HistorySingle Nonprofit Organization In 2019 VSLA transitioned to a single corporate entity, which embraced its chapters under the single corporations, sharing a name and ultimately sharing a logo. You will see references to Virginia State Reading Association or VSLA, which is now known as Virginia State Literacy Association or VSLA. Background At a meeting of past presidents in March 2018, Charles Richards, Past President asked if anyone would help to compile the history of VSLA / VSLA. Judy Dierker, Sherry Sanders, and Vickie Oakley volunteered. The team reviewed VSLA information sent to the Library of Virginia and materials saved by Linda Bland and Ann Perdue. It was determined that for each year Officers, Board of Directors (Local Chapter Presidents), Yearly Highlights and the Annual Conference focusing on keynote speakers, conference information and awards would be listed. When listing Boards of Directors (and local chapter presidents), the school district, local chapter or home location was used depending on the year. Since its inception VSLA has been involved in promoting literacy throughout the State of Virginia. VSLA is proud of our accomplishments as we collaborate with our members and educational advocates to strengthen literacy for all students, parents, and educators in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Founding of VSLA The Virginia State Literacy Association (VSLA) was formally founded as Virginia State Reading Association and organized on March 23, 1968, at the John Marshall Hotel, in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. John Fanning of Arlington County Schools was the organization’s Organizational Chairman for the International Reading Association and chaired the Steering Committee. 
The mission of Virginia State Literacy Association, as an authority on literacy education, is to lead in the advancement of literacy across the Commonwealth.
VSLA Early Highlights
Virginia Readers’ Choice (previously known as Virginia Young Readers) – To encourage young readers to become better acquainted with contemporary books with outstanding literary appeal, to broaden students’ awareness of literature as a life-long pleasure, to encourage reading aloud in classrooms as a means of introducing reading for pleasure, and to honor favorite books and their authors. Awards were given at one level for several years beginning with the 1981-82 school year. The first school year for multiple level awards was 1986-87 with awards for one Elementary book, one Middle School book, and one High School book. Legislative Liaison - Troilen Seward serves as legislative advocate for VSLA. In 2011-2012, VSLA developed the brochure Reading Specialists in Virginia Schools, and it was approved by the Virginia Legislative Body. The educational journal, Reading in Virginia is published yearly.
Partnership with other Professional Organizations:
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For more information about the History of VSLA,
download the file VSLA Branded History