Welcome

We are the Howard County Literacy Association (HCLA), an affiliate of the State of Maryland Literacy Association (SoMLA). We have been changing literacy in Howard County since 1961.

Mission

The mission of the Howard County Literacy Association (HCLA) is to improve the level of literacy in Howard County.  We promote quality literacy instruction by: supporting the mission of the International Literacy Association, disseminating best literacy practices to educators and parents, advocating for literacy issues through legislation and collaborating with educational institutions, professional organizations and businesses.

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 Join HCLA
Membership in the Howard County Literacy Association offers persons interested in literacy an opportunity to participate in a local organization dedicated to the promotion of lifelong reading and effective literacy instruction.We would love to have you be a part of this great way to serve the community and grow professionally! 
  • Promoting Literacy Our outreach programs promote literacy in Howard County and overseas. HCLA donates books for use in local barbershops, laundromats, and in a Ugandan school. 
  • Inspiring Literacy The Young Authors' Contest is our biggest program offering students in Howard County an opportunity to compete in two writing contests. Adult writers are invited to participate in a writers guild called Teachers as Writers. In addition, we also have a book club called Teachers as Readers.
  • Providing Professional Development HCLA invites experts in the field of literacy to speak in person or via Zoom conference to help members 
​Membership is active for one year. Membership runs on an annual basis during the SoMLA fiscal year of July 1 through June 30. Registration is available online through the State of Maryland Literacy Association's website.  If you prefer to write a check, please contact Jen Davis at  [email protected].

NEW FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR! The International Literacy Association is offering HCLA/SoMLA members a FREE one-year ILA membership.  This offer is only valid through December 31, 2025 so join HCLA/SoMLA to receive information on how to claim this offer!

A chapter is only as strong as its members! ​Join today to be an important part of all this!

REGULAR MEMBERSHIP: $30.00
RETIREES, UNDERGRAD STUDENTS, PARAEDUCATORS, & PARENTS:  $15.00

Jen Davis will send you a membership certificate within 4 weeks of joining. Please contact Jennifer Davis  [email protected] with any questions or to confirm.  
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Join ILA
International Literacy Association (ILA) membership means getting the resources and connections you need to take action.
Hit the ground running with these ready-to-use resources:
  • Literacy Today: Digital magazine for members that reports on the latest trends in literacy and provides easy-to-implement classroom strategies for reaching diverse learners
  • ILA at Home: A series of hourlong webinars, free to members, presented by leading voices in literacy
  • ILA Bridges: Complete, standards-based units created by classroom teacher and researcher teams
  • ILA E-ssentials: Practical, evidence-based teaching tips from top experts in quick-read articles
  • Save on subscriptions to ILA journals: Widely recognized, research-based publications with cutting-edge, classroom-tested literacy teaching strategies
    • Journals are available in print and online or online-only formats. You can also choose Access ILA (a discounted journal subscription option available to all members) to receive online subscriptions to all three journals, plus online access to the Reading Research Quarterly Library, at one discounted rate per year.
  • Reduced rates on ILA annual and regional conference registration
  • Discounts on professional books from leading publishers
  • Access to group discounts on member insurance programs
Members can take additional actions to advance literacy:
  • Get involved with ILA and make your voice heard in the literacy conversation.
  • Collaborate with colleagues and make connections by volunteering with your local chapter network.


​Meet the HCLA Officers
2025-2026

Board of Directors
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Autumn Smith Chair
Picture​Jen Davis Membership








 
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Kelly Davis ​Immediate Past Chair

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Sandy Keaton ​Immediate Past Vice-Chair
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Monica Gillam Treasurer
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