The NCTE This Story Matters Teacher Corps
In an effort to more vigorously expand our book rationale database, NCTE has created a members-only opportunity for educators to get involved in this work: the This Story Matters Teacher Corps. This project, made possible by private donations, will help NCTE to increase the size and functionality of the database through collaboration with members of the Corps and NCTE staff.
All students have the right to materials and educational experiences that promote open inquiry, critical thinking, diversity in thought and expression, and respect for others. Through the NCTE Intellectual Freedom Center, our organization has created and collected peer-reviewed book rationales for decades to aid all NCTE members in the face of book challenges.
The first cohort was formed in the fall of 2023 and is led by Annamary Consalvo.
Meet the first This Story Matters Teacher Corps cohort
Annamary Consalvo, associate professor of literacy at The University of Texas at Tyler, teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in teacher education, literature, and research methods. Scholarly interests include the teaching of writing, youth voice, and ways in which young adult literature can be used to open critical conversations. She is serving as the This Story Matters Teacher Corps Facilitator.
Tanisha Boyd is a middle school district literacy instructional leader for Mobile County Public Schools. She has dedicated more than 20 years to education, with 19 years in the classroom. The majority of her career was spent in the middle school ELA classroom. She has participated in digital learning committees within her district as well as being a contributing ELA curriculum writer. A large focus of her position is helping teachers improve instructional practices through increased student engagement. She is also a recurring presenter at the Middle School Language Arts Summit. Recently, she became a fellow of the first annual cohort of the Learning for Justice: Teaching Hard History.
Kyle Belting Hi! I’m Kyle Belting, and I’m in my ninth year of teaching middle school English language arts. I have been a reader my whole life and enjoy sharing that passion with students; there is nothing better than helping someone find the book that gets them excited to read. When I’m not teaching, I hang out with my dog, Ralph, and spend time practicing yoga, baking, volunteering at a local bookstore, and exploring all the awesome things to do (and eat) in Indianapolis.
Mary E. Cronin’s Massachusetts teaching career spans more than 30 years, from preschool to college. Cronin’s poetry for adults has been featured in The New York Times, Rise Up Review, Radical Teacher, and Provincetown Magazine. A K–2 literacy coach in the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional Schools on Cape Cod and a dedicated 5 a.m. writer, her poetry for children has appeared in numerous anthologies for young readers. Cronin has two children’s books under contract, yet to be announced. You can find her at www.maryecronin.com.
Linda Hindman I am a veteran English language arts teacher of nineteen years from West Virginia with National Board Certification in English language arts, early adolescence. I have a BA in English from Bethany College and an MA in reading education from Marshall University. I am also a certified Reading Specialist. I have taught English language arts to students from sixth to eleventh grades. I am an advocate for reading in my classes, and I have developed a knack for matching books with readers. This is important because many of my students are reluctant readers or nonreaders. I value the freedom of choice of reading materials for all my students. I am passionate about speaking out against and fighting book challenges and bans because they limit access to information, diminish the ability to know all sides of an issue, and hinder personal growth.