Save the Date!

Note of Appreciation

Thank You, Ann & Mary Jo!

CCIRA extends its heartfelt gratitude to Anne Cook and Mary Jo Ziegman for their continued dedication and service to our organization. As former presidents and conference chairs, Anne and Mary Jo have remained deeply committed to CCIRA even after their retirement from education. In the years following the pandemic, their leadership, knowledge, and steady support helped our organization stay the course and successfully re-engage exhibitors at our annual conference. For the past three years, they have led the exhibits with care and expertise, ensuring a positive and meaningful experience for all involved. Their ongoing commitment is a true testament to their passion for CCIRA and the literacy community. We are wishing them all the best on their next adventures!

Celebrations

Fannie Stabenow Award

Anne Cook presenting Shareen with the Fannie Stabenow Award.

Shareen Cartwright

The Fannie Stabenow Award honors an educator or individual dedicated to advancing CCIRA’s mission of providing high-quality professional development to support student learning. This year’s recipient, Shareen Cartwright, exemplifies that commitment through her countless hours of service at both the council level and as a key member of the conference team. Known for her exceptional organization and tireless work ethic, Shareen plays an essential behind-the-scenes role in ensuring the success of CCIRA events. As one colleague shared, “Shareen is a big reason that CCIRA has had successful conferences.” Another noted, “Frequently, when something needs to be done, it’s Shareen who’s there to help—whether it’s lending a hand at registration, guiding a speaker, or supporting a meeting.” Her dedication and quiet leadership make her truly deserving of this recognition.

CCIRA Futures Award

in Honor of Past Presidents

CCIRA President, Michele Warner, presenting Bekah with the Futures Award.

Bekah Herget

The CCIRA Futures Award recognizes an outstanding reading teacher in their first five years of teaching, honoring the legacy and dedication of CCIRA’s past presidents. This year, we are proud to celebrate Bekah Herget as the recipient of this award. Early in her career, Bekah has already demonstrated exceptional commitment to literacy instruction and a passion for supporting student growth. Her work reflects the promise of the future of our profession and the enduring impact of strong, dedicated educators. Congratulations Bekah!

Become a CCIRA Ambassador

CCIRA Ambassadors are passionate, lifelong learners who bring our mission and vision to life. We’re looking for classroom teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators who are eager to connect, inspire, and support literacy education.

By volunteering just six hours of your time, you’ll receive free registration to the 2026 conference as a thank-you for your service. Join us in advancing literacy through research-based instructional practices and helping ensure every learner has access to the power of reading and writing.

Visit CCIRA.org to sign up today and make a difference in literacy education!

CCIRA Professional Development Blog

All Things Literacy

The CCIRA blog features a wide variety of nationally renowned literacy experts, as well as talented practitioners from across Colorado. Check out the posts on https://ccira.blog/  

📢New Blog Alert!!📢

Read our newest blog posts, Teaching Students What To Do Instead of Asking the Chatbot, by Sarah Zerwin, School Morning 2026, by Louise Borden, and Writing Ideas: Keeping it Real by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater. You can also read The Weight We Carry, the Hope We Hold: Building Resilience and Renewal by Ashlee Saddler, and Purposeful Read-Alouds to Build Comprehension by Katie Kelly.

We were excited to have these amazing authors and educators presenting at the 2026 CCIRA Conference!

Additional posts by previous and upcoming speakers include:

• We Are Teaching Writers by Jen Vincent
• Ice Cream, Penguins, and Other Thoughts on the Growth Mindset by Cara Mentze
• Digging Deeper with Sentence Level Instruction: Teaching the Reading and Writing Connection by Amy Buckner Haisten
• Respond to the Creativity Crisis by Teaching Fantasy Writing by Carl Anderson
• Boost Student Comprehension Through Intentional Movement by Gravity Goldberg
• True Student Voice: Helping students be better speakers by Erik Palmer

Please also take time to read this poignant tribute to an amazing educator and fierce advocate for teachers: In Honor of Karen Hartman

If you are interested in submitting a guest post to the CCIRA blog, please contact Hollyanna Bates. hollyannabates@gmail.com

Did you know that CCIRA does more than just host an excellent conference? We provide funding for literacy initiatives around the state! Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities!

Make a Difference in Literacy Education - Volunteer With CCIRA!

CCIRA is always looking for passionate volunteers to help support literacy education in meaningful ways! There are many opportunities to get involved, including:

📌 Executive Committee & Board of Directors – Help shape the future of CCIRA through leadership roles.

📌 Annual Conference – Assist in running one of the most impactful literacy conferences in the country.

📌 Local Councils – Engage with your community to promote literacy initiatives.

📌 Ambassador Program – From outreach to event coordination, there’s a place for everyone!

Volunteering with CCIRA is a fantastic way to connect with fellow educators, develop leadership skills, and contribute to a cause that transforms lives through literacy.

Interested? Contact CCIRA President, Michele Warner, today!

CCIRA is looking for a treasurer!

We are looking for someone to fill the role of treasurer within our organization. The ideal candidate will be team-oriented and comfortable working with budgets and QuickBooks. Assistance is provided to our treasurer by a highly qualified bookkeeper when needed. Please contact CCIRA President, Michele Warner, for more information.

CCIRA is a non-profit organization that works to empower literacy educators. As a non-profit organization, we appreciate support in a variety of ways:

• Donate
• Support a Conference Scholarship Opportunity
• Leverage fundraising programs to earn CCIRA money
• Volunteer with CCIRA

Raise Funds for CCIRA!

CCIRA Partners in Empowering Literacy Educators

TOP REASONS TO PARTNER WITH CCIRA

• Over 600 conference attendees will learn about your partnership with CCIRA.
• Our educator community will see your support on our webpage.
• Visitors to the CCIRA website will learn about your organization and its events.
• Our combined support of literacy will impact students across our state and neighboring states.

CCIRA collaboratively encourages, supports, and advances literacy through research-based instructional practices to increase literacy access to all.

All people will be empowered to critically engage in our changing world by developing and utilizing literacy skills throughout life.

CCIRA.inc. | ccirainfo@gmail.com | ccira.org