The Tour of TYCA kicks off today, on TYCA’s 15th Anniversary, with a brief history of National TYCA by Jeff Andelora. The good work happening in each region merits a broader audience, and TYCA members nationwide can benefit from the experiences and expertise of their fellow TYCA members. The is an opportunity for cross-regional sharing and discussion, and with the broad range of session topics and types, there is something for everyone. You can access the tour from either the TYCA Homepage or the TYCA Connected Community page. Click the "read more" link at the bottom of this message to see the schedule for dates each region will be showcased.

Take the Tour of TYCA!

From Carolyn Calhoon-Dillahunt, TYCA Chair

The Tour of TYCA features highlights from each of the 2011 regional conferences—PowerPoints, videos, handouts, etc. from sessions that were particularly well-received and are broadly applicable. Pick up strategies for teaching online or using Jing as a commenting tool. Learn more implementing the Framework for Success in Postsecondary Writing. Hear what students have to say about teacher comments. Get some fresh ideas for classroom activities and assignments. Address issues that face two-year college instructors nationwide, such as basic writing and accelerated learning programs, college completion initiatives, or dual credit/concurrent enrollment.

The Tour of TYCA kicks off on National TYCA's official "birthday"; TYCA turns 15 years old on November 25, 2011, and the first event is a TYCA history lesson. In the two weeks following, the Tour will showcase sessions from one of our seven regions each day. (Schedule of "release" dates.) It will conclude with the voices of TYCA leaders discussing TYCA's past, present, and future. Throughout the Tour, view session highlights and ask questions of the presenters or engage in discussion with fellow colleagues online. Each featured session will be available on the National TYCA Connected Community and will remain on the site in case you miss a day of the Tour or want to revisit a presentation or supporting materials at a later date.

Join us for this inaugural event! Celebrate the work of your two-year college colleagues! Learn from and share with other two-year college English teachers across the nation. The Tour begins November 25.

To learn more about TYCA: http://www.ncte.org/tyca.

Welcome! TYCA-Pacific Northwest is part of the College Section of the National Council of Teachers of English. We remain committed to our original purposes:

• to provide professional activities for teachers in two-year colleges of the Pacific Northwest region;
• to sponsor an annual conference on the teaching of English in two-year colleges in the region;
• to encourage research, study and writing by teachers in two-year colleges (see links at our resources page);
• to recognize excellence in teaching, we invite nominations for the Lisa Ede Teaching Excellence Award; two faculty, one full-time and one adjunct, may receive this award each year, which includes a cash grant of $500.

As the fastest-growing of the seven regions of the TYCA, we welcome your interest and invite your membership in the organization.

Jeffrey Klausman and Dodie Forrest
Co-Chairs, Regional Executive Committee