USI students present at National Council of Teachers of English convention

Four USI students—Alex Dixon, Alicia Boarman, Abi Carrero and Megan Morrison—and Dr. Janell Pycior, Assistant Professor of Education, recently traveled to the National Council of Teachers of English national convention in Denver, Colorado, where the students delivered a presentation on the topic, "Through the Eyes of Preservice Teachers: Creating a Culturally Relevant and Inclusive Reading Environment." 

The intent of the presentation was to showcase how preservice teachers in a teacher preparatory program are using the Hierarchy of Intent, a six-step framework, to create culturally relevant and inclusive reading environments. Through diverse literature, student voice, critical thinking and community engagement, the four students explained how this model equips future educators to foster equitable, engaging classrooms that connect students to the world. 

The conference welcomed 8,000 attendees and included more than 1,000 presentation panels. Dixon, Boarman, Carrero and Morrison also had the opportunity to meet with children's author Jewell Parker Rhodes.