MIDDLE LEVEL EXPERIENCE
Search the online database of sessions to begin planning your 2024 NCTE Annual Convention schedule!
There is so much happening in the Middle Level at NCTE.
From Section-specific events to a thoughtfully chosen program, you’ll notice an energized focus on crafting sessions that speak to the complexities of teaching students in the middle grades and bringing leading authors and educators to the podium. Discover new ideas, new tools, and new friends!
What kinds of sessions can I attend?
Throughout the Convention there are nearly 600 sessions designated of interest to middle level educators, but you’ll find plenty of interest at other levels as well. Among the topics are the following:
• Graphic Novels and Social Justice: Teachers’ Stories of Heart, Hope, and Humanity
• Mental Health Literacy and ELA: Using Books to Normalize Conversation
• Huddles, Hoops, and Home Runs: How Sporty Books Reach Students’ Hearts and Remind Us of Our Common Humanity
• Making Poetry Meaningful to Students
• Nature Writing Made Personal through Wonder Essays
• Collaborative Crafting: Building Efficacy through Process Writing
• Books Build Bridges: Using YA Literature to Support Social-Emotional Learning
• Ensuring Equity in English Language Arts Classrooms
• Middle School Book Clubs: Reading about and Discussing Relevant Issues Our Students Struggle with on a Daily Basis
• Empowering Critical Literacy: Exploring Censorship, Consent, and Student Rights in the Classroom
• Using Historical Verse Novels to Inspire Heart, Hope, and Humanity
• Beyond Grades: Crafting Competency in Middle School Education
Middle Level favorites:
MIDDLE LEVEL MEET-UP: Kick off your Convention experience with this gathering of middle level attendees that features speakers and the chance to hear from Section leaders.
Thursday, Nov. 21, 5:30–7:00 P.M.
ALAN at NCTE: Hear from a popular author Ellen Oh during this much-loved ALAN Breakfast event on Saturday, Nov. 23, 7:00–9:15 a.m. If you’re looking for even deeper immersion in YA lit, you might enjoy the ALAN Workshop, Monday–Tuesday, Nov. 25–26. Every registrant will get a box of books! Both of these events can be added when you register for the Convention.
MIDDLE LEVEL LUNCHEON: This event will feature keynote speakers Ruta Sepetys & Steve Sheinkin, award presentations, and announcements from leaders of the Middle Level Section.
Friday, Nov. 22, 11:30 A.M.–1:30 P.M.
#MakersInTheMiddle is a series of incredible learning experiences on the program. This year’s sessions include:
• Through the Eyes of an Author and a Teacher: Transforming Students’ Stories beyond the Page
• Level Up Humanity with Games: Playing Games for Joy and Literacy in the Middle Grades
• Finding Hope in Middle Grade Literature—The Middle Level Mosaic
• Social Awareness and Change through Community Writing and Indigenous Storytelling
• Creating a HeARTful Community: Infusing ELA, Art and Activism to Promote Student Voices