Our mission is to provide support and leadership to all who promote and teach lifelong literacy.

  

Welcome to the website of the Illinois Reading Council (IRC)!

IRC is one of the most vital literacy organizations in the nation and we hope that, if you are not a member, you will consider joining us.

Members of IRC receive our highly acclaimed IRC Journal and our monthly online IRC Communicator newsletter.  Both of these publications are packed with relevant and interesting articles. Members have access to empowering literacy webinars, are able to participate in inspiring online book clubs, and have an opportunity to attend one of the foremost literacy conferences in the country that IRC holds each year.  Members may also apply for one of several grants or awards in order to support their own literacy work. 

IRC supports our 32 local and special interest councils across Illinois that also provide a rich variety of resources and programs for educators.  IRC has many committees focusing on topics as varied as international projects, family literacy, educational media, and professional learning. Explore this website to learn more about IRC. 

If you have questions, reach out to us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 309-454-1341.  We look forward to partnering with you to promote lifelong literacy.

Learn More About IRC

IRC CONFERENCE
MARCH 14-15, 2024
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS

Register Today

IRC Conference planned for March 14-15, 2024 in Springfield, Illinois!

Over a thousand literacy advocates, educators, and researchers will gather from March 14-15, 2024 for the 55th Annual IRC Conference at the Bank of Springfield Center, President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, and the Wyndham Hotel in Springfield, Illinois.  Join IRC as we welcome and plan to learn from our diverse list of featured speakers who will help teachers, specialists, and administrators from every grade-level and content area.  Early registration ends on February 5th.  If registering after March 1st, onsite registration is recommended.

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OPTION TO PURCHASE PRINT IRC JOURNALS

Due to rising costs of printing and mailing, the IRC Journal will only be sent to members by email after January 1, 2023.  If members wish to continue receiving a printed journal after January 1, 2023, we will have that option available for an additional $20 per year.  Please watch for this new change on your next renewal form.  If you have recently renewed and would like to add the Option for Printed Journals to your existing membership now, please make sure to sign into your Membership Account and fill out the below form.  Otherwise, you can also send a check for $20 to the IRC Office.

Add Print Journals Today!

 
IRC WEBINAR SERIES

IRC offers monthly webinars for members only.  Members can watch the live or recorded webinars to earn PD clock hours.  Mark your calendars to take part in this convenient, free membership benefit.

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PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PADLET

IRC Professional Learning Committee is working on a new resource bank of teaching and literacy tools to support the best practices in literacy learning.  Please take some time to check out this new and exciting resource.

Access IRC Professional Learning Padlet

 
SPRING 2023 IRC BOOK CLUB

Read, reflect on, and respond to Being the Change and/or Rebellious Read Alouds book clubs.  IRC Members can earn 15 PD clock hours for each book club.  Register by March 15, 2023.

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DONATE TO THE IRC ANGEL FUND

The Angels Fund’s goal is to ensure that IRC continues to carry out its mission of providing support and leadership to all who promote and teach lifelong literacy.  Please consider becoming an Angels Fund Supporter today.

Donate Today!
 

Illinois Reads

Under the auspices of the Illinois Reading Council, Illinois Reads is a yearly statewide project to promote reading for all Illinois citizens.  Six books in six age bands from birth to adult are selected each year.  The work of the Illinois Authors is highlighted.  Order bookmarks and posters for your students today!

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IRC Professional Learning and Development Services

IRC PL&D offers a cadre of educators available for onsite training and custom literacy programs to assist you and your faculty reach all of your educational goals.

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IRC PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PADLET

IRC Professional Learning Padlet is provided by the IRC PL Committee to provide a resource bank of teaching and literacy tools to support the best practices in literacy learning.  Special thanks to the members and IRC councils that have shared these resources.

Access to IRC PLC Padlet
Click here to share a Literacy Resource