Eastern Iowa Reading Council – Fall 2026 Newsletter & Bookmark

Posted: September 21, 2026

10 reasons to explore literacy in a changing world with us:

1. Earn graduate or recertification credit

Attend the September 24 meeting at 6:00 pm at The Stone in Manchester to find out how to earn 1 hour of renewal or graduate credit by attending five meetings.

Download registration information and the class reflection packet at easterniowareadingcouncil.org.

2. Become a member of EIRC and the Iowa Reading Association (First year teachers join free)

  • Join Eastern Iowa Reading Council and the Iowa Reading Association for $40.
  • First year teachers receive a FREE membership
  • Retired members and college students pay only $15.

3. Gain new or more in-depth knowledge on recent developments in education

EIRC provides you with the opportunity to join an important organization where you can network with others and gain new ideas and strategies in a casual atmosphere. Membership in EIRC will also help you meet Iowa Teaching Standard 7 and develop professionally.

Our programs this year include ways to incorporate agriculture and literacy, engaging reluctant readers, a published author, and incorporating artificial intelligence in the classroom.

4. Connect through Technology

  • Facebook – Eastern Iowa Reading Council
  • Website – easterniowareadingcouncil.org
  • Online Reservations on website

5. Make new friends

EIRC covers the counties of Buchanan, Delaware, and the western part of Dubuque. Meet teachers and administrators from other schools and form new friendships. Join a group of educators dedicated to reading and education.

6. Be guided by an executive board who plans great speakers and programs

Our board works hard to provide great programs and speakers. Please contact any of them for more information or if you are interested in becoming part of the executive board. Contact information is also available on our website.

2026-2027 EIRC Officers and Board:

  • Co-President/Membership/Newsletter/ Basket of Books: Diane Bean drbean1975@gmail.com
  • Co-President/Recording Secretary: Janonne Robbins
  • Vice-President: Open
  • Treasurer: Amy Priem
  • Continuing Education Co-director/Short Story Contest Chair: Nancy White
  • Poetry Chair: Jana Sellers
  • Webmaster/Reservations Chair/Continuing Ed. Co-director: Dawn Schechtman
  • Corresponding Secretary: Jean Resor
  • Merit Council Chair: Julie Lincoln
  • Door Prizes: Deb Bader
  • Stuffed Animal/Book Project: Pat Johnson
  • Past President/Planning Volunteer: Rachael Plein

7. Have FUN!

Enjoy time with your coworkers and friends while learning new things. Our meetings are informative and fun!

8. Celebrate student writers through our creative writing contest

EIRC sponsors a local writing and poetry contest for students in grades K-12. First place winners are honored at the local banquet in April.

  • Nancy White, Short Story Coordinator
  • Jana Sellers, Poetry Coordinator

9. Participate in literacy projects to benefit the community

Basket of Books: EIRC donates baskets of children’s books to 25 area medical offices. We currently serve Dyersville, Edgewood, Jesup, Independence, Manchester and Strawberry Point.
Diane Bean and Abby Ritze, Project Coordinators

Outreach Projects: EIRC donates gently used stuffed animals, matched with books, to several programs and groups, such as HeadStart, Parents as Teachers, foster parents, police departments, WIC. Boxes of books from EIRC are also located at the Counseling Center for Children and Adults and the Free Clothing Closet. Stuffed animals come from EIRC members. The project serves Buchanan, Delaware, and Dubuque counties.

Pat Johnson, Project Coordinator

Merit Council: EIRC has again earned Merit Council status for the 2025-2026 school year. Councils achieving this honor must attend the state delegate assembly, distribute a regular newsletter, and conduct at least four local council meetings.

Julie Lincoln, Project Chair

10. Enjoy an adventure with us!

Our first meeting will be held on September 24th at 5:30 pm (registration). Please register on our website for the first meeting at easterniowareadingcouncil.org

For meetings held in-person, registration is at 5:30 pm, and speakers start around 6:00 pm.

Please RSVP so that enough tables and chairs can be set up in advance.

Have a wonderful 2026-2027 school year!

Upcoming Events (Bookmark)

Literacy For a Changing World – Connect, Inspire, Empower

Website: easterniowareadingcouncil.org

Documents

 

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