Central Texas Writing Project hosts 12th Annual Teachers Conference

By Alec Jennings
University News Service
September 22, 2009

Kindergarten through 12th grade literacy instructors and future teachers are invited to Texas State University-San Marcos for the 12th annual Teachers Conference Oct. 3 at the Alkek Library teaching theatre.

Providing the key note address will be Jeff Anderson, San Antonio high school teacher and author of Mechanically Inclined as well as other influential books regarding the instruction of writing. Lori Assaf, director of the Central Texas Writing Project and associate professor in the Department of Curriculum Instruction, said Anderson's experience as a teacher in central Texas and his innovative methods for teaching writing made him an excellent choice to address the convention.

"Nationally, he is well known for teacher education and writing instruction and he finds some really creative ways of teaching grammar," Assaf said. "Moreover, Texas standards (TEKS) have changed this year with a heavier focus on grammar. His experience teaching Texas standards will be an excellent perspective to address this conference."

Sponsored by the Central Texas Writing Project along with funding from the university, Texas State students will be able to attend the conference free of charge. Pre-registration for attendees will be $40 with a $50 registration fee for attendees signing up at the event. Registration is scheduled to begin 8:30 a.m. at the Alkek Teaching Theatre lobby with the conference set to begin at 9 a.m.

Other sessions at the conference will include digital story telling for English language learners, writing using mentor texts as models, helping reluctant writers, and social action through writing about culture.

For questions regarding this event or registration information, please call (512) 245-3680.