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August 2007 Dear WSCTE Members: Taking the helm of WSCTE from the very dedicated and wise leadership of John Trombold, I can't help but feel a bit of trepidation as I ask the critical question, "Is there a need for a professional organization for English Language Arts educators in Washington State?" My conviction is yes. Organizations focused around content are essential in the professional lives of teachers, both on the state and national level. With the many demands of standards, tests, methods, vast content, and, most importantly, varied student needs, teachers of English need a professional organization as a place to keep grounded in the reality, not the "buzz" of language arts instruction. We need a place to gather, share, explore, voice, advocate, research, serve, and laugh with others who share the passions, struggles and joys of our profession. Teacher organizations established around a specific discipline are one of the strongest ways for this to happen. There is a time to work with the whole- teachers in all content and levels- to establish continuity, but there is also a time to work with the parts. Language Arts teachers need to work with each other and at times even more specifically with those teaching similar classes and levels because the details of our discipline make a difference for us and for our students. To facilitate our organization, WSCTE has developed a strong electronic format that expands each year. This fall we are working to revitalize our membership. In order to do this and to shape our plans as we continue to grow, we are taking a survey of members and of English teachers in the state. www.wscte.org/survey We are also setting up a blog to discuss the role of WSCTE and are holding membership meetings to discuss the issue further. The possibilities for our electronic organization are endless, but we continue take deliberate steps and not get overwhelmed by possibilities and lose focus. It is important to remember, that electronics do not replace our face-to-face encounters; they support them. The desired result is for members to be better connected to resources and information but mostly to each other for we are our best resource. Electronics are just the tool for making that happen. Finally, to answer on a more personal level the question, "Is there a need for state level professional organizations?" My answer is yes, absolutely yes. Years ago while attending a WSCTE conference as a much younger teacher, I was casually talking with a veteran teacher who told me, "I can't imagine not attending a conference like this. Even after all these years, this is where I get my enthusiasm. The people and the ideas give me the boost I need for the short term and the endurance I need for the long run." As I have added up the years, I have found this to be true as well. And so, that will be my mantra for my turn as president---to facilitate the continued rejuvenation of WSCTE as a place for Washington State English/Language Arts teachers to get a boost for the short term and endurance for the long run in order to make a difference in the lives of our students. Please join us and get involved! www.wscte.org/getinvolved Onward, Molly Berger
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