2025 August Newsletter

Together Toward a Literacy-Focused Future

Soh Meacham, President

It has been several weeks since the 2025 Iowa Reading Conference, and I continue to reflect on the meaningful moments we shared, the stories that stayed with us, and the strong sense of community we created together. This year, we gathered for the first time at the Bien VenU Event Center in Cedar Falls, a beautiful new setting that offered both inspiration and a welcoming atmosphere. It was a space where educators, librarians, and literacy leaders came together with purpose and care.

Our theme, “Literacy Leaders for the Future,” was not just a slogan. It was a call to imagine what kind of literacy leadership our students, schools, and communities need in this changing world. Throughout the planning process, I was moved by how many people gave their time and energy to bring this conference to life. Board members, committee volunteers, presenters, exhibitors, and partners across the state stepped forward with such generosity. The result was a gathering shaped by collaboration, imagination, and a shared sense of responsibility.

One of the greatest highlights of this year’s conference was the opportunity to learn from our keynote speakers, each of whom reminded us of the deep power of storytelling. Loren Long, known for the beloved Otis series, offered insight into how illustration and narrative work together to teach courage, friendship, and change. His newest book, The Yellow Bus, continues to touch readers with its tender message.

Tae Keller brought us a powerful blend of personal and cultural storytelling. Through When You Trap a Tiger and her newest book We Carry the Sun, she reminded us how memory, resilience, and hope can guide young people in their journeys. Her words stayed with many of us long after her talk ended.

Raul the Third brought joy, humor, and cultural vibrancy with his ¡Vamos! series. His books, full of energy and community spirit, reflect the places where literacy lives: in libraries, markets, and everyday life. His session reminded us that reading is not only a school-based practice, but something that connects to language, identity, and joy.

In addition to our keynote speakers, the conference featured dozens of breakout sessions led by educators and researchers across Iowa and beyond. These sessions created space for practical strategies, thoughtful dialogue, and bold ideas. Together, they spoke to the challenges and possibilities we face in today’s literacy landscape.

I am especially grateful to our exhibitors, who supported this event not only through their presence but through their ongoing investment in literacy work. I also want to thank the team at Bien VenU and Cedar Falls Tourism for helping us host a seamless and welcoming event in their space.

I am honored to serve the Iowa Reading Association as the president from 2025 to 2026. As I begin this role, I carry with me a deep appreciation for the work happening in classrooms, libraries, and communities throughout our state. I believe that when we come together—with humility, clarity, and care—we can continue to shape a future where all children have access to meaningful, inclusive, and joyful literacy experiences.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I look forward to the year ahead, and I hope to see you again soon.

Nominations: Consider Sharing Your Talents by Joining the Iowa Reading Board of Directors

Nancy White, Nomination Committee Chair

Do you have a passion for literacy and think you would enjoy being a member of the Iowa Reading Association Board of Directors?

We have an opening for a new vice-president. This position is for a three-year term. The person in this position would have the opportunity to plan the 2027 state conference. The election will take place this fall and then the newly elected officer would begin as soon as the Board approves the election results. If you are interested in serving in this important position, please contact me and I can give you many more details about what is involved in this position. Please contact me at nancyewhite1971@gmail.com or call me at 319-929-3330. I hope to receive inquiries from many of you!

2025 Merit Council Award Winners!

Wendy Matson & Heidi Stangl, Merit Council Committee Chairs

During the 2025 Iowa Reading Conference in Cedar Falls, Iowa, three local reading councils earned Merit Council Status. Co-chairs, Wendy Matson and Heidi Stangl, presented awards to the following councils: Midlands represented by Debra Wake, Eastern Iowa represented by Diane Bean and Hardy represented by Tony Pieper. Congratulations and continue the great efforts to promote literacy in our state.

Left to Right: Wendy Matson, Heidi Stangl, Debra Wake, Diane Bean, Tony Pieper

International Literacy Project 2025–2026

Soh Meacham, President

Each year, the president of the Iowa Reading Association selects an international literacy project to support. This tradition allows us to connect our shared commitment to literacy with the needs of readers around the world. The project is made possible through sustaining dues, contributed by members who choose to add $10 to their annual membership. These contributions help us extend the reach of literacy into communities where books may be scarce but the love of reading is no less powerful.

For the 2025–2026 year, I have chosen to support the “Saved by Remida” project, an initiative of the Reggio Children Foundation based in Reggio Emilia, Italy. This project reimagines how books can move through communities, not as possessions to be stored away, but as gifts to be shared. Through a network of book exchange points, “Saved by Remida” encourages people to bring books they no longer need and take others in return. These simple acts of sharing help books continue their journey into new homes, new hands, and new imaginations.

What I find particularly meaningful about this project is its commitment to placing books in everyday spaces. With the creation of small reading areas in schools, hospitals, social service offices, and community centers, “Saved by Remida” brings literacy into the daily lives of children and families. These book corners are quiet invitations to read, reflect, and connect with others through story.

The Reggio Children Foundation, known for its work in child-centered education, reminds us that literacy is not just about access to books. It is about building environments where reading is visible, valued, and woven into the fabric of everyday life. The “Saved by Remida” project reflects this belief beautifully, using creativity and reuse to spark joy and connection through reading.

This initiative aligns with our mission as an association. It reflects the values many of us hold as educators, advocates, and readers. Literacy should not depend on wealth, geography, or circumstance. It should be a shared resource, a right, and a path forward for all.

When you complete your Iowa Reading Association membership this year, I invite you to become a sustaining member by adding an additional $10 to your dues. Your support will go directly to the “Saved by Remida” project and help promote literacy in communities where books are needed most.

Sustaining members will be acknowledged in our annual summer conference program. More importantly, your contribution will help circulate books, ideas, and opportunities for reading across borders and generations.

Thank you for being part of this work and for all you do to support readers near and far.

2026 Conference Update

Liz Corson, President-Elect and Conference Chair

Hello Iowa Reading Association Members! I am excited to serve as the Chair for our 2026 conference. Thank you to Soh Meacham for our exciting 2025 Conference in Cedar Falls. We look forward to returning to the Bien Venu Events Center and Holiday Inn, Cedar Falls, for next year’s conference on June 23rd – June 24th to rejuvenate, reflect, and consider, together, the power of literacy. We have a wonderful line-up of confirmed guests:

Authors

• Matt de la Peña: a New York Times best selling, Newbery Winning author of young adult novels and picture books that celebrate community, love, and the world around us, while not shying away from emotional complexity and truth.
• Traci Sorell: best-selling and award-winning author of historical and contemporary fiction and nonfiction for children and teens and an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, focusing primarily on the contemporary lives of Native peoples.
• Charlotte Gunnufson: local Iowa author, former teacher, passionate about literacy and promoting the love of reading
• Rebecca Janni: local Iowa author, teacher, and cowgirl

Educators

• Shawn Datchuk, MEd, PhD | Iowa Reading Research Center: director of the Iowa Reading Research Center, working to “make it easier for teachers to teach reading” and making it easier “for students to learn how to read and use reading to learn.”
• Sheritta Stokes, M.A. – Leadership | 1619 Freedom School: Executive Director and Curriculum Coordinator, 1619 Freedom School and Veteran Teacher, Waterloo Community School District, Creator of Black Men Read program.
• Saba K. Vlach, PhD, Language and Literacy Studies, Curriculum and Instruction: K-12 Literacy Scholar, University of Iowa

We will announce any updates on our website: www.iowareading.org. Please mark your calendars for this exciting event. We look forward to seeing you again in Cedar Falls next year!

2024-2025 Iowa Reading Association Awards Presented at Conference

Celebrate Literacy Award

The Iowa Reading Association is pleased to honor the late Kathy Murphy of Burlington, IA as our Celebrate Literacy Award recipient. Celebrate Literacy Award recognizes an individual, agency or institution for significant contributions to literacy. This celebration of literacy will familiarize the public with literacy activities actually carried out in local, national, or international communities and will call attention to work being done to promote literacy as a “universal concern.” Kathy was a passionate library advocate and champion of early literacy, with over 30 years of work at the Burlington Public Library. Most recently, she went out every month on behalf of the library to visit all 29 preschool classrooms and read to 450 wiggly, curious and excited 3- and 4-year-olds where she was affectionately known as “Miss Kathy”. For decades Miss Kathy inspired a love of reading in Burlington’s children. She was well-loved by all and was a pillar of the community.

Miss Kathy died on December 24, 2024 at the Southeast Regional Medical Center in West Burlington. The Burlington Public Library issued a press release honoring Murphy’s impact that ended with a quote from A.A. Milne, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”.

Her daughters Heidi Stangl and Heather Baier accepted the award given to their mother posthumously. Heidi is a longtime member of Iowa Reading Association.

Iowa Reading Association Service Award

The Iowa Reading Association presented the Iowa Reading Service Award to Tony Pieper and to Julie Anderson. The Service Award is given to honor admirable service to the Iowa Reading Association in some specific capacity. Both recipients are long-time members of the organization and have served on the Board of Directors. Both share their appreciation of literacy and books with students and others.

Tony Pieper is a member of the Hardy Reading Council, and has served as an officer in that council for a number of years. He is a past-president (multiple times) of the Iowa Reading Association, and currently serves as the Central Regional Director. During his first term as president (2012-2013), he served as the 2012 conference chairman for our first summer conference “Summer Vacation: Destination Literacy!” He also worked to co-chair the 2023 state conference “Diversity in our Books, Classrooms, and Hearts” when the program chair became unable to serve. Tony’s colleague in the Hardy Reading Council wrote: Tony is a great leader as he is always willing to do anything needed to make our organization what it is today. He truly wants everyone to be as excited about reading and writing as he has been during his teaching years. Tony wants other teachers to be aware of the upcoming trends in reading and help move Hardy into that direction as well.

Julie Anderson is the Northwest Iowa Regional Director for the association, and is serving as the Iowa Reading Association Membership Director. She has been a member of the Northwest Iowa Reading Council for a number of years, and serves as the treasurer and membership chair for that council. As the state membership chair, Julie sets up an Iowa Reading Association membership booth during the summer conference. She uses a PLINKO game to award small prizes, and takes time to talk to prospective members at conference.

Julie’s fellow NWIRC council member wrote of her as follows: Mrs. Anderson has been a very active member of the Northwest Iowa Reading Association, serving in several offices. She is an advocate for membership, stressing the importance of professionalism. Julie is an organizer and wants her fellow colleagues to be successful. Her smile, willingness to host meetings and reliability are welcome assets to her local council. When prior leadership gave up, Julie wanted to continue with the council. It is gaining momentum and with her leadership, showing educators and administrators in Northwest Iowa the need for a literacy community.

Congratulations to both Tony and Julie, and thank you for your service!

Iowa Reading Teacher of the Year

The Iowa Reading Teacher of the Year is Jill Swanson. The award may be given to professionals who have demonstrated their interest, concern, and leadership in promoting reading within their domain. Jill has been teaching in the Maple Valley – Anthon Oto Community Schools, and will become a teacher at Danbury Catholic School this fall. She is so passionate about being an active part of a professional council for teachers, Jill drives two hours from her home in order to be a part of the Midlands of Iowa Reading Council meetings. She is an active member of the Iowa Reading Association Board of Directors, and serves as treasurer of the organization.

Jill loves to share her favorite book picks with colleagues by giving presentations at our state conference and at local reading councils, including Midlands of Iowa and Northwest Iowa councils. She encourages her 3rd and 4th grade students to be readers and to enjoy learning from books. Jill also volunteers in our membership booth at the state conference.

Jill’s colleague in the Midlands of Iowa Reading Council wrote this about Jill:

Jill is not just a classroom teacher; she uses every opportunity to teach teachers and librarians about the power of reading. Jill has presented at the Iowa Reading Conference and at the Northwest Reading Council and Midlands Reading Council. At the 2024 Iowa Reading Conference, Jill’s presentation was titled “Books and Boosts ‘24: Elevating Scores with Top Shelf Tales”. She invited her attendees to be prepared to add books to their “To Read” shelf as she shares her top books of 2024 – from picture books to middle grade. In addition, she would show how incorporating book groups boosted her students’ reading scores. Needless to say, her room was filled to capacity. Excited teachers left with lists of books and ways to immediately get their students excited about reading. Jill’s presentations are always changing as she gathers new books and ideas to share with her audiences

Congratulations, Jill!

Iowa Reading Administrator of the Year

Dr. Sohyun Meacham, Associate Dean at UNI, was named the Iowa Reading Association Administrator of the Year. The award honors professionals who have demonstrated their interest, concern, and leadership in promoting reading in their domain. Soh is the conference program chairman for the 2025 Iowa Reading/Iowa Association of School Librarians state conference “Literacy Leaders for the Future”. She has served as secretary and publications editor for our Association, and will be the 2025-2026 state president of the Iowa Reading Association. Soh is a member of the Eastern Iowa Reading Council, and gave a presentation this past November for the Northwest Iowa Reading Council, “Leading Literacy in Early Childhood Education.”

A colleague wrote these words of support for Soh’s nomination: Dr. Meacham exemplifies the very spirit of this recognition through her unwavering commitment to literacy, her visionary leadership, and her dedication to fostering inclusive and high-quality reading practices across educational contexts….Her leadership in the field of literacy is both deep and

wide-reaching: she has not only contributed as a researcher and teacher educator in early literacy and culturally responsive pedagogy, but she has also consistently demonstrated bold leadership in promoting reading and literacy education across the university, professional organizations, and the wider community.

Congratulations, Dr. Meacham!

• 2025 08 IA Reading Newsletter