By every measure, this year’s National Day on Writing ® was a smashing success. Our members made it so. Teachers came out in force with the most wonderful celebrations in classrooms and campuses across the country. And writers of every ilk took to social media to share their responses to #WhyIWrite. Read a recap from October 20 or check out our tagboard to get a feel for the day.

By the numbers:

What do those numbers accomplish?

The numbers show that when we wish to raise our voices about writing, we’re able to mobilize a lot of people. This year the US Senate passed a bipartisan resolution sponsored by Senator Roberts (R-KS) and Senator Casey (D-PA) recognizing the National Day on Writing. It’s great that we can show them how much that day meant to so many people. But YOU can also use this annual celebration to elevate awareness in your own communities.

As an example, check out the amazing things that teachers did at Fresno State this year:

“Why Is Writing Important to Fresno State?” – The Collegian, 10/22

“National Day on Writing Celebrates Writers’ Voices” – Fresno State website, 10/20

In addition to fantastic events on campus, these educators got their local council member to declare October 20 the National Day on Writing for the city of Fresno.

Bit by bit we can turn up the volume, and then we have a stronger platform to stand on when we ask for improvements to the structural and financial support necessary to make excellent writing instruction possible.

We want to keep the conversation going by gathering more information about all the celebrations that occurred so that we can plan for next year and highlight your work. Please email details of what you did to [email protected] , and we’ll find a way to highlight your project on our website.

Thanks to everyone who made this year’s celebration so tremendous! And if you're not a member of NCTE already, now is a great time to join!

SPONSORS

Learn more about Jason:

“How a Kid Who Didn’t Read a Book Until He Was 17 Grew Up to Become a Literary Star” – Washington Post 10/23

“Jason Reynolds Writes for Youth ‘Searching for Themselves as Characters’" – CBS News, 10/23

“From the Stacks: Powerful, Suspenseful Journey Makes for a ‘Long Way Down’” – Jefferson City News Tribune, 10/22

“How Rap Turned Me into a Successful Poet” – New York Post, 10/21

Convention Community Updates 

We’ve started a new page on the convention website that we’ll update weekly to keep you informed about the work of the Local Engagement Committee and other projects underway that we’ve designed to support all who join us in St. Louis in November. 

Important Dates to Remember

November 6 – Deadline for advanced registration rate.

November 13 – Last date to reserve a $20 round-trip shuttle from and to the airport. 

Tell Us about It

What are your favorite NCTE Annual Convention happenings? What are you hoping to see or hear at #NCTE17? Why are you attending, and how would you convince someone else to attend? During and after, send stories about YOUR NCTE Annual Convention to [email protected].

NCTE President Jocelyn Chadwick was on a whirlwind tour of Virginia, with stops to work with students in schools and a keynote at the Virginia Association of Teachers of English conference. (Pictured above with Ashlee Meredith.)

NCTE Past President Doug Hesse was a keynote speaker at the Illinois Association of Teachers of English conference last weekend. In this photo, he’s pictured with several preservice teachers.

Executive Director Emily Kirkpatrick visited several Senate offices to talk about the National Day on Writing and other legislative priorities for the Council. She met with Senator Roberts (R-KS) and Senator Casey (D-PA), cosponsors of the resolution on the National Day on Writing.

George Orwell Award: Richard Sobel, Citizenship as Foundation of Rights: Meaning for America

Doublespeak Award: Kellianne Conway, Counselor to the President of the United States

Read recent posts by NCTE members from the Literacy & NCTE blog.