hall has a lot of book signings starting at 11:00 a.m., including Dean Woodring Blase (Booth #2148), Nicki Clausen-Grace (IRA Bookstore Booth #2247), Michelle Kelley (IRA Bookstore Booth #2247), Sally Lamping (Booth #2148), Marvin Terban (Booth #1314), Deborah Ellis (Booth #1255), Uma Krishnaswami (Booth #1332), Mary Losure (Booth #1026), Mark Overmeyer (Booth #1640), Caroline Starr Rose (Booth #1420), Neal Shusterman (Booth #2611), Marilyn Singer (Booth #1726), and Jerry Pallotta (Booth #1524). At 11:30 a.m., Debra Fraiser (Booth #2611), Jane Hansen (Booth #1314), and Gloria Whelan (Booth #2411) are signing books. Visit the Guide to the Stars for details.

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 and for the Engage and Members-Only Resources Q&A. 

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 #2012 hashtag on Twitter to see posts and updates throughout the day! 

Check Reading Today Online after 7:00 a.m. tomorrow for the Monday 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

This list of highlights for the Annual Convention on Sunday, April 29, 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. 

7:30 a.m.

Be sure to stop by the IRA Bookstore at the International Reading Association (IRA) 57th Annual Convention in Chicago for the Sunday Sale! It runs from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. across from the IRA Membership Booth and Registration.

9:00 a.m.

The following institutes are held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in various meeting rooms in McCormick Place West and the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. 

• Institute 1: Unit Projects that Work: Create Amazing Comprehensive Keepsake Books
• Institute 2: Think Along Strategies and Common Core State Standards
• Institute 3: Promoting Vocabulary Development from Pre-K to Grade 12
• Institute 4: Teaching Literacy for Cognitive Engagement
• Institute 5: Things Digital and Literacy Instruction
• Institute 6: Literacy and Language in the Early Years
• Institute 7: Writing Strategy Mini-lessons for Grades K-6
• Institute 8: Quality Literacy Instruction for Second Language Learners
• Institute 9: Raising Self-Determining Readers and Writers
• Institute 10: Convincing teachers to Apply New Common Core Literacy Standards
• Institute 11: It’s Not Magic! It’s Metacognition!
• Institute 12: Rekindling the Reading Fire-Author Panel
• Institute 13: The Reading-Spelling-Meaning Instructional Connection
• Institute 14: IRA/NCATE: A Partnership for Reading Professional
• Institute 15: Reaching New Heights: Differentiating Literacy Instruction
• Institute 16: Fostering Literacy with Research-Based Instructional Practices and Web 2.0
• Institute 17: Developing Literacy Leadership
• Institute 18: Research Making a Difference in Common Core Standards

6:00 p.m. 

In the evening, awards for councils and international affiliates are presented from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at a ceremony and reception in the Chicago Hilton & Towers International Ballroom. 

Reminder: 

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 11:00 a.m. on Sunday for the Monday morning 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

Graphic novelist and illustrator of the bestselling Olympian series, George O'Connor is part of the Graphic Novels Author Panel on Wednesday, May 2, at the IRA Annual Convention. He talks to Reading Today about his relationships with Hera, Hades, and Poseidon. 

Reading Today: What got you interested in writing books for children and young adults? 

George O'Connor: Pretty much since I was a little kid, I’ve always wanted to do books for kids and young adults. I suppose a lot of that has to do with my being able to draw—there aren’t a lot of books for adults that are illustrated, which is unfortunate. Since I like to illustrate my own stories, it tends to point me in the direction of kids’ books. Which is awesome, because kid’s books are way cooler than adult books anyway.

RT: What do consider your best book to date and why? 

GO: Tricky question—I’d say it’s a toss-up between the latest two volumes of Olympians, Hera: The Goddess and Her Glory and Hades: Lord of the Dead. I kind of nailed exactly what I set out to do with the stories in both of them, yet both books ended up surprising me with some little unplanned touches that appeared, almost as if by divine intervention. I swear there’s some cool stuff in those books that I channeled rather than wrote. 

RT: What can attendees at IRA Chicago expect to hear from you?

GO: A lot of mythological factoids, a few lame jokes and, if you’re lucky, the true story of my long-standing tiff with Poseidon, Lord of the Sea. 

George O'Connor Will Be There…Will You?