Welcome to the new Indiana Teachers of Writing website! We are so excited you have taken the time to visit our site and read this blog. As an organization, we hope to offer a website that is easier to navigate and helps Indiana writing teachers access quality professional development.
Fall 2018 conference
On September 22nd, 2018, ITW held our 38th Annual Fall Conference, and we were very pleased with how many Hoosier teachers dedicated a Saturday to improving their practice. Over 110 educators from across the state attended, Indiana educators led 28 presentations, Indiana students led 4 presentations, and the IDOE presented on ILEARN. One middle school teacher who attended wrote, “The three student presenters were awesome! Their written, now spoken, word inspires me to be a better teacher, as did each workshop. I was so happy I chose to attend.” We are very pleased educators are walking away from the ITW Fall Conference with this kind of experience.
The theme of the Fall 2018 Conference was “Writing for Change: Engaging Audiences,” and we featured a keynote panel moderated by Ayana Coles, fifth grade teacher in Pike Schools. An eighth grade history teacher in Zionsville Schools as well as one of his current eighth grade students discussed an exciting project they do through class to help students move public policy. A local politician, Town Manager of Whitestown, discussed his collaboration with the students.
We look forward to offering more professional development experiences that truly help writing teachers improve their instruction for Indiana students.
itw supports icte
One of ITW’s goals has always been to support other literacy organizations in the state, and we truly value the opportunity to support Indiana Council of Teachers of English (ICTE) March 16 Conference in Indianapolis. Their theme is “Revitalize Your Teaching: Revitalize Yourself.” We are also looking forward to collaborating with Indiana State Literacy Association, an affiliate of International Literacy Association (formerly International Reading Association).
It is an amazing time to be a teacher of writing in Indiana, and, truth be told, aren’t we all teachers of writing if we teach? Please consider becoming a member of Indiana Teachers of Writing if you are not already and feel free to visit our website often to get the latest information. I will close with a great quote from NCTE 2018:
“We can’t do this alone.” –Dr. Benita R. Brooks née Dillard, Sam Houston State University
Sincerely,
Ryan Batsie
Executive Director of ITW