In an era where artificial intelligence generates articles, false images and videos blur the lines of reality, and social media spreads misinformation at lightning speed, the role of English teachers has never been more critical.
How do we equip students with the tools and strategies to discern fact from fiction? How do we prepare them for a future where digital literacy is as essential as reading and writing? How can we use technology as a tool to help us and our students prepare for an increasingly digital future?
These are the questions at the heart of ICTE’s 2025 Fall Conference, “Fact, Fiction, & the Future: Teaching Truth in a Digital World.”
Where: Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center in Johnston, Iowa (Room Block Code: 2510english)
When: October 16-17, 2025
Why: To help provide you with resources, materials, and connections to help prepare students for an increasingly digital future.
Thursday Keynote:
On Thursday, we will learn with Dr. Pauline Schmidt, an English professor at West Chester University. Her book, Reimagining Literacies in the Digital Age: Multimodal Strategies to Teach with Technology, provides practical strategies to help teachers utilize technology in meaningful ways. Traditionally, literacy focused on reading, writing, listening, and speaking. To navigate the current, multimodal world, our students need us to expand our definition of literacy to include viewing, designing, and creating multimodal texts. From infographics to memes, audiobooks to podcasts, Schmidt’s keynote will give teachers the confidence to incorporate digital technologies in their classrooms to help students build engagement and support their learning.
Friday Keynote:
Then, on Friday, join us to learn alongside Dr. Jeffrey Wilhelm about his book, Fighting Fake News: Teaching Students to Identify and Interrogate Information Pollution. With over fifteen years of classroom experience in schools, and another 28 years as a co-teacher and thinking partner in schools in his role as the Director of the Boise State Writing Project and its Teacher Leadership Program, Wilhelm makes a case for 1) teaching students to understand their own minds and biases, and 2) teaching critical reading to help students strengthen their critical thinking skills and distinguish between real and fabricated narratives. His sessions will provide resources and tools to help our students (and ourselves) become more critical consumers of digital information and more responsible citizens of the future.
As we look to the summer, please consider ways you can share your knowledge and passion with our ICTE community. You can participate in our summer book studies, submit a breakout proposal, and register for the fall conference. You can also apply to be a member of the ICTE Board or nominate a teacher for an award!
English teachers have always been at the forefront of shaping critical thinkers and effective communicators. Now, we must also be digital navigators, guiding students through a world where truth and fiction are increasingly intertwined.
Join us at our 2025 ICTE Fall Conference as we explore how to teach truth in a digital world—because the future depends on it.
