Gallery • 15 Photos

EngCamp 2021 was held at the Central Rivers AEA in Cedar Falls Aug. 2 with 45 educators in attendance. The planning team for the event were ICTE executive board members Kirstey Ewald, Colleen Flathers, Haley Moehlis, Lauren Stephens, and Melanie Wirtz.

Moehlis, president of ICTE, kicked off the activities with the poem “Prof of Profs” by Geoffrey Brock. Discussion after the poem included what inspires us as teachers and what crazy, unexpected events happen in our own classrooms.

The purpose of EngCamp “is to create an opportunity for ELA educators across the state of Iowa to connect with each other before the school year begins,” said Ewald at the event. She hoped the day would rejuvenate teachers’ spirits through building relationships, sharing learning and expertise, and reflecting on instructional practices.

“The event’s greatest success for me was the connection and enthusiasm and sheer expertise in each session,” Moehlis said. “It can feel so daunting to begin a school year, but getting together with such dynamic teachers and their rich ideas is just what I needed.” Moehlis appreciated learning together in a shared space after a year apart.

The schedule for the day and notes from each session were captured by participants on a Google Slides document. Click on the link to access the slideshow. Session topics included subjects such as teaching reading and writing, student relationships, engagement, and assessment.

The next events offered from ICTE are the online book club on Aug. 11 and the Fall Conference in Johnston Oct. 14-15. Links are posted below.