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NCTE 24 is Here!

I walked into the Westin Seaport in Boston on Wednesday and saw author Ruta Sepytys who was stepping off the elevator (I fangirled). At the bottom of the escalator, educator Penny Kittle was talking with a teacher. 

Ruta Sepytys and me (NCTE, 2023)

Columbus, Ohio


These sightings are just an example of the humanity that exists within the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) organization. This year’s theme, Heart, Hope, and Humanity, is sure to capture all the greatness among English teachers. 


Can’t be with us at the annual convention? Missed a session because you are double- triple- quadruple-booked (because there are so many amazing sessions?). Follow along this weekend for a recap of the sessions and events I will attend. 



This is my 17th NCTE conference (and the second in Boston!). NCTE does many things for its members. The annual convention reminds me about three of those things: it opens doors, provides access, and makes available great minds and hearts to make all of us better. 


Thursday Highlight

Opening Keynote: Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman ever confirmed to the Supreme Court of the United States. (4 p.m. EST)



Three book committees meet to deliberate and choose the 2025 winners in poetry (Children’s Poetry Awards Committee), nonfiction (Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children), and children’s/middle grade fiction (Charlotte Huck Award for Outstanding Fiction for Children Committee). Seeking new members! 


Upcoming: On Saturday, I will share highlights from the 2024 winners! 


Enjoy the convention, follow along, and plan to return home with renewed energy, passion, ideas, and excitement. 

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