by Dr. Chris Drew
Assistant Professor and English Teaching Program Supervisor, Indiana State University

As the supervisor of our English Teaching program here at Indiana State University, I’ve watched the restoration of the Indiana Council of Teachers of English closely, knowing that it would be an invaluable resource for the preservice teachers in our program. The first I heard of ICTE’s latest iteration came at the 2017 NCTE Conference. I received an email prior to the conference asking if I’d be interested in attending an informal get-together offsite with stakeholders interested in reorganizing and relaunching ICTE. Of course, I was interested, and I still remember how much positive energy filled the room that night as we snacked on appetizers and discussed next steps, one of which was an annual conference.

Shortly thereafter, I received news that the first ICTE conference would be held in Indianapolis in March 2019. Needless to say, my first action after receiving this news was to share it with my preservice teachers.

After the conference, I asked the students who attended to share their responses to a short survey about the conference. I received responses back from several of ISU’s preservice English teachers: 

Question 1: What were your expectations for your first ICTE conference? Did it meet those expectations? Exceed them?

Alisha VanArsdale: My expectations for my first ICTE conference were exposure to new pedagogies, technologies, and approaches to instruction. The sessions I attended taught me these things and more. I saw a passion and love for education that was authentic and powerful. The vitality and enthusiasm of the ICTE speakers was tangible, creating messages that resonated with me and exceeded expectations. 

Question 2: What most surprised you about the conference?

Codi Quick: What surprised me the most was the diversity of people who attended the conference. There were teachers who have been teaching for thirty-plus years, teachers who have only been teaching for two years, and undergrads likes me. I loved the opportunity of getting to know so many different people who all have the same passion for teaching and English that I do.

Question 3: Describe one specific panel or presentation you sat in on that you really enjoyed. What did you enjoy/find useful about it?

Julie Schubert: I really enjoyed Leigh Anne Eck's presentation on book clubs in the classroom. Her presentation was more conversational, and she provided really direct uses in the classrooms. She also addressed practical problems teachers may face and how she would tackle them. It was really inspiring, and I can't wait to try such approaches in my own classroom.

Bianca Sloan: I personally really enjoyed two sessions: “Energized by Empathy: Using Theater Education to Create an Empathetic Classroom Culture and Bridging Gaps” and “Podcasting: Creating and Writing in the Classroom.” Both presentations related to my interests and explained how to incorporate these topics to teach specific concepts such as writing a research paper or understanding vocab.

Like my students, I was quite impressed by the inaugural conference of the rejuvenated ICTE. I look forward to bringing more of my English Teaching students to future conferences. 

To read Dr. Drew's full article, visit the ICTE website. 

Stop by to connect with the ICTE Executive Committee and other Indiana English teachers for a fun, informal meet-up at the Pratt Street Ale House, located across the street from the Baltimore Convention Center. Enjoy a drink and some snacks on us while you share your ideas for the ICTE and hear about what is happening with the affiliate! Let us know that you plan to join us at the Pratt Street Ale House by clicking the button below. 

What practice has been the most joyful for your teaching? What classroom activities spark joy in your students? What keeps you joyful and excited about teaching or about being a literacy educator? Consider drafting a conference proposal that showcases your favorite resource, practice, or curricula to support other teachers in making literacy learning a joyful experience for students.

As you draft your proposal, please choose one of the following formats:

• Panel Presentation: 50-minute session featuring two or more speakers who will engage the audience around a common theme or question, leaving at least 10 minutes for audience questions and responses.

• Workshop: 50-minute interactive session led by one or more speakers who will engage attendees in activities around a central topic, question, or theme.

• Individual Presentation: 20-minute presentation led by one speaker; individual presentations will be paired by level, topic, or theme to make up one 50-minute session.