The SDCTE is off and running. Right now we are trying to build up membership, so talk to your
colleagues in the trenches. We would like to get the membership over the hundred mark, and I think that
we have a good chance. Note the special deal for encouraging others to join on the application form.
Well, we have determined the site and time for the annual conference in the spring. We will be holding it on the DSU campus in Madison. Although we haven't got all of our presenters selected, we have ascertained some of them. A complete brochure will be coming out after the first of the year. The program appears to be a great one with many new people in the presenter's role. Please put a big check on your calendar. It will be worth your consideration.
I also encourage you to check out the information on Young Writers' Awards sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English. Each year South Dakota has only about four or five schools participating. We would like to see a lot more participation, especially from the smaller schools. The information and application blanks are elsewhere in the paper.
Please note the plea for nominations of English Teacher of the Year. Not everyone can win, of course, but a nomination is itself a great honor. Please take time to honor someone you think deserves recognition. The form is easy to fill out, so if you have someone in mind, fill it out and send it in. Any teacher who teaches English or language arts as his or her primary responsibility at any level is eligible.
Finally, we would love to receive letters to the editor on any aspect of the
English teaching profession. I am sure that many of you have ideas that you would like to share with other professionals.
Maybe you have some suggestions for or criticisms of professional issues. Put them to pen and get them to me.
English teachers should, indeed, write. Here's your big chance.