History
The International Reading Association (IRA) began its work January 1, 1956, with William S. Gray as its first president. The first IRA conference was held in Chicago during May 1956, with the theme Better Readers for Our Times. More than 2000 people registered, including Winnifred Thompson of Winnipeg. So enthused was she by the promise and prospect of support and professional development for reading instruction that might be gained through having a local Council, she lost no time in exploring ways to begin one in Winnipeg. Immediately upon her return, she gained the support of Mr. A. D. Thompson, Superintendent of the Winnipeg School District.
Fifty-five people assembled at the first official meeting on November 22, 1956. Nan Murphy, chair of the Winnipeg School Board, brought greetings and support. Miriam Norton of the Provincial Normal School chaired the meeting and outlined the advantages of affiliation with IRA. A panel of five speakers outlined the reasons that supported the formation of a local council. Those speakers were Doris Baker, Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba, who related the interest of teacher-trainers; Murray Smith, who addressed the concerns of a junior high school teachers; Naomi Hersom, who listed ways a council could be helpful to her as an elementary school teacher; R. F. Thompson, Superintendent of Schools for St. James School District, who presented some administrative concerns regarding reading instruction; and Grace Walby of the Child Guidance Clinic, who suggested projects that might be undertaken in the field of reading. The discussion that followed stressed what was needed was practical help for reading problems.
Victor Dotten moved and Dr. I. G. Arnason seconded: “That a local council of the International Reading Association be formed in Greater Winnipeg," which was carried. The first Board of Directors was led by Miriam Norton as President, Grace Walby as Secretary, Victor Dotten as Publicity, Doris Baker as Program, Jack Patterson as Treasurer, Mrs. Harper as Primary Rep., Ross Donald as Elementary Rep., and Donna Campbell as Junior High Rep. The membership fee was 50 cents.
The executive agreed to name the organization The Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg and, thus, RCGW was born.
Victor Dotten moved and Dr. I. G. Arnason seconded: “That a local council of the International Reading Association be formed in Greater Winnipeg," which was carried. The first Board of Directors was led by Miriam Norton as President, Grace Walby as Secretary, Victor Dotten as Publicity, Doris Baker as Program, Jack Patterson as Treasurer, Mrs. Harper as Primary Rep., Ross Donald as Elementary Rep., and Donna Campbell as Junior High Rep. The membership fee was 50 cents.
The executive agreed to name the organization The Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg and, thus, RCGW was born.
Past Presidents
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