CEL - National Council of Teachers of English

Conference on English Leadership

A collaborative, dynamic, discussion-based forum for literacy leaders.

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CEL

Welcome to CEL!

The Conference on English Leadership (CEL) offers a collaborative, dynamic, discussion-based forum for literacy leaders to explore current and emerging issues. Since 1970, CEL has assisted language arts leaders in sharing mutual problems and insights, exchanging resources, seeking the advice of successful leaders, and investigating issues of greatest concern to leaders.

Literacy Communities as Sites of Reckoning and Repair

2023 CEL Annual Convention
November 19–21, 2023
Columbus, OH

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CEL 2020 Vision: By the year 2020, CEL will establish itself as the agent of leadership development in literacy education.

CEL 2028 Vision: By 2028, CEL will distinguish itself as an innovative, evolving literacy leadership organization that meets the dynamic needs of its diverse membership.

CEL Mission: The Conference on English Leadership fosters the development of literacy leaders dedicated to building socially inclusive, equitable, and diverse opportunities and outcomes for the communities they serve.

CEL Initiatives:

  • Affirm CEL as the professional home and place of belonging for literacy leaders.
  • Recognize and redefine the work of literacy leadership.
  • Create a network of literacy leaders, teacher-leaders, and educational advocates.
  • Cultivate, mentor, and support emerging and veteran leaders.

CEL Virtual Events

Throughout the year CEL offers a variety of online programs and social hours for literacy leaders that are focused specifically on interpersonal, departmental, and organizational/systemic leadership. All events are free and open to CEL members. Members are welcome to invite and bring a (non-member) guest to all CEL events. Social Hours are open to CEL and NCTE members and non-members.

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Write for English Leadership Quarterly (ELQ)

English Leadership Quarterly helps department chairs, K-12 supervisors, and other leaders in their role of improving the quality of English instruction. ELQ offers short articles on a variety of issues important to decision makers in the English language arts.

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CEL Awards

Each year CEL recognizes those who represent the best characteristics of literacy leaders. CEL awards celebrate those who have dedicated their careers to teaching and leading as well as those who approach leadership with an innovative mindset.

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CEL Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program (ELF)

The Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program (ELF) provides leadership support, mentoring, and networking opportunities for early career leaders of language arts programs at the K-university levels.

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