The International Literacy Association (ILA) is dedicated to connecting research and practice to improve the quality of literacy learning across the globe. ILA celebrates and supports the contributions of individuals and chapters within its network towards this mission.
The ILA offers various Literacy Leadership Awards and Grants targeting a wide audience, including outstanding graduate and doctoral students, literacy educators, and researchers at all stages of their careers. Specifically, the Timothy & Cynthia Shanahan Outstanding Dissertation Award is designated for an exceptional doctoral student whose research in the reading field or related areas holds implications for reading. This award, determined through a blind review process, evaluates submissions based on the significance of the research question, theoretical framework, rationale, methodology appropriateness, and the implications for practice and research, ensuring the recipient's work meets high standards of academic excellence.