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Dr. Kenneth Kunz is Elected the 2021 VP/2022 President of ILA

The New Jersey Literacy Association congratulates Dr. Kenneth Kunz for his July 2021 appointment to serve as Vice-President of the International Literacy Association. In July 2022, Dr. Kunz will assume leadership as ILA's President. To read more about the elected ILA leaders, check out the press release here.
Message from the NJLA President
Dear NJLA Community,

It is hard to believe that six years ago, NJ Literacy Association became officially recognized as the state leader of literacy under the International Literacy Association (ILA) name. I have had the privilege of serving as President of NJLA during this time in addition to the time ramping up our literacy advocacy prior to our "official" recognition. One thing is for sure: The future of possibilities ahead of us is endless, and NJLA is innovating to continue empowering teachers and literacy leaders.

As I proudly take on the role of Vice-President for ILA and transition the Co-Presidency to Maureen Hall and Nikki Mancini, I'm excited about the opportunity to remain on the Board of this amazing organization. In honor of our almost 8 years of continued growth and success, let me share with you my eight reasons for what makes the NJLA community of literacy changemakers amazing:

  1. NJ ranks #1 in having the best public schools in the nation!
  2. Diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives are always represented and valued on the NJLA Board.
  3. We celebrate our teachers and literacy heroes across the state.
  4. Our literacy events have been widely accessible to all since our debut "Teach at the Beach, " Unlock Learning, and virtual programs.
  5. NJLA is a trusted resource for school leaders looking to make decisions on behalf of their developing readers/writers.
  6. You are among a community of 10,000 lovers of reading and language arts.
  7. NJLA prioritizes JOY and initiatives that empower teachers and their students.
  8. NJLA is #literacystrong.

Our community is all-things New Jersey Literacy Association (NJLA), International Literacy Association (ILA), and West Jersey Reading Council (WJRC) combined. These networks are your resource for improving outcomes and access to literacy for all, and so I would encourage you to be an active part of these communities.

It has been an honor to serve as President of the New Jersey Literacy Association and I look forward to hearing from you as I proudly represent New Jersey at the ILA.

Fondly,

Dr. Ken Kunz
2020 Award Winners
NJLA will be recognizing the 2020 Literacy Hero and 2020 Literacy Teacher of the Year at an upcoming virtual event (stay tuned!).

2020 Literacy Hero- Dr. Allan De Fina (New Jersey City University)
2020 Literacy Teacher of the Year- Jennifer Binney (Perth Amboy Public Schools)

  • The Benefits of an Adult Book Club by Lindsay Bernero
  • MOVE Into Summer with Great Books by Rebecca Lancaster
  • Working with Recent Arrivals by Brian Benavides
  • Read Across Bridgeton: A Hometown Literacy Project by Barbara Wilchensky
Sophia's Book Stand

Did you know New Jersey is the home to some very young and influential literacy leaders? NJ Literacy Association is proud to partner with Sophia, a 7-year old in Westfield, NJ who personalizes book choices and sends care packages to kids who need books. To learn more about Sophia's Book Stand, click here.
NJ Literacy Association | Check Out Our Website!