I'm trying to contact some human being to ask a question about the conference.  I thought you might be the person.  I was wondering why there is no discounted price for adjunct faculty and/or a discount for not eating the lunch?  For us poor folks down in SW Michigan.  My email is jordanc@lakemichigancollege.edu

thanks,

 

Yea, I opened it in Explorer and it worked like a charm. I'll certainly spread the word and offer free rides to any LMWP teachers interested in joining me. And this time I'll try to remember to bring the LCD projector I promised to contribute...

Robert,

I posted an item in "Discussion" on my page, inviting people to come to my session. Can you also circulate my invitation? Here it is:

Dear MCTE Members,

As you know, I will be doing two sessions at MCTE's Autumn Assembly. If you've had a chance to read American Indians in Children's Literature, you know that I am quite critical of some of the classics in children's literature. Reading what I say, for example, about Little House on the Prairie might make you uneasy or uncomfortable. You may feel your defenses rise, because, it may seem as though I might label you a racist for not seeing what I see when I read the book.

I'm writing today to say that I'm often uncomfortable, too. Though we have some of the finest schools in the world, we also have glaring gaps, bias, even racist material in what we're teaching. I don't want you to feel guilty for any of this because, a lot of what we "know" is what we were taught by people we trust: our own teachers and our parents.

All of us are products of our American society. Just walking out the door each day, we are taught something or other about this or that people. I've made some terrific missteps about Asian Americans for one, and African Americans, too! I felt deeply embarrassed and ashamed when I realized my error(s). Then I remind myself that that misstep is an opportunity to do something different next time... I know that teachers are basically good, caring people passing along information that was given to us by other good, caring people.

From that position, I will talk about depictions of American Indians in the books you use with children in your schools. I hope you come to one of my sessions, and that you find it helpful---even if it is unsettling or uncomfortable.

I hope to see you soon!
Debbie

check your email!

Hello professor- I would love to be accepted to the MCTE even though I am still an undergraduate because I am involved in writing a grant for a possible Grand Rapids MCTE conference. Thank you,
Luke Luginbill

Hi Rob,

Kathy Morcom just started a ning for the MSU student affiliate. Will send you the link, which she sent me on Facebook.

Thanks for all your help this week.
Mary Anna :-)

Good morning, Robert! I took your great advice and started the "Book Corner" forum. Let me know what you think. Hopefully, some other authors will join. One thing I noticed was the hyperlink function didn't seem to work when I wrote my discussion comment. Thanks for starting this site. Neat!
Have a great day!
Wendy Byard
wendybyard.com

Hi Robert:
Great idea! How would I start "Book Corner" so that other teachers felt free to add their books to the ongoing discussion? I wouldn't want it to be just my corner. :)