California Assoc of Teachers of English

Improve and assist the educational system and students of the educational system of the State of California; promote educational goals. "Uncovering Hidden Gems: 2024 CATE" was the theme of our Annual Convention of California Teachers of English held in Los Angeles this year with attendance of 853 teachers from all over the state. The keynote speaker Salome Agbaroji's poetry and the Poetry Jam were something new this year. Other topics included a new technique for note-taking, and a new way to approach the "controverial essay": "Navigating Hot topics, Teaching Students How to Write about Controversial Issues Objectively." The season began with a "flash Choir" singing "This is me" which was incredibly touching.Comment from attendee: "My journey through CATE 2024 was a dream. I went in nervous and excited to finally beat the "big kid" conference with all the "real" teachers. I am empowered to help my students discover their gems and I am inspired to help my colleagues find their flames again. I have uncovered my own hidden gem and I don't ever plan on letting myself be hidden away again."

Identify, study, and act upon important problems in the teaching of English and language arts. Awards and Scholarships, "cateweb.org", and publication of "California English", our quarterly magazine. Three scholarships were given this year: the Fristrom, Ried, and Henke Scholarships. "California English",edited by Carol Jago and published by the California Association of Teachers of English (CATE), has been chosen as a recipient of the 2024 NCTE Affiliate Journal of Excellence Award. "Themes of current and upcaoming issues are relevant to current issues in the field. Beautiful artwork throughout the journal."

Promote communication, cooperation, and educational knowledge among teachers of English and language arts. Board and Council Meetings, Precision Assembly, and Committees.We had 4 Board meetings and an annual business meeting this year. The Leadership Committee worked on the CATE bylaws and policies regarding elections and continue to work with the Leadership/Membership Committee to update and create policies to help support the requirements of the bylaws. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee hosted a BIOPOC infinity space that was a huge success. Teachers who have been marginalized felt heard and respected.