Long before I became Executive Director of the National Council of Teachers of English, NCTE members brought me into the community. NCTE members helped me figure out how to navigate an extensive convention program and find sessions that were just right for my needs and the publications that addressed my pressing questions. NCTE is an organization built on the understanding that teachers thrive on their connections with one another.
In 2017 we launched a Community Ambassador program designed to bolster these connections through dedicated volunteers who nurtured colleagues through online mentorship, hosting local events, and stewardship of newcomers at our Convention. Today I’m excited to announce the second cohort of ambassadors who will carry this program forward beginning this August. The selection process was very competitive, and we were honored to learn about so many members who care so deeply about supporting their peers and connecting them to the richness that is NCTE.
The eight members who constitute our 2019–2020 cohort include representation from Hawaii to New York, from elementary classrooms to a community college. You can learn more about them here. We are filled with anticipation to meet with everyone in August to launch their official term. They’ll share their stories in full with our community soon thereafter. We are looking forward to all of the connecting and supporting of educators that lies ahead with this wonderful group of members.
As our community ambassadors prepare for the new school year, we welcome your ideas around how they can help build and support the #NCTEvillage.