Virginia State Literacy Association

Virginia State Literacy Association We will lead in the promotion of literacy through collaboration, advocacy and professional developme

Fall is in the air! Well, hopefully it will be soon! It's almost time to get cozy with your favorite pumpkin spice every...
08/31/2026

Fall is in the air! Well, hopefully it will be soon!

It's almost time to get cozy with your favorite pumpkin spice everything to join our Fall Into Writing Book Club with Dr. Rebecca Harper! This book club is for anyone, but especially educators who teach in the secondary grades.
The fall book club will be based on the book Writing Workouts by Dr. Rebecca Harper. The best part is that Dr. Harper will be conducting this book club, which will be hosted by the Virginia State Literacy Association.

The book club will occur virtually on the following Tuesdays, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, and 10/13 from 7:00 - 8:00 PM

It is encouraged to attend all 4 sessions, but they will be recorded. You will earn 5 recertification points and a certificate of attendance when you attend all 4 sessions.There will also be a drawing for a prize for anyone who attends all four sessions!

If you would like to join the Fall Into Writing Book Club, fill out the form, which closes on September 11, 2026: https://forms.gle/dtnvdaxF3zb6T3oN7

The book club is FREE for all members of the Virginia State Literacy Association, which also allows you to join in any future professional development opportunities we offer and a big conference discount. If you are not a member, you can join here: https://vslatoday.org/Join-us

If you are not a member but would like to join the book club, the cost is $10 for all four sessions. An invoice will be sent prior to the book club if you choose to pay for only the book club.

We look forward to a fun and exciting book club! Share with all of your colleagues!

Call for Proposals is OPEN for the 2027 VSLA Conference, “Read. Write. Rise! The Power of Literacy Starts Here.” We’re s...
08/25/2026

Call for Proposals is OPEN for the 2027 VSLA Conference, “Read. Write. Rise! The Power of Literacy Starts Here.” We’re seeking engaging, evidence-based sessions on literacy, reading comprehension, written expression, decodable texts, and AI in education.

Submit Your Proposal Today at vslaconference.org/cfp-2027

This week’s Board Member Monday introduction is our ILA Coordinator, Charles Richards!I am Charles Richards, and I serve...
08/24/2026

This week’s Board Member Monday introduction is our ILA Coordinator, Charles Richards!

I am Charles Richards, and I serve as the ILA Coordinator. I recently retired after 45 years of working in elementary schools. I spent the majority of my career as a kindergarten teacher and the last ten years as an elementary librarian.

I loved being an educator and helping young children develop a love of books and reading was one of the greatest joys of my career. I discovered the treasures that books hold at an early age myself, often sneaking away to my secret hiding place to read.

In addition to reading, I enjoy working in my flower beds—a love of plants that my grandmother passed down to me—cooking, and spending time with friends.

This wraps up our board member introductions but be sure to check back each Monday for another member introduction. For a complete list of board members, visit the following link! https://vslatoday.org/Board-of-Directors

This week’s Board Member Monday introduction is our At-Large Member, Julie Dauksys!“My name is Julie Dauksys and I am an...
08/17/2026

This week’s Board Member Monday introduction is our At-Large Member, Julie Dauksys!

“My name is Julie Dauksys and I am an assistant professor at Randolph-Macon College where I coordinate all fieldwork/clinical placements and teach literacy coursework for undergraduate students. I have been at RMC full time for a year and a half, but worked there as an adjunct for the past 15 years. Before I was full time at RMC I retired with 33 years as a specialized literacy professional, serving in both specialist and coaching roles for Hanover County Public Schools, grades K-8. Helping students learn how to break the code of reading, find enjoyment in books, and help schools develop a culture of literacy were my main goals. I live outside Ashland, Virginia with my husband Chris and 16 year old dog Sam. Our son, Evan, just graduated from Coastal Carolina University where he majored in Marine Science and is looking for an environmental consulting position near Conway, SC. Besides reading, one of my hobbies is planning for my Potter Proclivity course I teach at RMC in the Honors Program, which focuses on the human condition in the first four books of the Harry Potter canon.”

Be sure to check back each Monday for a new introduction. We also sent out a Special Edition Newsletter in May! For a complete list, check your email or visit the following link! https://vslatoday.org/Board-of-Directors

🎉📚 And just like that… it’s back-to-school time! 🍎✨The halls are buzzing, classrooms are getting ready, books are findin...
08/11/2026

🎉📚 And just like that… it’s back-to-school time! 🍎✨

The halls are buzzing, classrooms are getting ready, books are finding their way onto shelves, and educators across Virginia are preparing for another year of learning, growing, and making a difference.

Whether you’re welcoming a brand-new class, reuniting with familiar faces, planning those first lessons, or simply trying to remember where you put your coffee… ☕️😂 — we hope your first days are filled with excitement, connection, and a little bit of magic.

Here’s to a school year filled with great books, curious minds, meaningful conversations, confident writers, and countless “aha!” moments. 📖💡

From all of us at the Virginia State Literacy Association, we’re cheering you on every step of the way!

Welcome back, educators. Thanks for all you do. ❤️📚

This week’s Board Member Monday introduction is our At-Large Member, Helen Bowman!“I am Helen Bowman and I am a retired ...
08/10/2026

This week’s Board Member Monday introduction is our At-Large Member, Helen Bowman!

“I am Helen Bowman and I am a retired teacher from Charles City County Public Schools. I worked there for 15 years and taught Pre-K for one year, Kindergarten for 9 years, and was a Reading Teacher for 5 years. I was also employed at Williamsburg/James City County Head Start Program for 10 years.

I believe that all children should be given every possible opportunity to learn how to maneuver all areas of literacy. That their classrooms should be rich in literary materials in all areas of their studies. I continue to work with children weekly by teaching Sunday School at my church and I volunteer once a week at a local elementary school to assist students that need extra help in reading. I believe children should be read to in the womb and afforded reading materials at home starting as early as possible. I have a personal library of books on many different topics and can share with my grandchildren and other children. I also read a lot and have been in a book club for about 20 years. Reading can provide a lifetime of enjoyment!”

Be sure to check back each Monday for a new introduction. We also sent out a Special Edition Newsletter in May! For a complete list, check your email or visit the following link! https://vslatoday.org/Board-of-Directors

This week’s Board Member Monday introduction is our At-Large Member, Danielle Kreassig!“My name is Danielle Kreassig, an...
08/03/2026

This week’s Board Member Monday introduction is our At-Large Member, Danielle Kreassig!

“My name is Danielle Kreassig, and I bring over 20 years of experience in literacy education spanning PreK through graduate school, currently serving as an Educational Specialist for Literacy at TTAC at Old Dominion University, an Assistant Professor and Program Director for the M.Ed. Reading Specialist and TESOL programs at Regent University, and an adjunct faculty member in education at Tidewater Community College. My career has taken me through classroom teaching, instructional coaching, reading specialist work, and program leadership, always with a focus on building the capacity of educators to meet the needs of every learner. I hold an Ed.D. from The George Washington University, an M.Ed. in Reading Specialist from Regent University, and undergraduate and master's degrees in education from Old Dominion University.

For me, literacy is both a professional commitment and a deeply personal conviction. I have witnessed firsthand the transformation that occurs when educators are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need, and I have seen equally the cost when students are left without that foundation. At a pivotal moment in Virginia's literacy landscape, I feel a profound sense of responsibility to help bridge research and classroom practice, ensuring that the field's shift toward evidence-based instruction reaches every teacher, every school, and every learner who depends on it. I am honored to join the VSLA Board as an At Large Member and look forward to contributing to the association's mission of advancing literacy for all Virginia learners.”

Be sure to check back each Monday for a new introduction. We also sent out a Special Edition Newsletter in May! For a complete list, check your email or visit the following link! https://vslatoday.org/Board-of-Directors

This week’s Board Member Monday introduction is our At-Large Member, Renee Russell!“Throughout my 34 years in elementary...
07/27/2026

This week’s Board Member Monday introduction is our At-Large Member, Renee Russell!

“Throughout my 34 years in elementary education, literacy has been at the heart of everything I do. As a reading specialist, I have the privilege of working with students, teachers, and families to help children grow into confident readers and writers. Some of the most rewarding moments in my career have been watching a struggling reader gain confidence or seeing a child discover a book they cannot put down. I believe literacy is life-changing because it gives children a voice, builds their confidence, and opens opportunities for their future.”

Be sure to check back each Monday for a new introduction. We also sent out a Special Edition Newsletter in May! For a complete list, check your email or visit the following link! https://vslatoday.org/Board-of-Directors

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10307 W Broad Street
Glen Allen, VA
23060

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