Call for Proposals

We live in a time of exciting change and creative momentum in English Language Arts. Technology, evolving standards, and new ways of connecting with students open up fresh approaches to teaching. We ask:

• How can we design instruction that honors the voices and experiences of our students?
• How can we use the new Georgia ELA standards to support stronger learning outcomes?
• How can we nurture a love for reading, writing, speaking, and listening in every classroom?

We invite proposals that highlight innovative, relevant, and practical approaches to teaching ELA. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, preservice teacher, professor, retired educator, or literacy leader, your voice matters.

We especially encourage sessions that are interactive, hands-on, and foster meaningful discussion.

Session proposals are double-masked, peer-reviewed, and evaluated based on the significance of the topic, creativity and innovation, and potential engagement and usefulness for session participants. We recommend viewing the Tips for GCTE Proposals video before submitting your proposal. This video is designed to support you in creating a strong proposal that is more likely to be accepted. You can also view this sample proposal to guide your submission.

Finally, we recommend you make a copy of your proposal submission for your records. We do not have the capacity to replicate them for you.

A session proposal application requires (See “How to Submit” Section Below):

• a title (max 15 words),
• abstract (max 50 words), and
• description (max 350 words).

Proposal Topics May Include (but are not limited to):

• Multilingual instructional strategies and translanguaging practices
• Using student stories and experiences to deepen literacy learning
• Responsive and engaging teaching strategies
• Integrating technology to support reading, writing, and communication
• Exploring artificial intelligence in literacy instruction
• Applying Georgia’s new ELA standards with confidence
• Differentiating instruction for a wide range of learners
• Fostering reading and writing joy across grade levels
• Creative assessment strategies for literacy skills
• Building strong classroom and schoolwide literacy communities

3 Tips to Start Brainstorming

• Consider your instructional strengths. What do you do well that others might benefit from learning about?
• Think about what colleagues often ask you for help with. These are usually your hidden areas of expertise!
• Reflect on what visitors notice in your classroom. What makes others curious or inspired when they observe your teaching?