As IATE members embrace new technologies in their classrooms, our organization has entered into Web 2.0. Join us on Facebook and participate in discussions, find colleagues, and collaborate online. We'll also send periodic updates about the organization's advocacyissues, conferences, seminars, and district events. It's easy---just go to Facebook, search for Illinois Association of Teachers of English and click on "Become a Fan." We'll see you online!
Deborah Will, MC Coordinator
Zion-Benton Township H.S.
3901 W. 21st Street
Zion, IL 60099
847-731-9475
willd@zbths.org
February 27, 2010: 8:30 - 12 PM Instruction Technology & Development Center, 301 S. Main St., Normal, IL: Illinois State University Campus
Free of charge: Earn CPDU's Registration Form 2010 ISWP/IATE day of Renewal: 2010 ISWP/IATE Day of Renewal schedule:
Written by: Sandy Flannigan
This past October I attended the 101st IATE conference at the Oakbrook Marriott. The theme, “Take a Classic; Make it Current,” generated excitement throughout the weekend, from the speakers to the workshops. I learned how to give The Scarlet Letter high-tech appeal (not an easy feat) and how to inspire students to take a closer look at Oedipus Rex. I especially enjoyed learning about the work of the Bible Literacy Project. As I attended these and other workshops, I thought, “How can we bring ideas like these to the districts?” This is where you come in.
While district leaders work tirelessly to plan interesting meetings, they’re always looking for new ideas. What is your favorite lesson to teach? What lessons have “worked” so well that you’d be willing to share them? Think how often we readily share ideas with fellow teachers in the lounge or the lunch room. And don’t forget those informal get togethers at the conference between sessions. We chatter away about our ideas. So, why not extend this enthusiasm by sharing at a district meeting. Call or email your district leader today.
District co-leaders Norm Boyer and Carol Medrano, along with Angelo Bonadonna, are planning a Moodle presentation for their district. Norm indicates that they will also invite teachers from neighboring districts to attend. Additionally, Norm reports that we will soon have a listserve of English Education programs in Illinois. For more information on these and other activities in the Calumet Valley district, contact Norm (boyer@sxu.edu), Carol (cambodia98@yahoo.com), or Angelo (bonadonna@sxu.edu).
Marsha Cremer and Mary Philip, co-leaders for the Kaskaskia Valley district, would like to organize things a little differently this year, appointing a representative for each school. If you are interested in serving in this position, please contact Marsha at mcremer@bths201.org. They are also planning creative activities for improving writing. For more information contact Marsha or Mary Philip (Maryphilip@aol.com).
Engaging Students in Active Learning has been an ongoing theme for the Northeastern district. For the spring meeting we will focus on drama as a tool for engaging students in classic novels and poetry. For more information contact district leader Sandy Flannigan at sandra.flannigan@sbcglobal.net.
For those of you in the North Lakes district, we’ve added a co-leader. Carrie Thomas from Warren Township High School will be joining Mark Onuscheck as district co-leader. Carrie writes, “I am currently working on putting together an interactive web community using a program called Moodle. With the online community , members of the North Lakes district will be able to keep in touch, engage in discussion, and participate in online professional development activities. Use of the forums will be available for CPDU credits for a nominal fee. I am interested in hearing from the talented members of the North Lakes district who would be interested in offering an online workshop or maybe a book discussion.” You may contact Carrie at cthomas@wths.net or check out the website at http://www.teacherweb.com/IL/WarrenTownahipHighSchool/MsThomas/.
Cheryl Staley, leader of the Southern district, has organized district activities around student writing contests. At the meetings teachers discuss ways to improve writing and pick up student awards for previously submitted student work. Teachers may also submit student poetry for publication in the Poetry Journal of the Mt. Vernon Township High School. Cheryl would love to hear additional ideas from district members. Contact her at cfstaley@cchs165.jackson.k12.il.us.
Please take advantage of these district opportunities as well as others to network with fellow teachers throughout the school year. It’s a chance to keep the enthusiasm of the conference going all year long. Be sure, too, to ask your district leader for information on next year’s conference. Program chair Amy Magnafichi-Lucas has announced the theme, English in Action, and will accept proposals to present from now until March 20, 2009. The conference will be held at the historic Clock Tower Inn in Rockford on October 16 and 17, 2009.
