National Council of Teachers of English

• 1. Founding And Early History

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  In 1911, a group of educators in Chicago, Illinois formed the English Round Table to address narrow school curricula. They sought a professional response to changing educational needs and values regarding English language instruction. A special committee emerged from this group to tackle problems arising from rigid approaches to teaching English. By 1919, the original investigatory committee had grown large enough to become such an organization. The NCTE maintained a divisional structure with separate groups for elementary, secondary, and postsecondary educators due to its open-door policy regarding membership.

• 2. Organizational Structure Evolution

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  By 1948, simple grade-level divisions proved inadequate, leading to the formation of the Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC). This new body addressed the specific needs of communication and composition teachers at university and community college levels. Membership grew dramatically during the second half of the twentieth century as new committees were formed. The organization eventually adopted a five-conference structure by the beginning of the twenty-first century. Today, members belong to four broad sections: Elementary, Middle, Secondary, or College, alongside various specialty groups.

• 3. Publications And Journals

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  NCTE publishes journals like College Composition and Communication and College English that address concerns of English language arts educators. Since the 1970s, it has issued annual Doublespeak Awards and Orwell Awards alongside the NCTE Intellectual Freedom Award. Teaching English in the Two-Year College was established in 1973 and covers topics including basic, first-year, and advanced composition. Ruth Shaw and Keats Sparson served as co-editors from 1974 to 1975 before other editors took over leadership roles. Howard Tinberg led the journal from 2001 to 2006 while Darin Jensen began his tenure in 2020.

• 4. Awards And Recognition Programs

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  The organization offers several awards for work consistent with its mission including Children's Book and Poetry Awards and Diversity Awards. Annual Doublespeak Awards highlight professional excellence and intellectual freedom through specific honors designed to challenge misuse of language. The Orwell Awards similarly recognize efforts to protect free expression within educational settings. Educator Awards and Leadership Awards honor individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to teaching standards. Research Awards and Student Writing Awards further celebrate contributions across various domains of English education.

• 5. Political Advocacy And Policy

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  NCTE engages in political issues primarily through the Steering Committee on Social and Political Concerns known as SLATE. This committee attempts to influence public attitudes and policy decisions affecting English language arts at local state and national levels. SLATE serves as NCTE's intellectual freedom network during debates over legislation like the No Child Left Behind Act. The group also manages banned book issues through initiatives such as Banned Books Week. Members speak out on reforms regarding acts like the Striving Readers Act which aims to improve literacy outcomes.

• 6. Committees On Social Issues

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  Three standing committees focus on censorship diversity and global citizenship within the teaching profession. The committee against censorship solicits reports of incidents from members and sources outside the Council to raise awareness of current patterns. It develops rationales for teaching controversial texts while exploring students' right to write all its implications. The committee on diversity and inclusivity advises NCTE on fostering equity among members based on race ethnicity sex gender identity age economic status physical ability and teaching circumstances. The committee on global citizenship promotes interest in global connections and instructional strategies for teachers of diverse student populations.