- SecondaryELA - lists.uen.org

Action Needed: Annual Core Standards Survey
by Watkins, Naomi 21 Jul '22

21 Jul '22

Annual Core Standards Survey As part of the Utah State Board of Education's Core Standards process, we conduct an Annual Core Standards Survey<https://usbe.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4Tnx3cCYjx6VbnM> to get stakeholder feedback to help us to improve our standards and supports. The annual survey is now open until August 20th. Please share this opportunity with educators, parents, and other stakeholders to provide them the opportunity to respond and share their insights. We appreciate your help in sharing your experience as well as sharing this opportunity with others. Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary English Language Arts Specialist Utah State Board of Education (801) 538-7616

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INFO: Utah Shakespeare Festival’s “Teaching Shakespeare: Ditch the Desk and Speak the Speech”
by Watkins, Naomi 13 Jun '22

13 Jun '22

If you are looking for some new ideas on teaching Shakespeare in your classes, be sure to join us at the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s “Teaching Shakespeare: Ditch the Desk and Speak the Speech” this July. This course is aimed at providing active and engaging classroom approaches to language arts and theatre teachers and others who teach Shakespeare's text. The class will help you get out from behind the desk and explore active-learning strategies to hook student engagement with Shakespeare's text. Participants will be able to demonstrate their understanding of teaching Shakespeare in the classroom by participating in various exercises and activities surrounding Shakespeare’s text and exploring the curriculum created by the instructor. * This course will consist of direct instruction, interaction with Festival company, learning activities and assessments that can be replicated by participants in Language Arts classes, Theatre classes, or other authentic educational settings. * The instructor will provide lesson plans and handouts and assessments as resources for participants. * All course materials and instruction will be geared toward teachers who can take them directly back to the classroom and make them applicable for their teaching situation and students. The best part? The course includes a ticket to four (4!) Utah Shakespeare Festival plays. See the attached course outline for an idea of the schedule. If “Teaching Shakespeare” isn’t what you’re looking for, but you want to come to USF for professional learning, check out the other education program option at the festival this summer. For general information, you can visit the USF Education<https://www.bard.org/about/education/camps-and-classes/?fbclid=IwAR0-TR--YM…> webpage, reach out to educationprograms(a)bard.org<mailto:educationprograms@bard.org>, or for “Teaching Shakespeare” questions you can contact the instructor, Shawnda Moss, directly at: bsmossfam(a)gmail.com<mailto:bsmossfam@gmail.com>. Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary English Language Arts Specialist Utah State Board of Education (801) 538-7616

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INFO: Writing and Teaching Opportunity with WSU and WRWP
by Watkins, Naomi 24 May '22

24 May '22

See below for an opportunity – direct your questions to William Pollett, please. Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary English Language Arts & Library Media Specialist Utah State Board of Education (801) 538-7616 naomi.watkins(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:naomi.watkins@schools.utah.gov> Dear Teachers, (Please share this with all of interest) It has been a tough couple of years and we all need some help in these difficult times. Writing is central to help and we need to write more and teach more writing. Please join us this year for the Wasatch Range Writing Project at Weber State University from June 6th to the 23rd to recharge yourself and your writing and teaching. We will have incredible presenters such as acclaimed authors/teachers Ashley Farmer and Christian McKay Heidicker, in addition to teacher/naturalist and writer Susan Snyder, and of course, you and your colleagues. We will meet Mondays through Thursdays from 10:am to 2:30 for the three weeks this June at the Weber State University Ogden Campus. Because of a generous grant from the Ogden City School Foundation and the support of the Weber State University’s Masters in English program the tuition is paid for you and you will receive three graduate level credit hours upon completion. Enrollment and registration are a little tricky this year but please persevere and join us for this year’s Writing Project. Please register on the Weber State Teacher Training webpage<https://continue.weber.edu/professional/teachertraining.aspx>. Educators need to register for the MENG 6230 (CRN 12091) course and MENG students need to register for the MENG 6231 (CRN 12092) course. (Note: Some scrolling is required to find the correct course.) Attached is a one-sheet with registration instructions as well as instructions for setting up a Wildcat Username and password to access Canvas. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns and plan on starting the summer writing and recharging the well of help and hope with us at the Wasatch Range Writing Project. Sincerely, William Pollett WRWP Director WSU English -- William Pollett Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities Department of English Weber State University Elizabeth Hall, room #268 Ogden, UT 84408-1904 Office: 801-626-6964<tel:801-626-6964> Website: (www.weber.edu/cah<http://www.weber.edu/cah>)

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INFO: Standards Implementation Institute for Secondary ELA
by Watkins, Naomi 22 Apr '22

22 Apr '22

Attached are two flyers about this summer's Standards Implementation Institute to share with your colleagues. The first flyer is specific to Secondary ELA. The second flyer is general information about the entire institute. Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary ELA and Library Media Specialist Utah State Board of Education 801-538-7616

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INFO: April 2022 Secondary ELA & Library Media Newsletter
by Watkins, Naomi 13 Apr '22

13 Apr '22

Secondary ELA & Library Media News: April 2022 Dear Secondary ELA and Library Media Colleagues: Two events have me thinking about literature and poetry about the land: 1) I recently spent a weekend hiking and camping in the San Rafael Swell gazing at the petroglyphs and pictographs of the people who inhabited this land long before you and me, and 2) Jeff Winget, Curriculum Specialist at the San Juan School District, was our lone attendee at the ELA Standards Public Comment Meeting in Richfield, so we had a discussion about some of the great writers of the American West (Ellen Meloy, Terry Tempest Williams, Edward Abbey, Wallace Stegner, and more) as we swapped adventure stories of us discovering and recreating on this piece of earth. While April is National Poetry Month, Earth Day also falls within this month on April 22nd. Both experiences were reminders of how literature has the power to connect us to others and to the land on which we live. I also recently have had to reconcile my love of Stegner's Angle of Repose with news that he plagiarized significant portions of it<https://www.altaonline.com/books/fiction/a39179237/wallace-stegner-mary-hal…> from Mary Foote's journal. How does one come to terms with a beloved piece of art when you learn that it's not what you thought it was? Or that the creator is different from who you originally thought? I'm not entirely sure. These questions don't have easy answers. And while these wrestles with plagiarism are not entirely new, they seem relevant in this age of quick creation and sharing of information. Here's to hoping that you're able to spend some time enjoying springtime! Naomi My Current Read: An American Sunrise <https://www.joyharjo.com/book/an-american-sunrise> by Joy Harjo My Current Listen: "That's Where I Am"<https://open.spotify.com/track/4f1KkbXHnfIVZ9vmIExByJ?si=293e12ad9f464572> by Maggie Rogers My Current Watch: Coda <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pmfrE1YL4I> Apple TV+ Educator Spotlight Heather Wihongi, Riverview Jr. High English teacher, journalism teacher, and instructional coach [cid:image002.jpg@01D84F35.1E3E73E0] How long have you been teaching? I have been teaching for a total of 21 years. Who/what inspired you to become a teacher? I had several teachers and professors throughout my high school and college who inspired me to become a teacher and showed me the impact that teachers can have on students, but two stand out in my mind. My high school biology and botany teacher Mr. Francis instilled a love of learning about nature and the world around us, but also how important it is to make learning fun. My college humanities professor Dr. Parry showed me the life lessons to be found in literature and the importance of cultivating relationships with your students. What has been the most rewarding part of teaching? The most rewarding part of teaching is 100% my students. I love experiencing the impact I can have on their lives, but even more, I love the impact they have on mine. It is so rewarding to run into them years down the road and have them mention how they connected with a book they read in my class, still use the essay-writing strategies I taught them, or just loved the way they felt comfortable and accepted in my classroom. What are your hobbies/interests when you are not teaching? I love traveling with my family; our favorite destinations are New Zealand (where my husband is from) and New York City. I am also a huge foodie, and I love cooking/baking, feeding other people, and binge-watching The Great British Bake-Off and Somebody Feed Phil. Obviously, I adore reading as well, but my husband has recently gotten me hooked onto Korean K-dramas, which is seriously cutting into my reading time. What do you think is the most important thing about teaching ELA to kids? I think the most important thing about teaching ELA to students is showing them the power of words. Whether those words are in the books they are reading or the writing they create, I love showing them that words have power and can make a huge difference in the world around them. What is your favorite book? Author? Well, isn't this the most difficult question ever! While I have several books that have become my favorites throughout my lifetime, I'd have to say Beauty by Robin McKinley is probably one of my all-time favorites. Reading this book when I was young was what sparked my life-long love of reading. Beauty also made me fall in love with beautiful words and language, and the lessons I learned from this book about self-worth and compassion had a big impact in my formative childhood years. April is National Poetry Month! * 30 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month in your Classroom<https://poets.org/national-poetry-month/30-ways-celebrate-national-poetry-m…> * Tips for Librarians for Celebrating National Poetry Month<https://poets.org/text/tips-librarians> * 30 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month at Home and Online<https://poets.org/national-poetry-month/30-ways-celebrate-national-poetry-m…> * Submit to Dear Poet as a teacher or student<https://poets.org/national-poetry-month/dear-poet-2022> * In 2022, the Academy of American Poets invited twelve poets<https://poets.org/poem-day-guest-editors-2022> to each curate a month of poems. In this short Q&A<https://poets.org/April-2022-poem-a-day-guest-editor-naomi-shihab-nye>, Naomi Shihab Nye discusses her curatorial approach and her own creative work. * Poetry by Utah Poets<https://mappingliteraryutah.org/author?issearch=1&category_id=9&xf_1%5b0%5d…> at Mapping Literary Utah * If April is sparking a desire to be back outside or if you want to create outdoor memories with your students, then these Write Out poetry resources are for you. Whether you are in a city, a suburb, a rural community or small town, use these resources as inspirations. (And remember, #WriteOut<https://nwp.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=74fb19be0914ed81636ed0372&id=…> returns in October.) Read more here.<https://writenow.nwp.org/the-things-we-remember-writeout-for-poetry-month-a…> * Utah Poetry Festival<https://utahpoetryfestival.com/> P-12 ELA Standards Draft Open for Public Comment The draft of the preschool through Grade 12 Utah English Language Arts (ELA) standards are now open for public comment. This public comment period concludes on June 14, 2022. Feedback can be provided online at https://tinyurl.com/433du5cx or in person at two remaining public meetings: April 27, 2022, 6-8pm Washington School District 121 West Tabernacle St. George, UT 84770 May 17, 2022, 6-8pm Ogden City School District 1950 Monroe Blvd Ogden, UT 84401 Standards Implementation Institute Summer 2022 See this flyer<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q2d34oWWEaeZcbdIEn4djbbVSGy_GJ3Q/view?usp=…> for information about this summer's Standards Implementation Institute. Registration is open now. Secondary ELA topics include: * Day 1: Strategies for Success in Argumentative Writing' * Day 2: Engagement and Endurance with Complex Text * Day 3: Informational Text and Writing * Day 4: Working Effectively with Students Who Face Reading Challenges Intermountain AP Summer Institute [cid:image003.png@01D84F35.0D6FA070] 2022-2023 Secondary Literacy Director Meeting Dates Mark your calendars! To receive a meeting invite, contact Brenda McMurtrey at brenda.mcmurtrey(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:brenda.mcmurtrey@schools.utah.gov> * September 13, 2022 * November 15, 2022 * January 24, 2023 * March 21, 2023 Join the Listserve Want to stay in the loop of future newsletters? Join the Secondary ELA ListServ at https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/secondaryela or the Library Media ListServ at https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media Have an item for the monthly Secondary ELA & Library Media newsletter, a research or teaching tip, or an educator spotlight nomination? Email brenda.mcmurtrey(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:brenda.mcmurtrey@schools.utah.gov> by the first of the month. **Please note: LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of these resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives. Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary ELA and Library Media Specialist Utah State Board of Education 801-538-7616

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INFO: Utah Poetry Festival 2022 + K-12 Poetry Contest
by Watkins, Naomi 31 Mar '22

31 Mar '22

The Utah Poetry Festival will be month-long and statewide throughout April 2022. The 2022 Utah Poetry Festival will be hybrid, with a variety of events taking place in person and virtually throughout the month of April across Utah. Core festival events will feature poetry workshops, readings, virtual craft talks on poetry and poetics, a K-12 original poem contest, and a virtual chapbook-making tutorial. The Utah Poetry Festival is hosted by Utah's poet laureate, Paisley Rekdal<https://mappingliteraryutah.org/utah-writers/paisley-rekdal>, and is funded by fellowships and grants from the Utah Division of Arts and Museums<https://artsandmuseums.utah.gov/>, and Utah Humanities<https://www.utahhumanities.org/>. Full schedule and information here: https://utahpoetryfestival.com/ Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary ELA and Library Media Specialist Utah State Board of Education 801-538-7616

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INFO/ACTION: P-12 ELA Standards Draft Open for Public Comment
by Watkins, Naomi 17 Mar '22

17 Mar '22

The draft of the preschool through Grade 12 Utah English Language Arts (ELA) standards are now open for public comment. This public comment period concludes on June 14, 2022. Feedback can be provided online at https://tinyurl.com/433du5cx or in person at three public meetings: April 4, 2022, 6-8 pm Sevier School District Office 180 E 600 N Richfield, UT 84701 April 27, 2022, 6-8pm Washington School District 121 West Tabernacle St. George, UT 84770 May 17, 2022, 6-8pm Ogden City School District 1950 Monroe Blvd Ogden, UT 84401 Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary ELA and Library Media Specialist Utah State Board of Education 801-538-7616

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INFO: Secondary ELA & Library Media News for March 2022
by Watkins, Naomi 17 Mar '22

17 Mar '22

Secondary ELA & Library Media News: March 2022 Dear Secondary ELA and Library Media Colleagues: The National Writing Project has shared two resources related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine: 1) in partnership with the News Literacy Project, "How to Teach News Literacy in the Midst of Unfolding Crises"<https://writenow.nwp.org/teaching-news-literacy-in-the-midst-of-unfolding-c…>, and 2) "How to Talk to Children about the Invasion of Ukraine"<https://writenow.nwp.org/how-to-talk-to-children-about-the-invasion-of-ukra…> that may be useful to you. This is also a powerful time for collaboration amongst our social studies, library media, and ELA colleagues to provide students with tools for empathy and identifying misinformation. Two books that may be of interest: 1. The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman<https://penguinclassroom.com/books/the-blackbird-girls/?ref=PRH1C46FE441E07…> is set in Ukraine during the Chernobyl disaster with converging plot threads to WWII and how Jewish refugees came to Eastern Europe. It covers the disaster and the escape of two girls from Chernobyl, which the Russian military has taken over as of this writing, and shows that hatred, intolerance, and oppression are no match for the power of true friendship. 2. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys<https://penguinclassroom.com/books/between-shades-of-gray/?ref=PRH1C46FE441…> is set in the former Soviet Union during WWII and describes the Russian invasion, occupation, and destruction of many nations and could draw parallels to what is going on today. I was also reminded of this poem by Warsan Shire (poetry has been on my mind/heart a lot lately): what they did yesterday afternoon by warsan shire they set my aunts house on fire i cried the way women on tv do folding at the middle like a five pound note. i called the boy who use to love me tried to 'okay' my voice i said hello he said warsan, what's wrong, what's happened? i've been praying, and these are what my prayers look like; dear god i come from two countries one is thirsty the other is on fire both need water. later that night i held an atlas in my lap ran my fingers across the whole world and whispered where does it hurt? it answered everywhere everywhere everywhere. I know Spring Break is happening now or coming up soon for most of you, and I hope that you have a moment to enjoy the spring weather, spend time with family and friends, and care for any hurt that needs tending . My Current Read: Life on Mars by Tracy K. Smith<https://www.graywolfpress.org/books/life-mars> My Current Listen: What's Her Name<https://www.whatshernamepodcast.com/> podcast My Current Watch: Rutherford Falls<https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11058054/> Educator Spotlight[cid:image001.jpg@01D839EC.37197530] Chris Thompson - English and ESL Teacher Spanish Fork Jr. High I have enjoyed teaching 7th and 8th grade English at Nebo's Spanish Fork Junior High for fifteen years and feel lucky to have a job I love. Every day is full of new challenges and adventures that can only be appreciated by other middle grade teachers. Daily junior high life does not lack for entertainment, and just when I think I have seen and heard it all, a new trend or saying comes along giving me the opportunity to learn even more from my students. Last year they taught me what it means to "Hit the woah," whereas this year I have mastered The Griddy and the proper use of the phrase, "That's cap." Learning from and connecting with my students is the most rewarding part of my career, so whether students are practicing reading or revision strategies with me, or I am learning the latest social constructs from them, my ELA classroom is a place to listen, learn, grow, and glow. Together. A place to put our phones away and connect through reading and writing. People who encouraged me as a young reader or writer all contributed to my becoming an English teacher. Whether it was Ron Galbreath wiping away tears as he finished reading Where the Red Fern Grows to our sixth grade class, or Jean Hawkins incorporating her literary knowledge into her weekly church lessons, I discovered a desire to read. Likewise, my parents and professors like Tom Romano celebrated my attempts at poetry and prose to the point where I not only wanted to develop that gift, but share it. Igniting that passion in my own students-to see themselves as lifelong readers and writers-is my number one goal in teaching ELA. When I am not teaching, grading, or preparing my next lesson, I enjoy decorating my home, refinishing furniture, spending time with my children, and listening to 80s and 90s country music. I can usually lure my adult children back into our home with the promise of a good meal or a Harry Potter marathon as we all share a love for J.K. Rowling's storytelling. However, right now I am engrossed in Niel Shusterman's Scythe series and recommend it to all my dystopian loving students. Teaching English/Language Arts has given me the opportunity to develop my passion as a reader and a writer while helping to instill that same enthusiasm in my students. I cannot think of a better way to connect with and influence future generations than by empowering them with the ability to navigate and express themselves through the written word. UEN PDTV: Information Literacy In a new episode of UEN PDTV, Humanities Coordinator, Robert Austin, and I talk to UEN's Katie Blunt about strategies for information literacy. It includes great features of Utah educators teaching kids about these skills. You can view the episode on the UEN website at uen.org/pdtv<https://www.uen.org/pdtv/> as well as the UEN YouTube channel<https://youtu.be/4I7Tsv9AS-Y>. March is Women's History Month * Utah Women & Leadership<https://www.uen.org/women-girls-lead/> resources at UEN * Connect to Local Women's History through Storytelling<https://www.socialstudies.org/system/files/publications/articles/yl_3103014…> * Resource Toolkit from the National Women's History Museum<https://www.womenshistory.org/sites/default/files/document/2022-03/NWHM%20W…> * Utah Women's History Toolkits and Resources<https://www.utahwomenshistory.org/> NCTE Creates Book Rationale Database NCTE's Intellectual Freedom Center<https://ncte.org/resources/ncte-intellectual-freedom-center/> website will soon have a new feature: an active database of book rationales. While NCTE has long had rationales available to members, this is the first time rationales will be available digitally on our website. NCTE is pleased to recognize new support in the form of a $10,000 grant from Penguin Random House Education to support the digitization effort. Book rationales are a strong way to document why a book is selected for use in the classroom and how it may help students master standards. NCTE has hundreds of rationales created by teachers that will be made available to NCTE members later this spring in digitized, searchable versions. Over the last year, the NCTE Standing Committee on Censorship has been updating the common rationale formats. The database will allow members access to this form and allow them to submit new rationales to add to our database. Further details will be announced in the next month. Standards Implementation Institute Summer 2022 See this flyer<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q2d34oWWEaeZcbdIEn4djbbVSGy_GJ3Q/view?usp=…> for information about this summer's Standards Implementation Institute. Registration will open at the end of March. Secondary ELA topics include: * Day 1: Strategies for Success in Argumentative Writing' * Day 2: Engagement and Endurance with Complex Text * Day 3: Informational Text and Writing * Day 4: Working Effectively with Students Who Face Reading Challenges Intermountain AP Summer Institute [cid:image002.png@01D839EC.37197530] More info here<https://web.cvent.com/event/e64a4c0f-fd08-47dd-89f3-2b920832d2ba/summary>. 2021-2022 Secondary Literacy Director Meeting Dates Mark your calendars! To receive a meeting invite, contact Brenda McMurtrey at brenda.mcmurtrey(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:brenda.mcmurtrey@schools.utah.gov> * March 22, 2022 from 1-3pm, virtual Join the Listserve Want to stay in the loop of future newsletters? Join the Secondary ELA ListServ at https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/secondaryela or the Library Media ListServ at https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media Have an item for the monthly Secondary ELA & Library Media newsletter, a research or teaching tip, or an educator spotlight nomination? Email brenda.mcmurtrey(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:brenda.mcmurtrey@schools.utah.gov> by the first of the month. **Please note: LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of these resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives. Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary ELA and Library Media Specialist Utah State Board of Education 801-538-7616

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INFO: Opportunity to attend Railroads in Native America (RNA)
by Watkins, Naomi 10 Feb '22

10 Feb '22

A history gathering called "Railroads in Native America (RNA)" which will be the second gathering held May 19-21, 2022 in the Ogden Union Station. The first gathering was in Omaha, Nebraska in 2019. 2022 RNA website: https://indian.utah.gov/events/railroads-in-native-america/ RNA has been organized by the Utah Div. of Indian Affairs, and is sponsored by all of Utah's tribes and 20 history related organizations. RNA organizers will also be offering remote internet access for those who add their names and emails to the "I'm interested list." The program includes Native American scholars (Native Am. & non-Native Am.), from around the United States, and there will be various types of nontraditional presentations. This gathering is free of charge; however they have limited seating. The subject may seems remote but in short we are addressing Native American and non-Native American interactions, for over a 160 plus years, within predominantly Native American perspectives. Visit the above link to sign up. Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary ELA and Library Media Specialist Utah State Board of Education 801-538-7616

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INFO: Feb 2022 Secondary ELA & Library Media News
by Watkins, Naomi 04 Feb '22

04 Feb '22

Secondary ELA & Library Media News: February 2022 Dear Secondary ELA and Library Media Colleagues: The month of February has me thinking about poetry. Maybe because it's the month of love or because I'm in the middle of former National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman's new poetry book or because we finally made it through January and Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. Regardless, a memory surfaced from my time as a student in AP English. We were reading and studying John Donne's poem "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning," <https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44131/a-valediction-forbidding-mourn…> and I admittedly did not like poetry. It all felt too difficult, and I didn't care enough to struggle through the challenge. But this time, things went differently. I saw how the symbolism added depth and meaning to Donne's words. It clicked for me in that moment, opening my eyes to the wonder that language can hold, and I leaned into poetry after that moment. Do you have an experience like this one? And how do you cultivate similar experiences for students? My Current Reads: Call Us What We Carry<https://amandagormanbooks.com/> by Amanda Gorman My Current Music Listen: "Misty Morning"<https://open.spotify.com/track/6sJbj2bRgR3VQ0Jg7qjX7S?si=aa72b1a32b4346f6> by Sol Rising My Current Watch: Groundhog Day<https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107048/> (how was this movie made almost 30 years ago?) Educator Spotlight Gretchen Zaitzeff - District Library Media Specialist, Canyons School District How long have you been teaching? Education is my third career, and I have been working in school libraries for the last 13 years. [cid:image001.jpg@01D819BE.0EB911C0] Who/what inspired you to become a teacher? My inspiration for becoming a school librarian heralds back to my elementary librarian and fifth grade teacher at Layton Hall Elementary in Springfield, VA, and of course, there's a story there. Also the amazing school librarians of District Unit 5 and University High School in Normal, IL who served my children were inspirational in my choosing school librarianship as my current career. What has been the most rewarding part of teaching? Handing a book to the student who requested it and for whom you bought it is the happiest part of my job. The way that they light up and the joy they express is extremely fulfilling. I received a lot of spontaneous hugs from the recipients. What are your hobbies/interests when you are not teaching? I collect signed books, socks and Legos. When I am not working, I am enjoying my family and serving in my faith community. I like reading (no surprise), decorating, traveling and all the fandoms. What do you think is the most important thing about teaching ELA to kids? Readers are leaders. Students who can read can learn anything, be anything and achieve anything. What is your favorite book? Author? I am a HUGE Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice fan. I read all of the P&P mash-ups, re-works and fan fic. I also consume all the Austen movies, plays and other media. As you can see from my photo, I am also a big Harry Potter fan. My post COVID goal is to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in NYC. PHOTO: Gretchen Zaitzeff, Virtual Storytime Registration Open Now: Professional Learning Opportunity Robert Austin, USBE Humanities Coordinator, and I are excited to offer the following virtual professional learning series to secondary ELA and social studies folks (classroom teachers, instructional/literacy coaches, district leaders) with Cornelius Minor called "Put The Oxygen Mask on Yourself First: What it Means To Learn Right Now." This is a series on meeting the needs of a changing learning landscape by focusing on ENGAGEMENT, CRITICAL THINKING, and CREATIVITY. Dates/Times: * Session #1: February 8, 3:30-6:30pm MST * Session #2: February 15, 3:30-6:30pm MST * Session #3: March 8, 3:30-6:30pm MST *Please note that this is a 3-part series. Participants will need to attend at least 2 of the 3 sessions. Location: Zoom Cost: FREE Registration: MIDAS<http://usbe.midaseducation.com/> course ID: 60758 | Receive 1.0 USBE Credit for 3 sessions; 0.5 for 2 sessions For the schedule, learning intentions, and success criteria, visit here<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kXxXZalAqHWL_TKEq0qjmmhh_eQg411m7QXY-Uu…>. UCTE 2022 Conference Friday, Feb 11, 2022at Megaplex Theaters at Jordan Commons Registration is closed. The 2022 annual conference of the Utah Council of Teachers of English will feature exciting keynote speakers and inspiring teacher-led breakout sessions. Our keynotes this year will be about identity, inquiry, and identity led by Sara K. Ahmed and digital literacies led by Dr. Shelbie Witte and Dr. Sara Kajder. Our teacher-led breakout sessions will cover topics ranging from teaching literature to best writing practices to incorporating digital literacies into the classroom. Join us for what promises to be an energizing and inspiring day of professional development! UELMA 2022 Conference Registration for UELMA's annual conference is now open. The UELMA conference is Thursday, March 10, 2022 at Weber State University. Register now to receive a discounted rate at <https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsites.goo…> https://sites.google.com/uelma.org/annual-conference-2022/home UELMA is in need of volunteers! If you would be willing to help at the conference, please let us know. More information here<https://sites.google.com/uelma.org/annual-conference-2022/volunteers>. 2022 Round-Up of Children's & Young Adult Book Award Winners School Library Journal provides an overview of all of the recent book award winners <https://www.theclassroombookshelf.com/2022/01/2022-winter-childrens-and-you…> including: ? 2022 American Library Association (ALA) Youth Media Awards ? 2022 National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Charlotte Huck Award ? 2022 International Literacy Association (ILA) Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CLR SIG) Notable Books for a Global Society ? 2021 National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Outstanding Science Trade Books Black History Month * Through children's books, interviews with Black children's authors and illustrators, classroom activities, online history resources, and powerful documentaries, Reading Rockets<https://www.readingrockets.org/calendar/blackhistory> celebrates and learns about the lives and contributions of African Americans. They encourage educators and librarians to look for opportunities to include these stories throughout the year and across the curriculum. * UEN Resources here<https://www.uen.org/core/socialstudies/africanamerican/> and here<https://www.uen.org/news/article.php?id=1018>. * 2022 Winners of the Coretta Scott King Book Award: https://www.ala.org/rt/emiert/cskbookawards Standards Implementation Institute Summer 2022 See this flyer<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q2d34oWWEaeZcbdIEn4djbbVSGy_GJ3Q/view?usp=…> for information about this summer's Standards Implementation Institute. Registration will open at the end of March. Secondary ELA topics include: * Day 1: Strategies for Success in Argumentative Writing' * Day 2: Engagement and Endurance with Complex Text * Day 3: Informational Text and Writing * Day 4: Working Effectively with Students Who Face Reading Challenges Update on Acadience Reading Expansion SB 145<https://le.utah.gov/~2022/bills/static/SB0145.html> sponsored by Sen. Stevenson was heard in the Senate Education Subcommittee this week and moves forward with full recommendation from the committee. This bill would expand LEA access to Acadience Reading (a reading diagnostic assessment) through grade 8. 2021-2022 Secondary Literacy Director Meeting Dates Mark your calendars! Next Meeting: March 22, 2022 from 1-3pm To receive a meeting invite, contact Brenda McMurtrey at brenda.mcmurtrey(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:brenda.mcmurtrey@schools.utah.gov> Join the Listserve Want to stay in the loop of future newsletters? Join the Secondary ELA ListServ at https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/secondaryela or the Library Media ListServ at https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media Have an item for the monthly Secondary ELA & Library Media newsletter, a research or teaching tip, or an educator spotlight nomination? Email brenda.mcmurtrey(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:brenda.mcmurtrey@schools.utah.gov> by the first of the month. **Please note: LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of these resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives. Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary ELA and Library Media Specialist Utah State Board of Education 801-538-7616

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