Member Benefits

Whether you’re a new teacher or an experienced educator, an undergraduate student or an established researcher, IRA membership provides what you need to reach the pinnacle of your career.

Subscribe to the field’s leading journals
IRA journals are the first choice of literacy educators at all levels. Are you looking for research or tips for your classroom? Do you need the latest on hot topics or a deeper understanding of the essentials? IRA journals have something for you. Subscribe to any of our peer-reviewed publications, and you automatically become a member.

Build your professional library—at special savings
Nowhere else will you find such an array of books, brochures, and videos, all focused exclusively on literacy practice and research—and all available to members at a 20% discount. With the exclusive members-only IRA Book Club, books will come right to your door throughout your membership year. And if a full-length book is more than you need, you can purchase individual chapters (and journal articles) using your member discount.

Learn and share with colleagues
Outstanding professional development and networking opportunities are hallmarks of IRA meetings. At our conferences and conventions you’ll be welcomed into the global community of professionals who share your commitment to literacy. As a member, you receive substantial discounts on rates and can access early members-only registration periods for the annual convention.

Connect with literacy professionals in your area
Our network of local, state/provincial, and national councils and affiliates brings the International Reading Association to your doorstep.

Explore your career options
The online Career Center lists employment opportunities just for literacy educators.

Make a difference
Membership places you in an international network of professionals in the field of reading and education. You can participate in international development activities through donations, sponsored projects, or volunteerism. You can also join our advocacy efforts and help influence education policy.

Access a library of lesson plans from your computer desktop
ReadWriteThink, a partnership with the National Council of Teachers of English and the Verizon Foundation, provides peer-reviewed lesson plans on dozens of topics.

Explore your special interests
Do you have a special literacy interest? Choose from 40 special interest groups in which to explore various issues with professionals who share your concerns.

Access our grants and awards
IRA provides financial support for many different areas of research and honors each year’s best accomplishments with more than a dozen special awards and grants.

Guide our present, shape our future
Our Board of Directors and committee structure offer leadership opportunities. Committee involvement also offers the chance to provide direction to IRA’s executive officers. The Association is your organization, so you decide who will lead our professional network and what course we will follow. Voting is a privilege of membership.

Receive insurance benefits
For those living in the United States, the Association sponsors affordable insurance plans designed particularly for educators. For details about the features of these plans, visit the website of our insurance administrator, Forrest T. Jones & Company. Plans available include major medical coverage, offered through Assurant Health.

Special membership options
Memberships are available at discounted rates for students, emeritus members, and spouses/partners of IRA members, and for educators living in countries with developing economies.