Dual Convention Kick Off
Today marked the start of the twin conventions (NWP and NCTE) with their concurrent opening sessions. In a way that demonstrates how these two organizations have a healthy partnership, the NCTE opening was held from 8:00 to 9:15, and NWP from 10:00 to 12:00. It was entirely possible to attend both sessions. Even though they were held at different locations within the city, the distance was certainly walkable. I would strongly recommend attending both opening sessions for anyone planning to attend the conventions next year in Nashville, TN.
To begin, NCTE honored WQED, Pittsburgh Public TV, for their work to promote television programming of educational and cultural value. Did you know that WQED was the birthplace of Mr. Rogers’s Neighborhood, and that it was one of the first few Public TV stations in this nation? The CEO of WQED accepted the award graciously. He explained that Emmy awards were all in all good, but how special it was for NCTE to recognize their efforts to provide educational programming.
Frank McCourt, NYC teacher of many years and author of Angela’s Ashes, provided the keynote address. He took up the soapbox and spoke about how teaching is misrepresented by media and politics, namely No Child Left Behind. His comments were sincere, to the point, and entirely entertaining to a roomful of English teachers. McCourt also spoke about his career as a teacher. In an anecdote, he related how he used student’s forged “parent-excuse-letters” (a new writing genre dubbed by McCourt) to motivate his students to write. His speech galvanized a philosophy on the pedagogy of writing held by the room at large- understand the needs and interests of the student, and teach to that. He completed his address by reading two excerpts from his new book, Teacher Man.
The NWP convention recognized the contributions of the founding member, Jim Gray (1927 – 2005) as memorial for his recent passing. It is simply amazing how the work of one single person planted the seed to this thriving organization. The rest of the session took an in-depth into the infrastructure and accomplishments of the NWP organization at large. It is refreshing to view the positive impact of the NWP at the national level despite media claims that teachers are failing education. Remember, we are not the problem, we are the solution! After all, teachers are the best teachers of teachers and writing teachers should write.
At some time this weekend, I’ll hit a certain level of frustration, not from the workshops themselves, but from the desire to grow. Looking at all these new ideas, and realizing how much work I will need to invest to make these ideas take off, and how I want to become a better teacher. The power of these opening sessions inspires me to roll up my sleeves, and dive right in This is busy work, but it is meaningful, and the results are rewarding. There is no better time then the here an now; I plan to incorporate many of these new ideas as soon as I return back to my classroom. This weekend has renewed my vigor for teacher growth!
To begin, NCTE honored WQED, Pittsburgh Public TV, for their work to promote television programming of educational and cultural value. Did you know that WQED was the birthplace of Mr. Rogers’s Neighborhood, and that it was one of the first few Public TV stations in this nation? The CEO of WQED accepted the award graciously. He explained that Emmy awards were all in all good, but how special it was for NCTE to recognize their efforts to provide educational programming.
Frank McCourt, NYC teacher of many years and author of Angela’s Ashes, provided the keynote address. He took up the soapbox and spoke about how teaching is misrepresented by media and politics, namely No Child Left Behind. His comments were sincere, to the point, and entirely entertaining to a roomful of English teachers. McCourt also spoke about his career as a teacher. In an anecdote, he related how he used student’s forged “parent-excuse-letters” (a new writing genre dubbed by McCourt) to motivate his students to write. His speech galvanized a philosophy on the pedagogy of writing held by the room at large- understand the needs and interests of the student, and teach to that. He completed his address by reading two excerpts from his new book, Teacher Man.
The NWP convention recognized the contributions of the founding member, Jim Gray (1927 – 2005) as memorial for his recent passing. It is simply amazing how the work of one single person planted the seed to this thriving organization. The rest of the session took an in-depth into the infrastructure and accomplishments of the NWP organization at large. It is refreshing to view the positive impact of the NWP at the national level despite media claims that teachers are failing education. Remember, we are not the problem, we are the solution! After all, teachers are the best teachers of teachers and writing teachers should write.
At some time this weekend, I’ll hit a certain level of frustration, not from the workshops themselves, but from the desire to grow. Looking at all these new ideas, and realizing how much work I will need to invest to make these ideas take off, and how I want to become a better teacher. The power of these opening sessions inspires me to roll up my sleeves, and dive right in This is busy work, but it is meaningful, and the results are rewarding. There is no better time then the here an now; I plan to incorporate many of these new ideas as soon as I return back to my classroom. This weekend has renewed my vigor for teacher growth!
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