Block joins prestigious board
By Robyn Kriel
Staff Reporter

Professor of education Cathy Collins Block said she was pleasantly surprised when she was voted to join the board of directors for the International Reading Association.

Block is one of three people worldwide chosen to be part of the professional membership organization dedicated to promoting high levels of literacy and has members in 99 countries.

The IRA, which is based in Delaware, has more than 100,000 members.

Block, a professor in the department of curriculum and instruction, teaches both graduate and undergraduate courses. She has authored, edited or co-edited 29 books and written more than 90 research articles, which have been published in professional journals.

“Most people have to be nominated two or three times before they are voted in, and this was my first nomination,” Block said.

Block said her leadership capabilities, her contribution to the field of education and the amount of books she has written were probably influential factors in the IRA’s voters’ decision. She will serve on the board until 2005.

Samuel Deitz, dean of the School of Education, said Block is an internationally known scholar and an expert on reading.

“Her appointment to the IRA acknowledges her reputation and reflects well on the School of Education at TCU,” he said.

Deitz said Block has brought national attention to the School of Education through her efforts.

Nancy Meadows, a professor of education, said Block has worked a long time in the field and is deserving of a leadership position in a national organization.

“Cathy puts a strong focus on professional development,” Meadows said.

Block said during her term, she is expected to work with the government and the United States Department of Education. She and the other board members will get to meet for an education conference with President Bush in February.

Block said another area of her responsibility is to train teachers in some of the newest areas of educational research.

“I have to give 21 keynote addresses at professional teaching conventions,” Block said. “I am also expected to develop new educational policy statements if they are published.”

Block said her favorite part of being on the board is helping teachers. She said one of the recent policies she is working on has to do with teachers taking courses, which will enable them to decide whether a child should be assigned to a special education classroom.

“I have conducted 15 keynote addresses so far, and I enjoy seeing the love that those teachers have for children,” she said. “It is great being able to contribute to their love.”

Block said her advice for prospective teachers, or any professionals, would be to have integrity.

“When I say something, I make sure it is the truth,” she said. “I have earned a good reputation because people can depend on what I write and what I say.”