The International Reading Association (IRA) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting literacy and reading education worldwide. Founded in 1956, it provides resources, research, and support for educators, researchers, and policymakers to improve reading instruction and literacy practices. The IRA also hosts conferences and publishes various materials to share best practices in teaching reading. The organization emphasizes the importance of reading for personal and academic success. It advocates for effective reading programs and policies, aiming to ensure that all individuals have access to quality literacy education. Through its initiatives, the IRA seeks to foster a love of reading and improve literacy rates globally.