Summer isn’t over, but dozens of educators from across Iowa gathered to share their knowledge at EngCamp, a conference planned by the attendees based on their interests and needs surrounding the topic of English language education. Meeting at Central Rivers Area Education Agency on Aug. 5, the group held 16 different session options in four blocks of time.
Breakout sessions included topics such as books we love, assessment, artificial intelligence, teaching grammar, the writing process, class book clubs, and how to get students to value their work.
Organizers of the event were Kara Betts: West Branch MS/HS, ICTE Events Coordinator; Erika Bass: Assistant Professor of English Education, EngCamp Planning Member; Sheila Benson, Assistant Professor of English Education, EngCamp Planning Member; Kirstey Ewald: Educational Services Consultant at Central Rivers AEA, ICTE Executive Director, Colleen Flathers: DeWitt HS, ICTE Recognition Coordinator; Stacy Haynes-Moore: Assistant Professor Coe College, ICTE National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Liaison; Heidi Rottink: Don Bosco HS, EngCamp Planning Member.
At the end of a day of learning, reminders were given of upcoming ICTE gatherings and opportunities to contribute:
Deneen Nelson is hosting an online book club to discuss our fall conference keynote speaker’s book on Aug. 15 at 4 p.m. The book is Flash Feedback: Responding to Student Writing Better and Faster – Without Burning Out, by Matthew Johnson. Register for the book club HERE to receive a zoom link or email [email protected].
Sheila Benson invited us to join the Assembly of Literature for Adolescents for support in using young adult literature in the classroom. The ALAN 2024 Workshop is on Monday, Nov. 25 and Tuesday, Nov. 26, in Boston at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
Stacy Haynes-Moore invited us to get more informed about our “mothership,” National Council of Teachers of English by checking out these links:
Colleen Flathers reminded us to nominate excellent educators for awards given at the ICTE Fall Conference. Click on the links for the descriptions of the awards and nomination forms:
- Barb Schubert Award
- Middle School Teacher of Excellence
- High School Teacher of Excellence
- Friend of Literacy Award
- Distinguished Service Award
ICTE President Nikki Smith invited us to apply to be ICTE board members. People interested can apply or inquire by emailing [email protected]. Open positions are
- Treasurer
- Publications Coordinator
- Conference Committee Co-Chair
- Elementary Liaison
- Professional Organizations Liaison
Finally, ICTE invites you to join us for the 2024 ICTE Fall Conference – Refocus and Revive: Finding Joy in the Journey — held October 10-11, at Stoney Creek Inn Hotel & Conference Center, 5291 Stoney Creek Court, Johnston, IA. Links to register for the conference or to apply to submit a session proposal and more are here.
