Preservice teachers
What do preservice teachers want other preservice teachers to know? 💡
In an article for Literacy Today, seven graduate students from the University at Albany offer insights on disciplinary literacy—from inquiry-based learning to positioning students as knowledge creators: buff.ly/mTkklHf
Right to Ready Day graphic
Right to Read Day reminds us that access to books isn’t guaranteed—it’s protected by people who speak up. 📖📣
This National Library Week, take action to support libraries and defend the freedom to read: buff.ly/GGDCHCQ
#RightToReadDay #UniteAgainstBookBans #NLWD26 #LibrariesMatter
What's new at ILA? Here's a roundup:
📍April 30—Voting closes for ILA's 2026 Board election
📍May 5—Live webinar with the Crazy Reading Ladies
📍May 12—Live webinar on diversifying the literacy workforce
📍May 25—Submissions for The Reading Teacher close
📍June 1—ILA's 30 Under 30 nominations close
What does inclusive literacy look like in practice? 🎒
In an article for the Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, Olumide Ajayi explores how a literacy workshop supported African immigrant adolescents through cultural affirmation, multilingual practices, and critical dialogue.
A graphic depicting a teacher with two young students. It reads "Leading a Culture of Literacy"
How do you build a lasting culture of literacy? 👩🏫
On May 5 at 5:00 p.m. ET, join Mary Giuffre and Erin O'Leary—aka the Crazy Reading Ladies—for a live webinar delivering practical strategies for leaders looking to support educators and strengthen literacy across their communities: buff.ly/XWJL7sX
A quote that reads: "To solve the complex problems facing the world today, society needs diverse ways of constructing knowledge. Disciplinary literacies need to value all communities that create knowledge."
Meet the guest editor of the latest Literacy Today magazine issue: Scott Storm, assistant professor of literacy in the University at Albany School of Education! 🎓
In his opening address to readers, Scott shares his thoughts on shaping the direction of this issue: buff.ly/KmPYKHB
Reasons to apply for editorship of The Reading Teacher
Call for editors 📢 We are seeking the next editorial team for The Reading Teacher, the leading journal for educators of literacy learners up to age 12.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the conversation around research, practice, and policy. Submit by May 25: buff.ly/8DHB5g3
Check out this amazing article from @thescholarlysewist.bsky.social in the Literacy Today magazine. Awesome work about knowledge-production in activist artisan communities! #literacies @ilatoday.bsky.social
A candid photo of attendees at ILA's 2018 conference
ILA members 📢 Be sure to check your spam folders! Some members may not have received their ballot for ILA's 2026 Board election. Voting will close on April 30 at 5:00 p.m. ET—don't delay in selecting the future leaders of the organization!
For more information: buff.ly/VeuXNuM
A graphic that reads: It's officially here! Hot off the press: New issue of Literacy Today magazine. Read the latest insights at literacyworldwide.org
The latest issue of Literacy Today magazine is out! 📰 Explore disciplinary and cross-content literacy with insights into supporting students as readers and thinkers in every subject area.
Read on to discover how experts are integrating literacy across disciplines—and why it matters: buff.ly/kqwVOd5
Why is diversity so important in the literacy workforce? ILA Board members James Pope and La Tasha Fields weigh in on what we can do to address this disparity—and where to access resources. 📚
To explore more, register for our upcoming webinar on May 12: buff.ly/zMXGItQ
A list of speakers who include Lesley Mandel Morrow, Heather Kenyon Casey, P. David Pearson, and Dana A. Robertson
Happening tomorrow 📢 At 5:00 p.m. ET, hear from these expert speakers as they explore the research, policy, and debates shaping literacy instruction.
Save your seat now: buff.ly/0EmRBw4
A graphical abstract illustrating how three equity-oriented theoretical frameworks—the Asset-Based Integrated View of Reading (ABIVR), Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy (CHRL), and Adaptive Teaching—guided 39 pre- and in-service teachers in identifying opportunities for enrichment and designing equity-oriented adaptations to the Road to Reading phonics intervention, demonstrating that Science of Reading–aligned instruction and culturally responsive pedagogy can function as complementary rather than competing priorities.
How can the Science of Reading + equity work together? 💡
In an article for Reading Research Quarterly, the authors prove how teachers adapt phonics instruction to reflect students’ identities, languages, and experiences—without losing rigor: buff.ly/7BqBgpe
#Literacy #EdResearch #ScienceOfReading
A quote from Fahd AlFatesh that reads, “As a scientific researcher and volunteer English teacher, I have witnessed how literacy functions as a tool for survival and empowerment. Despite daily obstacles of internet outages and infrastructure gaps in a conflict-affected region, I use literacy to build cultural bridges that enable my students to join the global scientific conversation. Being part of ILA for its 70th anniversary is a proud milestone for me, proving that dedication to learning can overcome any boundary.”
As ILA marks its 70th anniversary, we’re inviting members to share their journeys in literacy education. Here, Fahd AlFatesh—a volunteer English teacher, researcher, and ILA member since 2025—shares his own.
Learn more about ILA's 70th anniversary celebrations: buff.ly/Zd5kD6O
#ILA #ILAat70
How have debates, policy, and research shaped early literacy instruction?
In a live webinar on April 8 at 5:00 p.m. ET, ILA past president Lesley Mandel Morrow will revisit the key influences behind today’s approaches to teaching reading. Register to explore the bigger picture. ✍️
ILA 2026 Board Election Meet the Candidates
ILA’s 2026 Board elections are open through April 30! 🗳️ Members of ILA play a key role in shaping the future of the organization. This is your chance to choose the leaders who will help guide that work.
Ready to meet the candidates? Learn more about their qualifications and vision: buff.ly/3bY7bVP
A graphical abstract of a tree rooted in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
How does the Science of Reading connect to children’s rights? 📚
In an article for Reading Research Quarterly, the authors explore how evidence-based reading research intersects with the idea that all children are entitled to quality literacy education: buff.ly/NJIuLMw
A graphic promoting the 2026 SIG Book Club meeting on April 1 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Calling all children's book lovers!
On April 1 (no joke) at 7:00 p.m. ET, join Husson University Professor Sandip Wilson for a discussion celebrating novels and picture books from the 2026 Notable Books for a Global Society awards list.
Join by using the Zoom link: buff.ly/Vc5jgez See you there!
Katie Lett at the 2017 ILA conference
Want to get more involved in literacy leadership? 💡
ILA volunteers serve on committees, contribute to publications, and support global initiatives. Find the right opportunity for you. Start here: buff.ly/OnosVA1
EdCamp as part of ILA's 2014 conference
Stay in the loop with ILA! 📅
Explore upcoming webinars, conferences, and professional learning opportunities designed for literacy educators. Discover what’s next. Plan your spring schedule here: buff.ly/JDMn0dT
#ILA #Literacy #EdChat #ProfessionalLearning
A graphical abstract exploring how gifted elementary students utilize generative AI as a co-designer within a Critical Multimodal Literacy (CML) framework to address environmental pollution.
Young students aren’t just using AI—they’re co-designing with it.
In an article for Reading Research Quarterly, the authors show gifted learners creating stories, comics, and games while refining prompts, checking accuracy, and tackling real-world issues.
Read the full article: buff.ly/0ZNQtYF
A quote from Allison Dagen that reads: "My advice to literacy professionals at any career stage is this: Join ILA, register for the webinars, attend your statewide conferences, learn who is doing research in the facets of literacy that interest you, and actively build your literacy network. Find your people. We all need to be part of something bigger than ourselves, a place to collaborate with like-missioned people. For me, ILA has been that place—and always will be."
As ILA marks its 70th anniversary, we’re inviting members to share their journeys in literacy education. Here, Allison Dagen, professor at West Virginia University and an ILA member since 1993, shares her own.
Read Allison's full reflection: buff.ly/afwR9c5
Educators talking in a staff room of a school
Interested in helping support in the Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy (JAAL) or helping others get there? ✍️
The JAAL Mentorship-to-Publication Program connects mentors and mentees for guidance, feedback, and collaboration.
Sign up to become a mentor: buff.ly/GEvUAK5
Kezia Sanie, a past 30 Under 30 honoree
Know a standout literacy leader under 30? 🌟 Nominate them for ILA’s 30 Under 30 program and help recognize the next generation of changemakers! Your nomination can spotlight their impact and elevate their voice in the field. Learn more: buff.ly/IeV3RiE
ILA membership website
ILA members! 📢 Elections for the Board of Directors opens soon. Starting April 1, ILA members in good standing can cast their vote for future leaders of the organization. To ensure eligibility, log into your account and update your membership details: buff.ly/Bc8M340
Considerations of iterability for educators
Genre fiction can transform how we teach reading. 📖
In an article for Reading Research Quarterly, researchers explore how elements like suspense, repetition, and serialization shape interpretation and engagement, offering new possibilities for literacy instruction: buff.ly/1Qmbb8L
A more diverse literacy workforce serves all learners. 📚️
In a live webinar on May 12 at 5:00 p.m. ET, hear from the experiences of Black women educators and gain practical insights on recruitment, retention, and support in literacy education. Register for ideas you can apply in your own setting.
What do recent data reveal about eighth grade reading? A new article from The Hechinger Report explores trends in students’ reading habits and comprehension and what researchers are noticing about reading engagement.
The official ILA merchandise store is now live! 🎉
Explore apparel and gear designed for literacy educators, advocates, and leaders—and show your support for advancing literacy in communities around the world.
Happy birthday to author and poet David L. Harrison! 🎉
Poet Laureate of Drury University, David has shared his love of poetry and literacy with educators and students for decades—including many presentations at ILA conferences.
Thank you for your lasting contributions to the literacy community!
