We facilitate deep connections & professional learning for ELA teachers.

Iowa Council of Teachers of English
We facilitate deep connections & professional learning for ELA teachers.

Iowa Council of Teachers of English
We facilitate deep connections & professional learning for ELA teachers.

Iowa Council of Teachers of English
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The Timelines of Three Teachers
The Timelines of Three Teachers

Danae Dieken, Teacher Writer
May 17, 2026

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External Processing
External Processing

Maureen Snook, Social Media Coordinator
April 30, 2026

Hey, do you have a minute? I have a question. What if I’m called up for jury duty? Can you tell me when Survivor comes back? How do I make that one dish? How do I darn a sock? Apparently my socks go to church more than I do. I have a question. What if I got a cat? Can I tell you about what happened at school? How do I change my windshield wipers? Is chamomile or lavender tea better? I...

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Romeo and Juliet: Why Priscilla Rocks It, and I, Not So Much

Tracy Tensen and Priscilla Gammon
April 20, 2026

  As a high school teacher who has taught all four grade levels,  I've had the chance to teach many-a-play. Of the bard's I've taught Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, King Lear--all AP Lit; and Julius Caesar and Midsummer during a stint as a sophomore teacher, BUT when I taught at Southeast Polk, and my own children were daycare age, I decided I needed a more manageable prep load, and was able to land a spot on a freshman teaming squad. Of course, just one prep, but, sure, freshmen six hours...

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Still Learning: Setting SMART Goals to Manage My Stress
Still Learning: Setting SMART Goals to Manage My Stress

Kara Heick, ICTE Treasurer
March 11, 2026

I recently saw a post on social media about how setting goals in January for the new year can be a tall order for some. It recommended checking in with yourself throughout the year or to set goals that are small and more manageable.  The winter months, as we all know, typically feel “blah”. It’s challenging to crawl out of our cozy space and go to work, do the dishes, make dinner…let alone...

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Haiku
Haiku

Katryn Dougherty, Teacher Writer
February 1, 2026

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I Wanted to Write a Poem
I Wanted to Write a Poem

Mykel Townsend, Teacher Writer
January 20, 2026

I wanted to write a poem. One about getting older & wiser. I wanted to write one about my wife and my kids and what life was like- for those of us climbing the hill of 30 years. I wanted to feel something that I hadn’t felt in a while. To show them… that they could too. I called and called, but Nobody answered. You know me. Pithy. Albatross. I got sad poems. I got angry poems. I...

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