NSRA Summer Institute

Vision:

NSRA will become a highly visible, professional literacy organization with an engaged, diverse membership. The organization seeks to make a difference in the lives of Nebraskans; children, youth and adults, both directly and indirectly. Our priorities are: involvement with other professional organizations, growing as advocates, educators and leaders in the cause of literacy and celebrating successes.

President?s Message:

Welcome to the Nebraska State Reading Association (NSRA) website. The mission of the NSRA is to lead in the promotion of literacy in the state of Nebraska through collaboration, advocacy and professional development. We work to achieve this mission by sharing current research and practices through communication, conferences, workshops, and publications. We work tirelessly across the state to promote literacy and professional development in the area of literacy through best practices. We work at the state level to advocate for teachers and students across the state to ensure they receive the best education possible. We also work closely with other educational non-profits across the state. We are a non-profit organization with a membership of over 800 classroom and pre-service teachers, reading coaches and specialists, librarians, administrators, and university instructors. Our membership is open to any individual interested in improving the literacy of our Nebraska population.

NSRA is a Council of the International Reading Association. Within the state of Nebraska, there are eleven local councils working at supporting our mission and goals. When joining NSRA you automatically become a member of one of our eleven local councils. Our local councils provide you with professional development within your area as well as a chance to connect with others who are interested in literacy development. NSRA membership includes a tri-annual newsletter, The Reader; reduced rates to attend our annual conference; special council events and staff development opportunities to enhance literacy leadership.

Our annual state conference provides the highest quality professional development opportunity for educators in the state of Nebraska. This year we have Jan Richardson, Stephanie Harvey and Cris Tovani to name a few. For more information, click on the Conference tab.

Members can apply for scholarships, and local councils are eligible to apply for grants. We take pride in recognizing the accomplishments of individuals, councils, and outstanding reading programs throughout the state via awards and monetary compensations. Additional awards, grants, and recognitions are given to special interest groups, businesses, and agencies who also promote reading. Reading Classic and Plum Creek Literacy Festival are two organizations that we currently support through donations.

You are invited to utilize our website to gain a better understanding of NSRA and all we have to offer. Membership, state conference, awards, scholarships, contact information, networking opportunities, and much more are available for your convenience.

It is our hope that you will consider joining and helping to honor and build literacy in our great state of Nebraska. We appreciate your interest and look forward to welcoming you as a member of our organization!

Christina Tingwald
NSRA President
[email protected]

2015-2016 Goals:

1. Brand ourselves ?NSRA? by maintaining and continuing collaboration with a wide range of audiences and professional groups to enhance the visibility, influence, and viability of NSRA through our website, publications, and by social networks.

2. Foster local councils to become more vibrant and to insure accountability to the Nebraska State Reading Association and International Reading Association (IRA).

3. Ensure financial stability for our organization.

4. Connect NSRA with other curriculum areas (technology, arts, social studies, science, and math) as well as other educational organizations and the Nebraska Department of Education.

5. Enhance professional development opportunities within our organization.

6. Increase membership of our organization through innovative retention and recruitment strategies.

7. Develop policies and procedures to ensure clarity and consistency throughout or organization.