Grow With KATE's Spring Socials

From left to right: Deborah McNemee, Nathan Whitman, Shayn Guillemette

by Nathan Whitman, KATE President

​On January 14th, educators from the Kansas Association of Teachers of English (KATE) gathered at Reverie Roasters in downtown Wichita for a casual chat, friendship, and some shop talk. The meeting, which was held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, provided an opportunity for educators to catch up with each other and discuss their current years. The group discussed life changes they were experiencing and shared what they were currently reading.

One of the main topics of discussion was literature, and several novels were mentioned, including Jason Reynold's Long Way Down and Jaqueline Woodson's Brown Girl Dreaming. These novels, both written in verse, were praised for their powerful storytelling and thought-provoking themes. The group also discussed ways to diversify the texts they were using in the classroom, mentioning novels such as Refugee by Alan Gratz and Jackpot by Nic Stone.

The social was organized by KATE Vice President and Membership Chair, Shayn Guillemette, who expressed his hope that the small turnout was just the beginning of greater things to come. "We have to start somewhere," he said. Deb McNemee of Andover Public Schools, also attended the social, as did KATE President Nathan Whitman.

Despite a small turnout, the group is optimistic for the March social on the 25th at the Artichoke in Wichita.