Elementary classroom teachers are invited to join a series of virtual events designed just for them to connect and collaborate.  

Led by members of NCTE’s Elementary Teacher Cohort, a group of veteran teachers working to support elementary classroom teachers and amplify their voices, the virtual events will provide a special space for teachers to learn and think together.  

The meeting format will provide a forum for robust, honest conversations that focus on elementary classroom practice, issues that teachers in schools are facing today, and problem-solving around relevant topics. 

Participants will 

• be part of a reflective community of current elementary classroom teachers; 
• engage in readings and conversations around best practices in elementary classrooms; 
• learn about research-based practices relevant to today’s elementary classrooms; and 
• deepen their understanding and reflective practice through collaboration and collective thinking. 

This series is part of NCTE’s new monthly digital resource, Classroom Corridors: Expertise and Inspiration from Elementary Teachers. Information about each of the first three virtual events, including the general themes and registration links, are listed below. This page will be updated as additional information becomes available. 

These events will not be recorded, so please plan to attend live. They are free for all NCTE members. Not yet a member? Join today!

Please contact profdev@ncte.org with any questions.

Series Events

Event 1: REGISTER HERE

Tuesday, April 29, 7:00–8:00 p.m. ET

Facilitated by 

Melissa Guerrette and the Classroom Corridors Cohort (full bios below)

Melissa Guerrette (she/her) is a National Board Certified Teacher with 23 years of teaching experience in grades 4–6 at Oxford Elementary School (MSAD #17), Maine.

Event 2, Math and Literacy: REGISTER HERE

Thursday, May 29, 6:30–7:30 p.m. ET

Facilitated by 

Anita Stratton is an elementary educator in central Ohio with over 15 years of experience.

Kari Johnston is a fifth-grade bilingual teacher in Austin, Texas.

Event 3, Restoration: REGISTER HERE

Monday, June 30, 6:30–7:30 p.m. ET

Facilitated by 

Dora Díaz is a former two-way dual language teacher and a current PhD student in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on bilingual/bicultural education at the University of Texas-Austin.

Gary R. Gray Jr. is a Black Canadian poet and educator who writes for young children (and sometimes adults).

Members of the Elementary Teacher Cohort

Jordan Caldwell is an elementary principal in Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania. Prior to becoming a principal, she spent 10 years in the classroom teaching middle school ELA. She is devoted to promoting literacy and lifelong curiosity with all learners. Jordan is a board member of PCTELA (an NCTE affiliate) and is also involved with PAECT.

Dora Díaz is a former two-way dual language teacher and a current PhD student in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on bilingual/bicultural education at the University of Texas-Austin. She has spent the past 14 years working in bilingual education settings as a teacher and assistant principal in the Austin area. She strongly advocates for high-quality, rigorous instruction while focusing on making content relevant for students and their families.

Gary R. Gray Jr. is a Black Canadian poet and educator who writes for young children (and sometimes adults). Born and raised in Preston, Nova Scotia, Canada, Gray’s love for literature stems from told and untold stories within his community.

Melissa Guerrette (she/her) is a National Board Certified Teacher with 23 years of teaching experience in grades 4–6 at Oxford Elementary School (MSAD #17), Maine.

Kari Johnston is a fifth-grade bilingual teacher in Austin, Texas. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, with a focus on bilingual/bicultural education, from The University of Texas at Austin.

Katie Keier has been a classroom teacher, school librarian, and literacy specialist in grades preK–8 for 33 years. She is currently a kindergarten teacher in a Title I school near Washington, DC.

Anita Stratton is an elementary educator in central Ohio with over 15 years of experience. She is currently teaching EL and has taught second and third grade.