When asked by a principal to design a workshop for ELA and ESL teachers on addressing new ESL regulations, the author suggested that they offer professional development that might inspire teachers to try new practices that could help their students grow as writers. The author decided to devote a workshop not to rules and regulations, but to…

The author's career in professional education is intertwined with the history of language arts education in the United States and the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). The author joined NCTE in the 1960s, though she was already teaching for about 10 years with a well-developed constructivist perspective on teaching and learning.…

Affectionately remembers a college professor and his particular approach to poetry reading and discourse. Refers to a Sufi tale regarding teaching and learning to demystify previous philosophical and pedagogical confusion. (JK)

Finds the film "Dead Poets Society" superficial, misleading, and seriously flawed. Examines seven pedagogical issues raised by the film, including (1) should a teacher who suspects that students are about to break school rules connive at their misconduct? and (2) are "sensitivity games" likely to have a lasting effect on…

A demonstration and discussion of the use of improvisational dramatics in teaching English. The author provides some ground rules for this method and suggests projects, including the improvisation of scenes from novels. (JB)

Presents a teacher decision-making model that emphasizes "artistic teaching," in which teachers artistically use research and intuition to promote student achievement. Provides examples of this model implemented in several English classes. (MM)

Distinguishes English teaching as science from English teaching as art. Opts for teaching as art. (JL)

A desirable approach and sequence for the presentation of rhetorical principles to students of junior high school age is outlined. Principles of invention, logical ordering, strategy, and style are discussed with special reference to writing models, developing skills of observation, audience consideration, and precise diction. Specific objectives…

Considers: (1) research by George Hillocks using meta-analysis to examine four modes of composition instruction; (2) role playing in classroom to improve student writing of persuasive letters or opinion essays; (3) process approach to English instruction, which allows for complex nature of individual learning styles; and (4) resource for promising…