Slice of Life - NCTE

I've been participating in Slice of Life, started by Two Writing Teachers. I love the challenge of composing a piece of writing at least once a week about life or teaching.

 

 

     I was torn about whether I should write more about our 26th Friends' Thanksgiving weekend or NCTE Boston, but I'm waiting on more pictures from the weekend, so I'm going to write briefly about NCTE and wait on a future post about Friends' Thanksgiving.  I really should be going to bed, but I didn't want this day to pass by without reflecting on the anticipation I've had about this event.  The NCTE Annual Convention always seemed to me what other people went to - literacy leaders, gurus, authors, superteachers.  It was always far away, and to me, unattainable.  I remember reading about it being in Boston and thinking how amazing it would be to go, but I probably wouldn't.  Then my friend and colleague, Megan, and I were invited to a Choice Literacy writing retreat by Brenda Power in the summer, and when we talked to her about our writing ideas, she suggested we go to the NCTE Convention.  We both kind of shook our heads like, "Oh, that'd be great, but...."  However, as the day went on, and we got to know the amazing CL contributors (not long after I spent an awesome few days at nErdcampBC and meeting great people there), the idea of going seemed like more than a pipe dream.  Not long after that experience, we decided to ask our administrators if we could go.  Thankfully, they said yes, and we'll be leaving Thursday night!  I can't wait!  It all seems slightly surreal right now.  I can't really imagine what it's going to be like.  There are so many sessions to choose from and events to attend (and books to buy).  As newbies, Megan and I will navigate it all as best we can.  I look forward to seeing the Choice Literacy and Nerdy Book Club folks again, meeting authors I love, and learning from literacy educators.  I hope to meet some Slicers, too!  Boston, here I come!