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WELCOME TO THE MRA PRIMER 2022
MRA PRESIDENT’S LETTER
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Dear Members, What an exciting time for MRA! The world is opening up again, and we are ready. So many new things are happening; it feels like a grand reopening, and maybe it is! First, this year the Executive Board has some new members: Joann Thompson is the new MRA treasurer, Shantel Schonour accepted the secretary’s position, Sarah Fennelly has become our new webmaster, and Adam Brieske-Ulenski our vice president-elect. New people and faces bring new ideas, and we are excited to hear them all.
You may have noticed that we a have a new logo! It’s modern, colorful, exciting, and what we hope exemplifies the future of MRA.
Our local councils and MACURE (Massachusetts Association of College and University Educators), our special interest council, are gearing up for their own grand reopening as they begin to once again plan faceto-face activities and programs. Be sure to join your local council and keep updated on literacy events and programs, which by the way, are also posted on MRA’s website.
Our traditional committees are beginning to plan events and projects, along with selecting award winners. We now have an Exemplary Reading Award for both the elementary and high school level. Some new committees are being formed, such as The Science of Reading Committee. If interested, all committees are happy to accept new members.
Which brings me to the next new happening---our brand-new website! It is easy to navigate, appealing to the eye, and informative. Interested in having your school be the winner of the Exemplary Reading Award? Find out how to apply on our website; your
school could be the next to be honored. While on the website, check out the councils and committees; you just might be interested in one!
Also new is a co-editor of the Primer, Elaine Bukowiecki, who has worked alongside of coeditor and Immediate Past President Valerie Shinas to produce this issue. We are sad to have Patricia Crain de Galarce leave as co-editor, but when she assumes her position of PresidentElect for MRA, she will be busy planning the 2024 conference. Patricia, we do thank you for all the effort you have put into MRA publications!
And finally, it is thrilling to write that Pattie Kelley is running at full speed to plan a FACE-TOFACE conference! Yes, we will all be going back to the Boston-Quincy Marriott on April 27 & 28, 2023. Put that on your calendar now and catch exciting information on the conference from Pattie elsewhere in this issue!
There are so many “old” things that MRA could not survive without, and I’d like to mention two. First, is our long-standing mission “to promote literacy for all learners through professional development, research, publications, and advocacy.” We do this in so many ways. Second, is our membership, from the members of the Executive Board, including our Event Coordinator, Nancy Meagher, who put tons of energy into keeping MRA running smoothly to the full board members, the council presidents, and committee chairs, who make certain projects and programs fostering literacy happen throughout the Commonwealth. Finally, to our at-large membership, those of you who keep us on our toes by letting us know what we should be or shouldn’t be doing, and we thank you for that.
It’s a new and exciting time for all of us, as we take off our masks, take a deep breath, and dive into the wonderful future.
Nancy Witherell, MRA President
WELCOME FROM THE MRA PRIMER 2022 CO-EDITORS
Dear Friends of MRA,
We (Elaine and Valerie) are thrilled to share with you the MRA Primer 2022. As co-editors of this fall’s MRA Primer, we strive to share with you research, ideas, and inspiration for your teaching and professional growth.
The title of this volume, Lighting theWayto InclusiveTeaching andLearning, was inspired by the 2023 MRA Annual Conference theme, our first in-person conference experience since 2019! You can read more about it in the letter from our President, Nancy Witherell and in the conference update from Pattie Kelley, our 2023 Conference Chair.
The articles in this volume were selected especially for you, our devoted readers, to serve as an invitation to think about how you create literacy learning experiences for all readers. Within the covers, you will find a selection of thought-provoking scholarly articles; book reviews from MRA Board members; and the return of our children’s literature column, written by MRA Past President and MACURE President, Marlene Correia. You will notice that the format of this volume is a bit different from past editions with the inclusion of a new section we call Making School Connections. There, you will find timely and practical advice from educators in public and private schools. We know you will be inspired by their contributions.
Please enjoy this volume of the MRA Primer 2022. Wishing you warm wishes for a great new year and happy reading.
Yours in literacy,
Elaine Bukowiecki & Val Shinas Co-Editors, MRA Primer
MESSAGE FROM THE 2023 MRA CONFERENCE CHAIR
Dear Friends in Literacy,
As you are aware, plans are underway for MRA’s 2023 in-person conference, Be the BeaconThat Lights theWay to be held Thursday, April 27th and Friday, April 28th at the Marriott Boston Quincy. This is MRA’s 52nd Annual Conference, and I am so excited to share the names of the dynamic keynote and luncheon speakers who are sure to engage and motivate attendees during this two-day literacy event.
I believe we are all “Beacons’’ for our students and fellow educators as we navigate our way amid the confusion and uncertainty post pandemic. This conference is a way to gather educators together to reconnect and rejuvenate! There are more than 40 sessions covering a variety of literacy-related topics, including some of our favorite authors and illustrators. I hope you will join us for this professional development opportunity.
Online registration is open. Register right away to take advantage of Early Bird Discounts and to reserve your seat in the sessions you most want to attend. www.massreading.org
See you at the Marriott Boston Quincy!
Pattie
Dr. Pattie Kelley MRA 2023 Conference Chair
2023 MRA CONFERENCE
MRA 52nd Annual Conference | April 27-28, 2023 Boston Marriott Quincy | Quincy, MA Pattie Kelley, Conference Chair
