International Reading Association Inc

Programs: The tennessee reading association (tra) fall conference is held annually during the month of december. This is the primary professional development program of service provide by the association. On the average 400-600 educators attend the 3-day conference. Attendees register for general and breakout sessions. They also have opportunities to engage with 20-30 vendors representing various publishing and educational resource companies. Tra has a contract with embassy suites to host the annual event in murfreesboro. Registration covers the cost of the nationally recognized speakers, the hotel event expenses, and provided materials and meals. Tra also schedules one of the required board of directors meetings during the conference period.

the tennessee reading association summer leadership conference is scheduled during the transition period from one fiscal year to the next. Newly installed state and local council officers are required to attend in an effort to prepare for the upcoming year and receive professional development in leadership skills. Approximately 75-100 participants attend the 2-day workshop. The first official board of directors meeting is held in conjunction with this conference. All housing, meals, and travel expenses are paid by the association for all in attendance.

the tennessee reading association offers a number of council grants, support projects and scholarship programs. These financial awards are presented annually to individual members, designated schools or school systems, as well as local tra councils. An application process is required and a review committee selects from the pool of applications those that best meet the standards for the individual grant or scholarship. The following outlines the various grants and scholarships available through tra: a. Academic scholarships (2 @ $500 each). Two individual members are selected to receive a $500. 00 cash award based on academic excellence and commitment to literacy. B. Conference scholarships (2 @ 250 each). Four tra conference scholarships are awarded annually to applicants who have supported and demonstrated a commitment to literacy through involvement in tras local council structure. Plans are to increase this scholarship in both number and amount for 17-18. C. Community projects (# and amount may vary). Tra selects applicants (individuals or councils) who design and implement local community project that advance and support literacy efforts. Annually $1500. 00 is budgeted and, depending upon the quality of the applications, one or two may be funded. D. Exemplary reading program (# and amount may vary). Tra recognizes school or school system efforts to improve or advance their efforts to improve literacy. $500. 00 is allowed in the budget for funding 1-2 applicants). Plans are to increase the amount for this program for 17-18 fiscal year. E. Promotion of reading grants (4 @ $400 each) f. Support storytelling grants ($1500. 00). These grants are awarded to individual educators who have implemented efforts to integrate storytelling and oral narration into their curriculum and instructional programs. Applicants are selected and individual awards of $200-$300 each are presented. G. Family literacy projects ($1900. 00). Tra recognizes school or school system efforts to improve or advance their efforts to promote family literacy. $1900. 00 is allowed in the budget for funding 1-2 applicants annually.