Issue # 36 NJCTE 2018 Spring Conference
REGISTER NOW  Spring Conference
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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

Questions and Suggestions?
Patricia L. Schall


Here are some questions  suggested by the blurbs our conference presenters provided in their proposals. Come to the sessions to explore these issues and search for answers that apply to the unique situations in your own classrooms.

How can you deepen students' engagement with texts by viewing them as windows, mirrors, and doors?

How can I organize virtual author visits for my own classroom?

How can I build a culture of independent reading, assess student progress, and still address the standard curriculum of my school?

What role can interactive read-alouds play in supporting student comprehension and building a culture of reading in my classroom?

What kind of digital tools can I use to help students comprehend complex texts and to support their learning from upper elementary through high school?

Is there harmony between English language arts and technology, and what kind of easy-to-apply digital tools can I integrate into the classroom to improve learning?

How can I encourage students to write unique stories starting with two simple words: What if?

How can I provide the attention, encouragement, and challenge students need to become lifelong readers who continue to read for pleasure?

What kind of games, discussions, and self-assessments can I use to improve literacy engagement and create a participatory culture in my classroom?

How can I encourage the free, open discourse fundamental to a democracy and still handle unwanted and offensive speech?

In our current climate where immigration can be a heated topic, what strategies and resources can I use to help students understand the important role immigration continues to play in our culture?

Is poetry dead along with all the poets? Are there resources to help students become better poets and develop their own creative voices?

So many opportunities for learning, networking, and professional enrichment await you at the NJCTE Annual Conference. Register now! Encourage your friends to attend.






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


As violence, sexual misconduct, discrimination, and harassment continue to make news, NJCTE remains committed to providing you with engaging, relevant, and safe professional experiences at our conferences and beyond. The #MeToo initiative has shed light on problems with harassment. We encourage you to read Sarah Mulhearn Gross's recent posting, "Children's Literature and the #METOO Movement" on the  NJCTE Blog   that addresses this critical issue. 



                                     NJCTE SLATE OF CANDIDATES FOR 2018 Election

President
Audrey Fisch
V P
Patricia Hans
Treasurer
James Nicosia
Recording Secretary
Beth Ann Bates


 *Parliamentarian
 
* Position is not voted on.  The new president appoints parliamentarian.
 
Standing Committees and Contributors  NO GENERAL VOTE REQUIRED
 
NJCTE Membership Chair
Denise Weintraut
NJCTE Writing Contest Director
Michele Marotta
         Middle School Contest Coordinator
Gina Lorusso
          Poetry Curator
Karen Davidson
          Short Story Curator
Kathleen Webber
          Personal Essay Curator
Michele Marotta
          Awards Ceremony Host
Julius Gottilla
           Governor's Awards in Art Ed.
Vanessa Rasmussen
NJCTE Journal
Liz deBeer and Patricia Bender (1 year)
           Section Editor
Donna Jorgensen
            Section Editor
 Dana Maloney
NJCTE Project SPARK
Jennifer Ansbach - South
 Patricia Hans  - North
Technology Committee
Sarah Gross and Kate Baker
Focus Newsletter
Patricia Schall and Susan Reese
NJCTE Spring Conference
Jim and Laura Nicosia
          Educator of the Year
Julius Gottilla/ Maria Schantz
          Becker Award (Sp  Conf chairs)
Laura and Jim Nicosia/ Weiss & Schantz
          Weiss Award
Patricia Schall
          Holtzman Award
Patricia Schall
          NJCTE  Virtual Hall of Fame
Joseph Pizzo
NJCTE Fall Conference
Joseph Pizzo & Denise Weintraut
NJCTE Liaison with NJEA
Joseph Pizzo
NJCTE Liaison with African Am. Read-In
Maria Schantz
NJCTE Archivist
Patricia Schall
NJCTE Blog
Audrey Fisch
NJCTE Website
Jim Nicosia
Honorary Board Member (Historian)
Marcia Holtzman
Honorary Board Member  (Historian)
M. Jerry Weiss
* President is an ex officio member of all  committees. 
 Last past president is a member of the Executive Board.
 
 
 

FEEDBACK REQUEST

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We sadly offer this image for your reflection. Follow your news sources for more information on a national boycott, initiated by Parkland students, to be held on the anniversary of Columbine.