SDCTE hosted a very successful spring conference March 26-27 at the Cedar Shores Resort
in Chamberlain. We had the largest attendance since SDCTE reorganized six years ago and
had nothing but positive comments regarding the two-day event. A variety
of hands-on sessions were offered by extremely enthusiastic presenters. Lots of ideas and
networking were generated as a result.
The Friday night banquet featured Brian Bedard, Associate Professor of
English at the University of South Dakota. He entertained the audience with some "unique" similes some of
his writing students had generated. SDCTE President Karen Harrington introduced Jim
Swanson, who teaches at Dakota State University, as the SD English Teacher of the
Year. She also announced Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve as the author of the year.
The next morning Bedard led the participants through a writing
workshop. Those in attendance appreciated the opportunity to put thoughts and theory into practice.
SDCTE vice president Roger Ochse shared the news that next year's
conference will be a joint effort with the South Dakota Reading Council. It is scheduled for March 30-31,
April 1 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Spearfish. The theme for the joint conference is
"Building a Literary Society ." The SDCTE Executive Board is excited about this
venture and the broader selection it will offer SDCTE members.
Harrington also announced that the 1999 SDEA/NEA Professional Development Conference has been set for Friday and Saturday, November 5th and 6th, at the Pierre Ramkota River Centre. The SDCTE Executive Board has already secured presenters for six English roundtables and is making plans for the annual SDCTE meeting. SDCTE continues to grow in numbers, participation, and enthusiasm.