The mission of the IRC Communicator is to provide information and resources for members as they promote and teach lifelong literacy. If you would like to share an article, please email your article to the IRC Office. In future issues, IRC will be sharing some new and energizing monthly columns. 

• #WhatIAmReading: In this column, we would like members to share books that you are reading. The information can be very short with only 3 to 4 sentences about the book. You can share pictures of you and your book in your favorite reading spot. We encourage you to be creative as you help inspire fellow educators. Posts will also be shared on our social media outlets.
  
  
• Highlight Reel: In this column, we would like members to share snapshots of successes in your classrooms. The articles can be anywhere from 100 to 300 words. Again, we would love for you to share pictures if possible. Please remember no success is too big or too small to share as your success could help inspire other fellow educators.
  
  
• Themed Book Lists: Share books that would help other educators with any creative and diverse topic. Examples: Four books to jump start the new school year or three books that help with equity in the middle-grade classroom.
  
  
• Other Literacy Topics: IRC would also like to encourage members to continue sharing literacy articles on a variety of topics. Suggested topics are listed below, but articles on other topics of interest are welcome.
• Why We Need to Read Banned Books
• Tips for Teaching Writing
• Board Games that Teach Literacy Skills
• Literacy Meets STEM
• SEL via Literacy
• For the Love of Librarians
• Trauma Informed Practices
• Culturally Responsive Teaching and Literature
• Strategies for Struggling Readers
• Building the Reading and Writing Connection
• Increasing Equity & Opportunity for All Learners
• Diverse Books for your Classroom
• Books the Kids Loved This Year
• My New Favorite Professional Books and Resources
• Skills and Strategies
• Current Research in Literacy
• Accessing Resources (e.g., Tips for Writing Grants, Other Professional Organizations, etc.)
• Technology and Other Literacy Links
• And any other literacy topics that interest you!

 Each issue is filled with valuable information that you will not want to miss!

	May 2025 IRC Communicator Summer 2025 IRC Book Clubs Resources:  A Crop of Picture Books for Young Readers by Kristin Rydholm Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events
	April 2025 IRC Communicator 2025 Illinois Reads Book Festival Teaching ELLs Through Children's Literature to Provide Culturally Relevant Instruction by Melissa Stinnett IRC Awards and Grants at the 2025 IRC Conference IRC Election Ballot Results Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events
	March 2025 IRC Communicator 2025 IRC Conference Resources:  The Book Nook Conservation World by Lorna Shuman IRC Book Club Literacy Support Grants for 2025-2026 #WhatIAmReading Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events
	February 2025 IRC Communicator Illinois Reads Book List on StoryGraph ICARE's Land of Lincoln's Lit Lounge of Love Highlight Reels:  Themed Books in the Snowy Woods by April Dykes 2025 IRC Conference Highlight Reels:  Empowered Learners:  Investigating the Food Industry by Brandon Barr #WhatIAmReading Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events IRC Election Ballot
	January 2025 IRC Communicator 2025 IRC Conference IRC Book Club Highlight Reels:  3rd Annual Mock Caldecott Award 2025 by Laura Beltchenko #WhatIAmReading Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events
	December 2024 IRC Communicator Highlight Reels:  Picture Books About Building Snow Buddies by Kristin Rydholm Static Stick Decal Contest #WhatIAmReading including Winter 2025 IRC Book Clubs Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events
	November 2024 IRC Communicator From the Desk of the IRC President:  Meet Rhys Bowen by Melissa Stinnett IRC Book Club - Winter 2025 IRC Highlight Reels:  Teacher Burnout Turnaround by Ashley Falkos  Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events
	October 2024 IRC Communicator 2025 IRC Conference - Preliminary Program 2025 Illinois Reads Book List #WhatIAmReading IRC Highlight Reels:  Ficheros As a Way Teach Foundational Reading Skills in Spanish by Elvira Pichardo Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events
	September 2024 IRC Communicator #WhatIAmReading Picture Books about Childhood Friendship to Scaffold Social and Emotional Learning by Kristin Rydholm From the Desk of the IRC President:  Funshine Podschool:  Homeschooling as Response to Covid-19 Remote Instruction by Melissa Stinnett Professional Learning and Development Committee by Laura Beltchenko Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events
	August 2024 IRC Communicator IRC Book Club 2025 IRC Conference 2024-2025 IRC Webinar Series #WhatIAmReading IRC awards Grants  Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events - Illinois Reads Authors at the Illinois State Fair Call For Submissions
	July 2024 IRC Communicator #WhatIAmReading From the University Methods Classroom to the Public School Classroom:  Book Chat Magic  From the Desk of the IRC President:  Promote Pedagogy:  Using Online Platforms and Apps for Instruction Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events - Illinois Reads Authors at the Illinois State Fair Call For Submissions
	June 2024 IRC Communicator Summer 2024 IRC Book Club From the Desk of the IRC President #WhatIAmReading Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events Call For Submissions
	May 2024 IRC Communicator 2025 IRC Conference - Program Proposals due September 1st Illinois Reads - Bookmarks and posters supplies limited SEL Picture Round-Up for Educators by Kristin Rydholm #WhatIAmReading Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events Call For Submissions
	April 2024 IRC Communicator Free Books Given Away in Springfield, Illinois IRC Awards & Grants at the 2024 IRC Conference #WhatIAmReading IRC Election Ballot Upcoming PD Events Call For Submissions
	March 2024 IRC Communicator From the Desk of the IRC President The 1619 Project:  Born on the Water Literacy Support Grants #WhatIAmReading IRC Book Club Upcoming PD Events Call For Submissions
	February 2024 IRC Communicator 2024 Illinois Reads Book Festival 2024 IRC Conference Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan Happy Free Comic Book Day! #WhatIAmReading IRC Election Ballot Upcoming PD Events Call For Submissions
	January 2024 IRC Communicator From the Desk of the IRC President Winter 2024 IRC Book Club Picture Book Round-Up for Educators Static Stick Decal Contest #WhatIAmReading Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events Call For Submissions
	December 2023 IRC Communicator Winter 2024 IRC Book Clubs Static Stick Decal Contest 2024 Mock Caldecott Award #WhatIAmReading Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events Call For Submissions
	November 2023 IRC Communicator From the Desk of the IRC President Professional Learning & Development #WhatIAmReading Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events Call For Submissions
	October 2023 IRC Communicator 2024 IRC Conference Illinois Reads - 2024 Book List From the Desk of the IRC President Advocacy Committee Update #WhatIAmReading IRC Highlight Reel - No Time To Conference?  Try Coaching Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events Job Opportunities Call For Submissions
	September 2023 IRC Communicator #WhatIAmReading IRC Highlight Reel - Developing Student Learning With An Asset-Based Thinking Mindset Fall 2023 IRC Book Club Family Literacy Bookshelf Library of Congress Announces National Ambassador Tour Upcoming PD Events Call For Submissions
	August 2023 IRC Communicator #WhatIAmReading IRC Highlight Reel - Mentor Text for The One and Only Ivan 13 Books to Start the School Year Family Literacy Bookshelf Literacy Grants Awarded Upcoming PD Events Illinois Reads at the Illinois State Fair Call For Submissions
	July 2023 IRC Communicator #WhatIAmReading IRC Highlight Reels From the Desk of the IRC President Family Literacy Bookshelf Illinois Literacy Plan Upcoming PD Events Call For Submissions
	June 2023 IRC Communicator Change Is Going To Come To the IRC Communicator
	May 2023 IRC Communicator IRC Newsletter Feedback Senate Bill 2243 Family Literacy Bookshelf Summer 2023 IRC Book Club Program Proposals for the 2024 IRC Conference Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	April 2023 IRC Communicator Summer 2023 IRC Book Clubs Program Proposals for 2024 IRC Conference IRC Election Ballot Results CARA and PARC Receive ILA Honor Council Award Illinois Reads Program Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	March 2023 IRC Communicator A Shout Out To Short Bursts Of Shared Reading IRC Bilingual Book Club Offered This Summer CARA Reads Aloud This Spring IRC Awards and Grants at 2023 IRC Conference Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	February 2023 IRC Communicator Spring 2023 IRC Book Club Building Literacy Through A Vending Machine Professional Learning and Development 35 Years and Counting:  Five For the Journey Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	January 2023 IRC Communicator Updates on the 2023 IRC Conference The Magic Questions IRC Election Ballot Opens Remembering Boomer Crotty Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	December 2022 IRC Communicator Winter 2023 IRC Book Club 2023 Illinois Reads Books Announced Pep Up Professional Learning with Pass the Picture Book Manga Madness in the Media Center A Culturally Relevant Lesson Through Making A Video Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	November 2022 IRC Communicator Social Emotional Learning Connection Winter 2023 IRC Book Clubs Get Your Reading Opinions Ready For the 2023 Mock Caldecott Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	October 2022 IRC Communicator Registration Opens for 2023 IRC Conference Resources in the IRC Padlet The Era of Culturally Responsive Teaching Quick Talks/Quick Writes Illinois Reads Book Festival is Cancelled Family Literacy Bookshelf Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	September 2022 IRC Communicator Resources in the IRC Padlet IRC Workshop Series To Be Held in October 2022 Fall 2022 IRC Book Clubs Equitable Literacy Pratices for ELLS Building the Reading and Writing Connection with Letters About Literature Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	August 2022 IRC Communicator Program Proposals for the 2023 IRC Conference Thanks For All You Do As the New School Year Begins Calling All Members Professional Learning and Development Committee National Book Festival Family Literacy Bookshelf Literacy Links Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	July 2022 IRC Communicator Upcoming PD Opportunities with IRC About Your Membership IRC Announces 2022-2023 Literacy Support Grants Family Literacy Bookshelf Literacy Links Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	June 2022 IRC Communicator Program Proposals Being Accepted For the 2023 IRC Conference IRC Office Is Moving To A New Location PD Book Reviews by Nancy Oesterreich Family Literacy Bookshelf Literacy Links Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	May 2022 IRC Communicator Summer 2022 IRC Book Clubs 6 Picture Books To Engage And Inspire Learners by Maria Walther IRC Workshop Series To Be Held In June 2022 Family Literacy Bookshelf Literacy Links Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	April 2022 IRC Communicator Reimagining the Reader as a Writer Using Wordless Books During Shared Readings by Annette VanAken and Kari Pawl Three Things We Can Do To Help All Students See Themselves As Readers And Writers by Andrea Mear Family Literacy Bookshelf Literacy Links Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	March 2022 IRC Communicator Marinate Writers in the Language of Books by Maria Walther Developing Vocabulary in L2:  Using L1 As Powerful Tool by Nelofar Khamisami Family Literacy Bookshelf Literacy Links Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	February 2022 IRC Communicator Reaching Reluctant Readers by Christy Ziller I Really Guess You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover - Reeling In Reluctant Readers Through Literacy Practices by Olabisi K. Adenekan Strategies For Struggling Readers by Susan Lorey Understand and Plan:  Strategies For Struggling Readers by Kari Pawl and Annette VanAken Family Literacy Bookshelf Literacy Links Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	January 2022 IRC Communicator Registration is Open for the IRC Conference The Script for Struggling Readers by Laura St. John Using Audio Word Walls To Build Academic Vocabulary by Dominique Byrnes Help Struggling Readers Bridge the Gap by Julie Courson Family Literacy Bookshelf Literacy Links Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	December 2021 IRC Communicator Winter 2022 IRC Book Clubs Registration is Open for the 2022 IRC Conference Nobody Said It Would Be Easy by Cindi Koudelka Family Literacy Bookshelf Literacy Links Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	November 2021 IRC Communicator Culturally Responsive Teaching:  Building An Environment Where Diversity and Inclusion Thrive by Annette McMahon Culturally Responsive Teaching:  Trauma-Informed Practice by Nelofar Khamisani Family Literacy Bookshelf Literacy Links Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	October 2021 IRC Communicator Creating a Relational Set of Vocabulary Words to Help Children Cope with Their Emotions by Laura Beltchenko A Culturally Relevant Lessons Through Making a Video by Laura St. John Family Literacy Bookshelf Literacy Links Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	September 2021 IRC Communicator Upcoming PD Opportunities with IRC A Social and Emotional Transition Back to School by Laura St. John Communicating Fully is the Opposite of Being Traumatized by Julie Hoffman Family Literacy Bookshelf Literacy Links Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	August 2021 IRC Communicator Spend Time Now by Maria Walther Read Aloud for Connection and Hope by Julie Hoffman [Re]Connecting with Students by Katie Russell Family Literacy Bookshelf Literacy Links Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	July 2021 IRC Communicator 2021 IRC Conference Upcoming PD Opportunities with IRC Call for Articles, Tips, and Helpful Hints Family Literacy Bookshelf Literacy Links Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	June 2021 IRC Communicator Providing Access to High Quality Inclusive Books and Content by Cindi Koudelka Vocabulary Naturally - Ideas For Parents by Camille Blachowicz and Charlene Cobb Family Literacy Bookshelf Literacy Links Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	May 2021 IRC Communicator Reading Intervention During Remote and Hybrid Teaching by Jaclyn Turner Access to High Quality, Diverse Books and Content by Leslie Forsman Family Literacy Bookshelf Literacy Links Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	April 2021 IRC Communicator Top 5 Reasons to Attend the 2021 IRC Conference by Katie Russell Implementing a Summer Book Club by Alaina Weatherford Family Literacy Bookshelf Literacy Links Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	March 2021 IRC Communicator If Only We're Brave Enough To Be It by Laura St. John Book Review of Bored and Brilliant by Melissa Stinnett Balanced Literacy - A Deeper Understanding by Dick Koblitz Family Literacy Bookshelf Literacy Links Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	February 2021 IRC Communicator IRC Workshop Series Online in March 2021 by Katie Russell Illinois Reads Book Festival on March 13, 2021 Read Around the CASEL Books to Spark SEL Conversations (Part 2) by Maria Walther Strategies for Struggling Readers by Rachel Lesinski-Roscoe, Leigh Cavanaugh, Jenni Clesen Family Literacy Bookshelf Literacy Links Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	January 2021 IRC Communicator IRC Conference – October 19-20, 2021 by IRC Let Them Talk by Andrea Mear and Jessica Doneske Family Literacy Bookshelf by Barb Ashton Literacy Links by the Educational Media Committee Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	December 2020 IRC Communicator Simple Ways to Incorporate SEL into your Remote Learning by Laura St. John Two Simple Mantras to Good Teaching (Part II) by Melissa Wheeler Equity and Title I by Nancy Oesterreich Family Literacy Bookshelf by Barb Ashton Literacy Links by the Educational Media Committee Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	November 2020 IRC Communicator Respecting Names is Respecting Identity by Nancy Steineke Two Simple Mantras to Good Teaching (Part I) by Melissa Wheeler Don't Pandemic About Time Management by Jaclyn Turner An Equity Precedent by Marygrace Farina Family Literacy Bookshelf by Barb Ashton Literacy Links by the Educational Media Committee Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	October 2020 IRC Communicator Read Around the Casel Wheel:  Books to Spark SEL Conversations (Part I) by Maria Walther Sharing Stories to Foster Reading Fluency by LaShay Jennings, Jessica Dunker, and Edward J. Dwyer Digital Literacy by Christy Ziller Family Literacy Bookshelf by Barb Ashton Literacy Links by the Educational Media Committee Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	September 2020 IRC Communicator   Beginning of a New School Year by Stephanie Benson Tips for Remote Learning by Sheila Ruh and Sherry Sejnost Keeping It Real by Laura St. John No-Pressure Text Parking Lot by Andrea Mear Family Literacy Bookshelf by Barb Ashton Literacy Links by the Educational Media Committee Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	August 2020 IRC Communicator Flipping Out Over Flipgrid by Alaina Weatherford Family Literacy Bookshelf by Barb Ashton Literacy Links by the Educational Media Committee Upcoming PD Events by IRC
	July 2020 IRC Communicator IRC Conference – March 11-12, 2021 by IRC New Look for the IRC Communicator by IRC Family Literacy Bookshelf by Barb Ashton Literacy Links by the Educational Media Committee Upcoming PD Events by IRC

For more information, contact us at [email protected].