Context for the Vote

After consulting with NCTE and other affiliate leaders, we have learned that most State Affiliates will be in a "holding pattern" for the 2020-2021 school year due to the COVID uncertainty.  This means that they are unlikely to conduct or plan major business like conferences or larger in-person gatherings.  After having our own conference cancelled this past March, after months of work and planning, the ICTE Executive Board has decided to follow a similar "holding pattern" for next year, with the possibility that we may plan some small event if things change and if advisable according to health guidelines.
 
As such, the Executive Board will remain the same next year -- Mike Macaluso will stay on as President, Jeff Spanke as President-Elect, Laura Gellin as Immediate Past-President, Theresa Wampler as Recording Secretary, and Terri Suico as the Executive Treasurer.
 
Because we have two solid candidates for the President-Elect position, we would still like to hold the election with the intent that the winner of that election would join the Executive Board as Second President Elect this year.  This change will allow us to expand our Executive Board (something we've been wanting to do the past couple of years) and would provide the new, Second President Elect an opportunity to ease into the position, learn about the doings of the Affiliate, and meet members.  This person will assume the position of "President Elect" after this year and President the following year.  With this expanded Executive Board, we can better reach affiliate members through outreach opportunities like newsletter articles, social media, and video.

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Meet the Candidates

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Below are statements from the nominees on their experience in English language arts and education as well as their interest in being part of the ICTE Executive Committee.

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Voting will start on June 9 and go through June 16. Check your email on June 9 for ​instructions on how to vote and to access your secure voting link. 

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ICTE Nominees for President-Elect (in alphabetical order)

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Katherine Higgs-Coulthard

• Summary of experience in English education: As a life-long writer and dedicated teacher, my experience in English education has consistently focused on the power of language to give voice to our students. As a classroom teacher for South Bend Community Schools I taught kindergarten, third, and fifth grades where I consistently used literacy to build bridges among students from a variety of economic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Literacy has the potential to excite and engage students and this was particularly evident at Kennedy School, where I advocated for and advised the district’s first K-6 student-run newspaper. When my role shifted to educator preparation I continued my partnership with local schools, serving as a consultant to support writing teachers and helping to form a professional schools partnership between Beiger Elementary in Mishawaka and Saint Mary’s College. My position at Saint Mary’s allows me to facilitate literacy partnerships between current and future teachers, including a pen-pal program designed to foster positive attitudes toward writing, an annual teen writing conference, and a teaching practicum in Uganda focused on how culture impacts our definition of literacy. In addition to teaching at Saint Mary’s College I am a children’s author, the director of Michiana Writers’ Center, and an active member of NCTE and NWP (the National Writing Project).

• Statement of interest in the ICTE Executive Committee: Teaching can at times be an isolated endeavor. Professional organizations offer us the chance to come together to support one another, to advocate for our students and our profession, and to develop as educational leaders. As a former classroom teacher and current teacher educator, I have witnessed the power of professional organizations to lift up teacher voices, facilitate professional growth, and build connections within communities and across multiple contexts. I would like to help ICTE continue to leverage that power right here in Indiana.

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Karen Koch

• Summary of experience in English education: I am in my 14th year of teaching.  My experience ranges from 6th to 12th grade, including classes in English, speech, and drama, but focuses mainly on 7th and 8th grade English language arts.  I have developed new courses and mentored new and pre-service teachers.

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• Statement of interest in the ICTE Executive Committee: My passion lies in helping teachers and pre-service teachers to be the best educators they can be.  By providing high-quality professional development and a community of dedicated and like-minded teachers, ICTE can help impact so many classrooms and students throughout the state.  With well-considered and thoroughly planned conferences and resources, veteran teachers can be refreshed and can help provide inspiration and guidance to new and pre-service teachers.  I want to be a part of making that happen.