Issue # 34 NJCTE Middle School Pilot Writing Contest
THERE IS STILL TIME:  DEADLINE EXTENDED
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New Jersey Council of Teachers of English Newsletter

e-Focus was created by Patricia Schall and Susan Reese to keep educators informed.  If you have news to share, please e-mail us at njctefocus@gmail.com
Why write?  Why enter this contest?

As the cold, snowy days of January ready themselves to become the cold, snowy days of February, I wonder, "Why?"  Why am I urging you, fellow teachers, to go above and beyond the many demands of your job description to enter a contest?

As the current president of NJCTE, here's what I think.  Here's why!

1.  This prompt has been vetted by the key players in the teaching of writing.  The prompt is essentially identical to that offered to the high school students in New Jersey.  How will middle school students fare?  I predict that they will meet the challenge.

2.  The prompt challenges thought and engages students in social awareness which can lead to enlightened responsible citizens.  And, after all, isn't that really what an education should do?

3.  As a classroom teacher, you have been given the agency to encourage your students to respond to the prompt in a meaningful way that does, indeed, result in an "Awakening."

4.  Every teacher who submits entries will be recognized.  We at NJCTE have found that this recognition generates enthusiasm for writing and community support in other areas also.

5.  This prompt lends itself to mini-lessons on form, development, paragraphing, word choice, synthesis, analysis, voice... The list is endless.

6. Participating in a writing contest gives students an opportunity to communicate their ideas and shape their prose for a much wider audience. They are writing authentic reading for others.

I hope that my reasons will convince you to engage your middle school students in this most worthy enterprise.

Regards,
Susan Reese






Remember to Register for the NJCTE Annual Conference on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Montclair State University

Don't miss this chance to meet authors and network with professional colleagues. Engaging sessions await you on topics like:
  • reading workshop, 
  • the world in texts,
  • virtual author visits, 
  • independent reading at the secondary level,
  • interactive read-alouds, 
  • digital texts, 
  • what-if stories,
  • integrating technology,
  • choice in reading,
  • literacy communities in the classroom, 
  • freedom of speech in the classroom,
  • learning about immigration. 
  • accessible poetry


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