2024 ICTE Fall Conference

English teachers are constantly competing in what many call “the attention economy” to get students to look and listen so they can learn. In this keynote, Jim Burke will discuss attention as it relates to teaching in general and English in particular. But the threats to attention are not limited to just our students: teachers themselves frequently struggle to capture and keep their own attention. In this session, participants will examine what attention is, how it works, and what we can do to help students (and teachers) protect and develop this precious and limited resource. In addition, teachers will learn how to apply key aspects of attention to improve their students’ reading, writing, speaking, and learning skills. As part of the session, participants will examine their own classrooms, assignments, and instructional choices to find ways they might better “compete” for and keep students’ attention. bit.ly/ICTEkeynote

Teaching has always demanded much from those who are committed to their students’ learning, success, and well-being; we do not, however, always take care of our own well-being when it comes to juggling the personal and professional demands on our time, attention, and energy. This session will focus on how to help you not just endure but enjoy your work, not just survive but thrive in your classroom and life outside of school. In this session, Jim Burke will share a range of resources and strategies from his latest book Teaching Better Day by Day: A Planner to Support Your Instruction, Well-Being, and Professional Learning. It is these resources and habits, developed over the course of many years, that enabled him to so enjoy his work in the classroom for thirty-five years and which he will share with you so that you can do the same. bit.ly/ICTEbewellhandouts bit.ly/ICTEteachwell