In 1965, Federal Reading Labs were instituted in Orange County, Florida. Teachers assigned to those labs determined a need for networking and professional assistance in providing the best possible instruction for students enrolled in the program. Ten of those educators became charter members of the Orange County Reading Council in affilication with the International Reading Association (IRA) on November 9th, 1966.

Since that time, members have served in leadership roles: president to the state association; IRA coordinator; board member of the IRA; president of the IRA Secondary Reading Interest Group. Additionally, we regularly are asked to present at local and national conferences.