Global Networking
Smart job seekers know that networking—both in person and online—creates invaluable connections that could mean the difference between landing the job of your dreams and crashing on your parents’ couch.
The International Reading Association, the world’s leading organization of literacy professionals, gives you access to literacy leaders across the globe.
You’ll also find close-to-home support through our network of local and state/provincial councils and national affiliates. Or you can join a chapter of IRA’s Alpha Upsilon Alpha Honor Society to connect with fellow “travelers” on the same career path.
Exclusive Members-Only Content
Think of our Members-Only Web Area like the VIP Lounge at the airport. There, you can access exclusive content, such as:
- Best Ever Literacy Survival Tips for New Teachers! Engaging monthly column by Lori Oczkus that gives you hands-on ideas and advice on everything from read-alouds to assessments.
- Resource Roundup Library of links to the most useful lesson plans, videos, podcasts, and articles that IRA has to offer—perfect for student teaching assignments!
- New Teachers’ Lifeline Dynamic forum where you can bond with other emerging educators, or get advice from more experienced colleagues.
Quality Journals
When it comes to research projects, navigating the Internet—knowing which sources to trust—can take more time than writing the paper itself.
IRA’s peer-reviewed journals provide authoritative, research-based source material you know you can rely on.
And, because each subscription comes with online access, you can perform targeted searches and connect to reliable web-based sources through live links.
- The Reading Teacher (K-6)—the most popular journal for elementary literacy educators, with the latest research-based teaching techniques and articles that will encourage you to think critically and inspire you to put research into practice. Click here to access a FREE sample article!
- Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy—the only literacy-focused journal devoted exclusively to older learners, and including topics such as integrating digital media into the classroom and motivating reluctant readers with alternative texts. Click here to access a FREE sample article!
- Reading Research Quarterly—the highest-quality original literacy research rigorously vetted by the leading scholars in the field. Your go-to resource for evidence-based papers. Click here to access a FREE sample article!
Exclusive Benefits and Savings
- Impress potential employers with your knowledge of literacy news—Reading Today, our bimonthly newspaper, is FREE to members!
- Get creative lesson ideas from IRA Inspire, our monthly e-newsletter for members, and use them to enrich your teaching portfolio!
- Enjoy a 20% discount on all of IRA’s literacy-focused books and videos, which makes it cost effective to start stocking your professional library.
- Protect yourself with affordable, IRA-sponsored discounts on a Student Educator Professional Liability Plan.
Annual Convention
If you’ve never attended a professional conference, you have to experience IRA’s Annual Convention, this year in Orlando, Florida.
There’s no need to feel like a stranger in a strange land—our First Timers Session will provide you with a helpful overview of the sessions, exhibits, and networking opportunities.
You won’t want to miss our new Teaching Edge speaker series, featuring superstars in the field of literacy. They and the more than 400 speakers featured at this year’s Convention will motivate and inspire you in ways you can’t even begin to imagine!
For more information, visit http://www.iraconvention.org/.