The mission of the Illinois Reading Council is to provide support and leadership to all who promote and teach lifelong literacy.
The Vision of the Illinois Reading Council
The Illinois Reading Council advocates quality literacy opportunities for all learners and serves as a primary organization that provides educators at all levels access to research, materials, and methodologies to promote and teach lifelong literacy and learning. Support of an active, well-organized system of local and special interest council and state committees provides a viable network for communication, exchange of information, and grass roots involvement of a diverse membership. The IRC’s publications, special projects, conferences, and workshops stimulate personal and professional growth of educators.
The Illinois Reading Council (IRC) is a non-profit professional organization whose members promote reading and literacy for people of all ages. It has 27 local councils in communities in Illinois and 5 special interest statewide councils. There are over 5,000 members in Illinois working to further literacy goals. The Illinois Reading Council is the state affiliate of the International Literacy Association (ILA).
Purposes of the Illinois Reading Council:
To improve the quality of reading instruction at all levels
To provide a local and statewide network of teachers and administrators associated with literacy issues
To support the activities of the local reading councils and provide a concentrated focus about literacy issues
To sponsor conferences and meetings to implement the purposes of the council
To stimulate and promote literacy research
To disseminate knowledge helpful in the solution of problems related to reading
To recognize and honor outstanding educators, authors, journalists, and others for significant contributions to reading and language arts
To further all purposes of the International Literacy Association
What does your membership include?
The Illinois Reading Council publishes four quarterly newsletters and journals. These publications provide members with current news, events and research. Each member may join a local council of their choice. The price of joining the local council is included in the $45 fee. Every local council operates differently to meet the needs of their area. Most councils hold local events such as speakers or Family Reading Nights at their libraries. The Illinois Reading Council also holds a statewide annual conference each year. This event features many popular authors, exhibitors, and the opportunity to network with friends and colleagues from all over the state.
Join the Illinois Reading Council to promote reading and literacy for all ages.
We hope you will consider becoming a member of the Illinois Reading Council. The IRC offers parents, teachers, and communities the opportunity to share the fun of literacy for all ages through local and statewide events. IRC also offers a discount to preservice teachers who have not yet been certified in the teaching profession and are working toward an initial teaching certificate. By mail or fax, return this membership form (pdf file) with your preferred payment to:
Illinois Reading Council
203 Landmark Drive, Suite B
Normal, IL 61761-1836
or by fax to (309) 454-3512
Or join today with the Online Membership Form!