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    Danielle V. Dennis Named Vice President of ILA Board of Directors

    ILA Staff
     | May 27, 2025
    Headshot of Danielle DennisThe International Literacy Association (ILA) announced the results of the ILA 2025 Board Election today, introducing Danielle V. Dennis as the newly elected vice president of the Board.

    Dennis, dean of the College of Education at the University of Rhode Island, brings two decades of experience as a literacy professor and leader to the role.

    An ILA member for over 25 years, Dennis served as a member-at-large on the Board from 2020–2023, chairing the Publications Committee and serving as the Board liaison for editorial team searches for all three of ILA’s journals. In addition, Dennis was chair of the Timothy and Cynthia Shanahan Outstanding Dissertation Award Committee from 2021–2023; served as a member of the Program, Governance, and Fundraising Committees; and acted as the Board liaison to the Dyslexia Task Force. Dennis is currently serving on the Research Committee as well as chairing the Assessment Task Force. Her new term begins July 1, 2025.

    For twenty years, Dennis has been building and enriching school-university partnerships both in the United States and abroad. She has dedicated her career to supporting teacher development and exploring deep research in building teacher capacity in literacy through sustained professional development, the design and implementation of curriculum, and policy initiatives that enhance or inhibit equitable educational experiences of children and teachers, particularly as they relate to literacy assessment.

    “ILA plays a critical role in shaping literacy policy and practice around the world,” said Dennis. “As Vice President, I’m honored to continue collaborating with our members, councils, and global partners to advance our shared commitment to research-based instruction and equitable access to literacy for all learners.”

    Three new Board members-at-large were also elected for the 2025–2028 term:

    La Tasha FieldsLa Tasha D. Fields, professor at Madison College. She has been an ILA member since 2006, and currently serves on the boards of the Stritch Family Literacy Center and the Madison Reading Project. As an Adult Basic Education (ABE) reading instructor, Fields works closely with students and will soon serve as the 2025–2026 Director of Reading for Madison College. She has also served in leadership roles such as Milwaukee Area Reading Council President and Wisconsin State Reading Association Vice President and President.

    Headshot of Deborah MacPheeDeborah MacPhee, professor at the School of Teaching and Learning at Illinois State University. She has been an ILA member since 1999, and has worked as a literacy coach in two elementary schools; directed a university-based literacy center; and conducted research that critically examines discourses of literacy coaching, professional development school interactions, and metaphors in media of the science of reading. In 2023, MacPhee co-authored a book on literacy teaching and learning titled Learning to Be Literate: More Than a Single Story.

    Headshot of Margaret VaughnMargaret Vaughn, professor of Literacy, Language, and Technology at the College of Education at Washington State University. She has been an ILA member since 2009, serving as a reviewer and contributor for all three ILA journals. With research focused on equitable literacy practices and outreach, Vaughn has held several leadership positions in literacy organizations, including the Literacy Research Association, the United States Board on Books for Young People, and the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers. 

    Dennis, Fields, MacPhee, and Vaughn were elected by ILA’s membership during the ILA 2025 Board Election, which was conducted online between April 1 and April 30, 2025. The new vice president and members-at-large will begin their terms on July 1, 2025.
     
    The International Literacy Association (ILA) announced the results of the ILA 2025 Board Election today, introducing Danielle V. Dennis as the newly elected vice president of the Board. Dennis, dean of the College of Education at the University...Read More
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    Right To Read: 4 Advocacy Organizations With Resources To Fight Book Bans

    Jillian Gorry
     | Apr 07, 2025
    Teacher reading to elementary aged students

    Today, I find myself reflecting on Jodi Picoult’s bestselling novel Nineteen Minutes, a harrowing account of the moments leading up to a school shooting. It was among the top books banned during the U.S. 2023–2024 school year according to PEN America, and it contains a quote that I find very poignant: “If we don’t change the direction we are headed, we will end up where we are going.

    Book bans have already risen to unprecedented levels in recent years. Since 2021, PEN America has reported nearly 16,000 book bans in U.S. public schools nationwide—a number not seen since the Red Scare McCarthy era of the 1950s. By banning books, we are limiting access to stories that reflect a wide range of experiences and put young readers at a severe disadvantage. As a society, we all suffer under censorship.

    Preserving the freedom to read

    Right to Read Day marks a national effort led by Unite Against Book Bans to encourage readers, educators, and advocates to preserve access to literature for all. By mobilizing our communities, raising awareness, and providing advocacy tools, we can challenge restrictions on books in schools and libraries right now.

    Here are four organizations that can help support your involvement:

      1. 1.  Office for Intellectual Freedom: Part of the American Library Association, you can receive free consulting services, training materials, and even grants to bolster efforts combating book bans. 
        2.  Unite Against Book Bans: Our partners at Unite Against Book Bans offer actionable advocacy ideas to implement in your local community today, such as ways to support your local library, how to report a book ban, and ways to evaluate government candidates.
        3. PEN America: Providing research reports that clearly outline the dramatic rise in censorship, PEN America also offers guides on how to contact your state elected officials and what to say at public meetings.
        4. International Literacy Association (ILA): Here at ILA, we provide a Children’s Rights to Read toolkit specifically designed for teacher colleagues, librarians, families, and policymakers.

    Literacy is a fundamental human right, and access to books is essential for fostering lifelong learning, critical thinking, and empathy. By defending the right to read, we uphold global literacy efforts that empower individuals and communities. Whether you write to a legislator, attend an event, or share resources, every action contributes to a future where books remain accessible to all.

    Jillian Gorry is the managing editor for the International Literacy Association.

    Today, I find myself reflecting on Jodi Picoult’s bestselling novel Nineteen Minutes, a harrowing account of the moments leading up to a school shooting. It was among the top books banned during the U.S. 2023–2024 school year according to PEN...Read More
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    Support ILA's Children's Rights to Read Initiative During Do More 24 Delaware

    ILA Staff
     | Mar 05, 2025

    domore24 delaware ad

    The International Literacy Association (ILA) connects research and practice to improve the quality of literacy learning across the globe is dedicated to ensuring that every child, everywhere, has access to the education, opportunities, and resources they need to become successful readers.

    To amplify this work, ILA is participating in Do More 24 Delaware, a 24-hour online fundraising event in our home state, from Thursday, March 6, 6:00 p.m. ET, to Friday, March 7, 6:00 p.m. ET. Proceeds will go to, among other things, ILA’s Children’s Rights to Read initiative.

    You can help us make an impact

    Financial donations of even $5 can make a difference in support of ILA’s mission, and sharing this opportunity with your network helps tremendously. Use the hashtag #DoMore24DE and #RightsToRead on social media to encourage others to participate.

    Visit our campaign page to donate, to share information via social media, or to create your own fundraising page that benefits ILA.

    Maximize your donation: Power hours and prize opportunities

    During designated “Power Hours,” bonus funding opportunities are unlocked:

    • 6:00 PM ET: Greater Giving Opening Prize: First 20 nonprofits with 25 unique donations each win $500.
    • 8:00 PM ET: Make It Count Power Hour: Nonprofits with most unique donations win $250.
    • 10:00 PM ET: Countdown to Midnight Power Hour: Random nonprofits with a donation win $250.
    • 12:00 a.m. ET: Midnight Madness Power Hour: Randomly selected nonprofits with a donation win $250.
    • 3:00 a.m. ET: Magic Hour: First 10 nonprofits with a donation win $100.
    • 6:00 a.m. ET: Rise and Shine Delaware Power Hour: Randomly selected nonprofits with a donation win $250.
    • 8:00 a.m. ET: Rush Hour Power Hour: Randomly selected nonprofits with a donation win $250.
    • 9:00 a.m. ET: Coffee Break: Top 4 nonprofits by unique donations win $500.
    • 11:00 a.m. ET: Lunch Time Power Hour: Randomly selected nonprofits with a donation win $250.
    • 1:00 p.m. ET: Live United Power Hour: Randomly selected nonprofits with 5+ unique donations win $250.
    • 3:00 p.m. ET: The (302) Power Hour: Top 5 nonprofits by unique donations win $250.
    • 5:00 p.m. ET: Zoom to the Finish: Top 3 nonprofits by funds raised win $1,000.

    Consider donating during a Power Hour to potentially extend the reach of your generosity.

    Additionally, participation in prize categories, such as the donation received from the greatest distance from Delaware (we think we have a good chance at this one!), provides further opportunities to support ILA's Children's Rights to Read.

    For a comprehensive list of Power Hours and other prize opportunities, please visit the official Do More 24 Delaware website.

    By working together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of children and ensure that literacy remains a fundamental right for all.

    The International Literacy Association (ILA) connects research and practice to improve the quality of literacy learning across the globe is dedicated to ensuring that every child, everywhere, has access to the education, opportunities, and...Read More
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    Spotlight on Wisconsin State Reading Association

    BY ILA STAFF
     | Oct 22, 2024

    Wisconsin State Reading Association (WSRA)

    Established: 1956
    wsra.org

    What they do

    LT422_WSRA_680w

    WSRA’s mission is to provide leadership, advocacy, and professional learning for implementing effective literacy practices, understanding the complex nature of literacy, honoring the unique needs of our diverse students, and engaging them to apply their literacies in meaningful ways in a changing world.

    Why they do it

    WSRA recognizes the complex nature of literacy and supports teachers as professional decision makers who use their expertise to meet the unique needs of the diverse populations they serve. WSRA believes that research grounds us and that professional learning and advocacy are key. As leaders, we are proud to provide the state with research and literacy practices that will significantly impact Wisconsin students’ literacy lives.

    Who can join

    Educators who support our mission and beliefs are invited to join WSRA in building a literacy network that foregrounds productive practices and literacy learning for educators that enable Wisconsin students to reach their full potential.

    Ways to get involved

    Members can participate in our statewide local councils, leadership committees, and advocacy efforts, including building relationships with legislators.

    Highlights from recent events

    2024 WSRA Conference: Our most recent conference was held in downtown Milwaukee. Sessions focused on a wide variety of topics and issues, such as equity and diversity, literacy practices, and research, to enhance and deepen the understanding and practices of educators. A panel presentation, “Teaching: A Profession in Crisis,” included literacy experts Peter Afflerbach, Laura Handsfield, George Hruby, Patrick Harris, Tiera McMurtry, and Kathryn Champeau.

    WSRA Leadership Retreats: WSRA provides council leaders and committee members opportunities to learn from experts across the state and nation regarding topics and issues that are essential for literacy leaders. Recent speakers have included Christina Brey of the Wisconsin Education Association Council, researcher Elena Aydarova, Lori Menning of the Wisconsin Association for Bilingual Education, and researchers Andrew Johnson and Peter Johnston.

    Local Council Virtual Professional Development Series: During the 2023–2024 council year, WSRA local councils teamed up from across the state to host a virtual professional development series. Each month, council members had an opportunity to interact with literacy experts from across the country with topics including comprehension strategies, student engagement, literacy coaching, and reading research. The local councils are continuing the professional development series for the 2024–2025 year.

    Wisconsin State Reading Association (WSRA) Established: 1956 wsra.org What they do WSRA’s mission is to provide leadership, advocacy, and professional learning for implementing effective literacy practices, understanding the complex nature of...Read More
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    ILA Partners With Smartbrief to Launch Weekly Newsletter

    By ILA Staff
     | Sep 11, 2024

    The International Literacy Association (ILA) announced today a new weekly newsletter in partnership with SmartBrief: ILA Literacy Teaching & Learning SmartBrief. Debuting today, the newsletter aims to be a vital resource for literacy professionals worldwide, providing curated content on the latest developments in literacy education and research.

    The mission of ILA—a professional membership organization for literacy educators, researchers and advocates across 128 countries—is to connect research and practice to improve the quality of literacy learning across the globe. Among the top priorities of the organization’s strategic plan is to provide more low-cost and free resources to educators around the world.

    This partnership with SmartBrief represents a significant step in fulfilling both that promise and the ILA mission.

    ILA Literacy Teaching & Learning is a free resource designed to keep literacy educators, researchers, and advocates informed about the most critical news and trends in literacy education. The newsletter will feature expertly curated content from a variety of news sources on global literacy news, advocacy efforts, research-based instruction, inclusive teaching and learning, and literacy leadership news, in addition to the latest updates from ILA.

    “We are so pleased to be partnering with SmartBrief on our Literacy Teaching & Learning newsletter,” said ILA Executive Director Nicola Wedderburn. “Our team has long been a fan of the SmartBrief format, and we’re excited to offer this new, convenient way to help our audience stay informed on what’s happening in the field.”

    SmartBrief is the leading digital media publisher of targeted business news and insights by industry. They leverage technology and editorial expertise to curate and deliver the most relevant industry news in partnership with leading trade associations, professional societies, nonprofits, and corporations.

    Anyone interested in subscribing to stay up to date on the latest in research and practice can sign up for free at: ILA Literacy Teaching & Learning SmartBrief

    The International Literacy Association (ILA) announced today a new weekly newsletter in partnership with SmartBrief: ILA Literacy Teaching & Learning SmartBrief. Debuting today, the newsletter aims to be a vital resource for literacy professionals...Read More
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