Virginia State Literacy Association

There is still time to sign up for VSLA's Write Into Summer Book Club with Rebecca Harper which will occur during the month of July!

Spaces are filling up, and you don't want to miss out on this exciting book study of the book Write from the Beginning by Rebecca Harper. This book offers writing tips and lessons to get students in Grades K-5 ready to write throughout the school day and into the upper grades!

Follow the link below and complete the form by June 23, 2026! Details about the book club can be found on the form. It's free for VSLA members and $10 for non-members. You can join the VSLA and take advantage of all future professional development offers.

You will receive information about ordering books with a 30% discount and links to the book club after the form closes.

We can't wait to discuss all things writing with Rebecca Harper!

https://bit.ly/vsla-book-club

This week’s Board Member Monday introduction is our Recording Secretary, Danielle Sullivan!

“With 18 years of experience as a first-grade teacher, I have dedicated my professional life to helping young learners discover the joy of reading. I hold a Master of Arts in Elementary Teaching from Sweet Briar College and a Graduate Certificate in Literacy and Reading Instruction from George Mason University. These academic experiences deepened my understanding of early childhood development and effective, evidence-based reading instruction. Throughout my career, I have remained steadfast in my core belief that every child has the ability and the right to learn to read and write when given the right tools and opportunities. Literacy is not just a foundational academic skill; it is the key that unlocks a child's confidence, imagination, and lifelong potential. Witnessing the moment a child connects letters to meaning remains the most rewarding aspect of my daily work.”

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 Vice President, Jonita Shabazz!

“I am an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at Norfolk State University, where I prepare future educators to deliver effective, evidence-based literacy instruction. I bring extensive experience in K–12 education and instructional leadership, which has shaped my understanding of literacy development across diverse settings. My work centers on supporting diverse learners and ensuring equitable access to high-quality literacy instruction. I believe literacy is foundational to all learning, as it empowers individuals to think critically, communicate effectively, and fully engage in their communities. Both professionally and personally, I value literacy as a tool for opportunity, empowerment, and lifelong growth. This perspective drives my commitment to advancing literacy practices that support all students in becoming confident, capable readers and writers.”

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

The Virginia State Literacy Association is excited to partner with Rebecca Harper to offer its members a book club experience! We will discuss the book Write From the Beginning (Grades K-5) by Dr. Rebecca Harper.

The book club will meet virtually, on Tuesday evenings, over the course of the month of July. The dates are July 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2026 from 7-8 PM EDT.

If you are interested in participating in the book club and for more information, please fill out the form in the link below by June 23, 2026, so we can plan accordingly. We will email you with the login and details for the meetings. We look forward to a fun and exciting event with Dr. Rebecca Harper!

https://bit.ly/vsla-book-club

This week’s Board Member Monday introduction is our President-Elect and Conference Chair, Andrea R Crawford!

“With literacy for all as my passion, I am beyond excited to serve as your President-Elect and Conference Co-chair! I began my literacy journey as a young child who couldn't put a book down, especially during the summer, when reading the most books for the library program was my ultimate goal. Upon graduating from Longwood College (now University) in the late 1900s, I began my career as a classroom teacher in Bedford County, Virginia. During those years, a wise Reading Specialist in the school saw my passion for literacy and inspired me to pursue my Master's in Reading through the University of Virginia. After 14 years teaching third and fourth grade students, I transitioned into my dream job as a Reading Specialist. I have been teaching in the school where it all began for almost 30 years and plan to instill the love of reading in all students for many years to come!

As President-elect and Conference Chair, I will inspire a love of teaching literacy in many teachers across our great Commonwealth and beyond!”

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

Don’t forget, if you are also a member of ILA, you have access to this webinar and many others! VSLA is a proud affiliate of the International Literacy Association.

What happens when research is interpreted to develop policy on classroom practice? Is anything lost in translation? 📑

On June 25 at 5:00 p.m. ET, University of Wisconsin-Madison Vilas Professor Emeritus Mark Seidenberg and Vanderbilt University Professor Amanda P. Goodwin will lead a candid discussion about questions raised by the Science of Reading movement. Expect a spirited discussion that goes beyond surface-level debates to examine the complexities of connecting research and practice in real-world contexts.

📍Register today: https://buff.ly/jZc7pDm
📍Explore ILA's full library of digital events: https://buff.ly/FOR22VL

This summer we will be introducing members of our board weekly with our Board Member Monday posts. Let’s start out with this year’s President, Emma Washington!

“It is a privilege to serve as President of this incredible organization. After more than 25 years in education, my passion for literacy, lifelong learning, and supporting the success of both students and educators remains as strong as ever. I have always believed that effective literacy instruction is the key that opens doors to opportunity and achievement for every learner. Throughout my career, I have been committed to empowering educators with the knowledge and resources they need while helping students build the skills and confidence to thrive.

Whether through my current doctoral studies at Regent University or my previous work at Virginia Commonwealth University and Longwood University, my goal has remained the same: ensuring every learner has the support and opportunities needed to succeed.”

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

Announcing this year’s recipient of the Nancy King Leadership Award— Melissa McQuillan for her exemplary leadership of the VSLA Greater Washington chapter. This award was announced at our annual VSLA Spring Leadership Team Meeting on May 2nd and since Melissa couldn’t be with us in person, we’d like to thank Michele Picard for presenting the award this week.

This prestigious annual award recognizes a promising, up-and-coming leader who exemplifies the qualities of Nancy King—including a visionary approach, a deep passion for literacy, and a strong commitment to promoting and developing new leaders. During her exemplary tenure leading the GWC chapter, Melissa demonstrated these qualities through numerous initiatives:

- Fostering Leadership & Community: She consistently leads our monthly chapter meetings and actively promotes the mission of VSLA among the Greater Washington Chapter educators.

- Advocating for Teachers: She organized a community service book drive to directly support new teachers in our region.

- Expanding Access: She coordinated our GWC sponsorship, which enabled three members to attend the annual VSLA Conference, and led the creation of the chapter's "Hall of Chapters" video display.

- Collaborative Vision: She worked closely with our partners to organize a GWC Mini-Conference.

Melissa’s dedication has made a lasting impact on our professional community. We are incredibly proud of her leadership and dedication to literacy in Virginia and the Greater Washington area.

VSLA held their May Leadership Team Meeting in Richmond on May 2nd. After leading a successful year for the organization, Julie Gray (now Immediate Past President) officially passed the gavel over to our incoming President, Emma Washington. We also welcomed four new board members: Jonita Shabazz, Danielle Kreassig, Mary McGillvray, and Helen Bowman. Be on the lookout for some upcoming VSLA Board introductions. We are excited about what this next year has in store for literacy in Virginia!

Drum roll please… the votes are in and readers across the state have chosen this year‘s VRC winners! Check out these graphics for the overall winners and the top 3 in each category!