ALAMOSA – The Adams State University English and Communication Department will host Middle and High School English Teachers’ Conference from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 5, in McDaniel Hall 101. Kurt Hostetter, instructional advisor, will keynote the event and three Adams State alumni will present on best practices in their own classrooms.

The conference is open to all K-12 teachers, college instructors, and all Adams State faculty.

Hostetter, an experienced classroom instructor, works with teachers, departments, and staff to create positive, fun, and productive professional development. He knows the importance of instructors leaving a meeting or PD day feeling prepared and energized to teach. Hostetter has developed concrete and creative approaches to core English curriculum that translate to any grade level (or content area). His methods simplify the complexity of reading, writing, and thinking in the “English classroom way” and make them more approachable for all levels of students. He is a recipient of the Boettcher teacher recognition award, an AP Lit reader, a new teacher mentor for the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI), and a content specialist for the Colorado Education Initiative (CEI). Hostetter also has his own consulting firm where he partners with English teachers, departments, and district personnel. He has an English degree from the University of Colorado and a master’s in education from Lesley University.

An opportunity for English teachers to earn 1/2 credit will be available. Requirement for credit: attend conference: reflect on sessions attended, and submit a lesson plan. Reflections and lesson plan will be due by May 3. Rubric for assignment will be available on conference day.

All registration costs covered by Adams State and a light breakfast and lunch provided for all participants.

Attendees may register for the free conference on the day of the event, April 5, or by visiting adams.edu/academics/undergraduate/english/conference. Call 719-587-7862 for papers on best classroom practices or for more information.