Since 1961, ACRA has been working to increase children’s literacy in Alameda County, California, as the local affiliate of the California Reading Association and The International Literacy Association.
Our volunteer board, comprised of active and retired teachers, principals, and school/district leaders, meets throughout the year to plan and coordinate events and activities that support literacy by supporting educators, students, and parents. Recent highlights of our offerings to the Alameda County community have included: professional development and teacher networking opportunities with the option to earn post-baccalaureate units through the University of the Pacific, mini-grants and/or awards and honors for local teachers and community literacy initiatives, and parent workshops for helping families continue literacy development at home.
We would love for you to join us once at an event, support us for a year as an annual member, or lend your passion and knowledge to our leadership board as a board member (units available). Come check us out at one of our events, or contact us here through our website.
Our 2024-25 Board of Directors
Past President Cathy Day
President Kathy Langham
President Elect
Secretary Mary Small
Treasurer Cheri Benafield
Membership Sybil Hoffman
Members at Large: Lynn Gurnee, Melissa West, Michele McKinley, Tawnya Shaw, Nancy Panzica, Bee Medders, Jeannette Alday, Wendy Rodrigues-Fu
What participants are saying
“I was very inspired to continue to find creative ways to engage students in learning phonics. I enjoyed collaborating with the individuals in the book club and also learning about the importance of teaching kids to read. Great group!
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“I really enjoyed diving deeper into the book and working on an inquiry cycle with colleagues from my school site. I love how the book club is teacher driven and we are able to make our projects meaningful for our teacher and our students. Keep doing what you are doing ACRA! ... I know there has to be a lot of teachers in Alameda Co that need units and your programs have been the most stress free and yet extremely valuable to my teaching that I have completed.”