NJCTE 2018 Fall Conference “Approaches to Writing”: Call for Papers

jchadwick
Keynote Speaker Dr. Jocelyn Chadwick

YOU ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL TO PRESENT!

Submit your proposal by May 15, 2018 at http://bit.ly/NJCTEFallConfProposal

On September 29, 2018, we will gather together at the Kenneth R. Olson Middle School in Tabernacle, NJ to focus on teaching writing, K-16.

We have developed several topics we hope our presenters and participants will explore together. Please feel free to submit a proposal for a presentation on a related topic. We welcome the contributions of all educators.

  1. Writing Identities
  2. Our Writing Lives
  3. Writing to Develop Student Voices
  4. Writing to Develop Teacher Voices
  5. Reading and Writing
  6. How We Use Literacy to Shape the Life We Want to Be
  7. How Writing Stories Helps Students Read Deeply & Critically
  8. Writing in Our Digital World
  9. Handling the Grading Load

NJCTE invites educators of all types (public, private, cyber, charter, elem. – univ., etc.) to submit session proposals to collegially share

1) successful and trusted approaches for the teaching of writing that have evolved from or been improved by collaboration among colleagues;

2) examples of literacy instruction meant to develop students’ abilities to read, write, and think critically while adhering to the Common Core/New Jersey Student Learning Standards;

3) ways teachers can reach out to and include leaders in our communities (public librarians, local historians, business people, etc.) in order to enrich our students’ literacy education; or

4) any related presentations on the teaching of writing.

BASIC CONFERENCE INFORMATION

New Jersey educators gather at the NJCTE conference to benefit from professional programs, panels, discussions, exhibits of books and materials, idea exchanges, guest speakers, and shared classroom experiences. Additionally, many opportunities exist for educators to participate as speakers, chairpersons, recorders, and to assist with conference preparation.

Educators at any level and at any phase of their career, including pre-service teachers, are encouraged to attend and/or present.

The conference is an affordable professional development opportunity. Conference registration includes a light breakfast and boxed lunch and an NJCTE membership.

ALL PRESENTERS WILL RECEIVE FREE CONFERENCE REGISTRATION AND A LIGHT BREAKFAST AND BOXED LUNCH AT NO ADDITIONAL COST.

As a presenter, you have the unique opportunity to influence a wide body of educators.
We expect that you will join us as an active member if you are selected to present.
Half-year memberships are available for the discounted rate of $15.

PLEASE NOTE In accordance with the policy of the National Council of Teachers of English, and as a non-profit educational organization, NJCTE is unable to reimburse participants for travel or lodging.

Questions? Contact:

Joe Pizzo: joseph.pizzo@chester-nj.org
Twitter: @ProfJPizzo

Denise Weintraut: NJCTEMembership@gmail.com
Twitter: @SmilingTeach

New Jersey Council of Teachers of English, the New Jersey state affiliate of NCTE, the National Council of Teachers of English

NJCTE 2018 Fall Conference “Approaches to Writing”: Call for Papers

Notes from the NCTE 2017 Annual Convention Business Meeting

This November, I had the honor to represent the New Jersey Council of Teachers of English at the National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention in St. Louis. One of my responsibilities was to attend the Annual Business Meeting, and I want to take this opportunity to share with NJCTE members some of what was discussed.

Chadwick addresses NCTE Business Meeting
NCTE President Jocelyn A. Chadwick addresses the Annual Business Meeting

NCTE President Jocelyn Chadwick, who presided over the meeting, informed the group that there will be three new committees focused on major work for the organization. The first will focus on teacher agency:  how do we talk to administrators, deans, the community; how do we tell our story? NCTE hopes this committee will create more tools to help teachers communicate more effectively with different stakeholders about the work that we do. The second committee will focus on convention planning, so that we can think about what works well and what can we do better. This committee will work with Executive Director Emily Kirkpatrick to continue improving our annual convention. Finally, the third committee will focus on policy and governance, with an emphasis on state and local needs and the ways in which the national organization can assist affiliates, who in turn can meet the needs of educators in our local communities.

NCTE Business Meeting Agenda

 

Next, NCTE Executive Director Emily Kirkpatrick reviewed highlights of the year, including the NCTE new vision statement. Kirkpatrick indicated that membership is stabilizing after more than 12 years of decline, but that, while expenses have been reduced, the organization is still relying on financial reserves to balance the budget. Kirkpatrick announced that the Folger Library has signed on as substantial sponsor and financial partner and that the organization intends to forge more connections with publishers to come.

Kirkpatrick also announced the overhaul of The Council Chronicle, which will have an expanded base of writers. The next issue will feature a new piece by Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give, who delivered a stirring and challenging keynote address to an audience of more than 400 at NCTE 2017.

Kirkpatrick closed her address with an emphasis on some of the many new initiatives including a new and improved advocacy day, the introduction of lead ambassadors (two members in every section) who have already held local events in five states, a renewed and digitally-focused National Day on Writing – #WhyIWrite, policy engagement, and the new NCTE website.

The next NCTE Annual Convention will be held Nov 15-18 in Houston centered around the theme: Raising student voice starts by raising yours. Convention locations to follow include 2019 – Baltimore; 2020 – Denver; and 2021 – Louisville, KY.

Finally, the Business Meeting concluded with discussion, editing, and final passage of three resolutions. The resolutions are as follows (although please see NCTE for official and final wording):

#1: Resolution on Support of Undocumented Students and Teachers

Resolved, that the National Council of Teachers of English call for the immediate renewal of the Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals program in support of the protection of all undocumented K-20 students and teachers, and endorse their rights to remain in the United States.

Be it further resolved that all students have the right to a high quality education, regardless of immigration status.

#2: Resolution on Professional Learning in the Teaching of Writing

Resolved, that the National Council of Teachers of English recommend ongoing, high quality professional learning in the teaching of writing for all teachers across all disciplines at each grade level, K-20.

Be it further resolved that NCTE actively encourage school districts, colleges, and universities in providing high quality professional learning to give teachers the necessary strategies and curricula to deliver effective writing instruction.

#3 Resolution on Amplifying the Voice of Literacy Leaders

Resolved, that the National Council of Teachers of English advocate for and support literacy teachers who embrace opportunities to amplify their voices and tell their stories.

Be it further resolved that NCTE urge literacy teachers to share their expertise with other education stakeholders and strive to wield more influence in shaping education policy and reform. As teachers and NCTE members we reaffirm an essential principle of our vision statement: “We must more precisely align this expertise to advance access, power, agency, affiliation, and impact for all learners” (NCTE Vision Statement, May 2017).

Written by Audrey Fisch, Board Member, NJCTE, Professor of English, New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ

Posted by Audrey Fisch, blog editor for NJCTE

New Jersey Council of Teachers of English, the New Jersey state affiliate of NCTE, the National Council of Teachers of English

Notes from the NCTE 2017 Annual Convention Business Meeting