Call for Presentations

NMSA's Symposium on Middle Level Teacher Preparation
Las Vegas, Nevada, April 24-25, 2009

Presentations are invited on the following strands

Excellence in Teaching
We invite proposals that will describe excellent teaching models for middle level teacher preparation. What are the most effective methods and programs for teaching middle level teacher candidates content, pedagogy and dispositions? How do excellent middle level teacher preparation programs align with NMSA / NCATE standards? How do programs ensure that their candidates develop a depth and breadth in two content areas? How should field and clinical experiences be designed to best prepare middle level teachers?

Excellence in Service
Middle Grades teacher preparation faculty are committed to providing professional service and are usually encouraged to do so for promotion and tenure. One purpose of this symposium is to provide the opportunity for you to network with your peers from across and beyond the United States. How can middle level teacher educators collaborate with schools and districts to enhance programs for young adolescents? What are excellent models of professional development for middle level teachers? How can middle level teacher educators serve the profession at the state and national level? What models and opportunities exist for the development of special projects and external funding in order to enhance middle level teacher preparation?

Excellence in Scholarship
A growing body of research on teacher preparation and young adolescent development provides a knowledge base that informs our teaching. This symposium will not only give you the opportunity enhance your own knowledge of cutting edge research, but also will provide a forum for your own scholarly work. What does current research tell us about young adolescents’ cognitive, social and emotional development? What does research tell us about student success and engagement in middle level schools and success in high school? How does research inform the preparation of middle level teachers? What opportunities exist for scholarly publications related to middle level education? How can we collaborate to find answers to our research questions?

Deadline
Presentation applications must be received by September 30, 2008.
Submit online or send one copy of both pages of your application by fax or mail.

Please Note: Selections for concurrent sessions will be made by December 1, 2008.

Welcome

Middle level teacher preparation professionals and state education personnel will be convening April 24-25, 2009 to share, explore, discuss, and plan steps to strengthen middle level teacher preparation programs. This symposium, designed specifically to address their unique needs and experiences, will be an important opportunity for all.

Please consider submitting a proposal to present and share your knowledge, programs, research, and practices with teacher preparation colleagues from across the nation.

Submission Information

Session Length: All sessions will be 90 minutes.
Deadline: National Middle School Association must receive your completed application from this Call for Presentations by September 30, 2008 in order to consider it for acceptance.

Guidelines for Completing the Application

All information must be typewritten in the space provided on the application form. Handwritten abstracts and descriptions will not be accepted. The abstract/description page may be electronically reproduced. Do not add additional lines to the form or attach supplemental materials. The Program Review Committee will consider only the information contained within the space provided. Presenters may not submit more than two proposals or include themselves as a co-presenter on more than two proposals (a total of four proposals). Applications must be received by September 30, 2008. You may complete this application online at www.nmsa.org or fax it to 614-895-4750.

Application

Narrative sections of the application must be clear, concise, and contain all of the information requested on the form. Applications that contain negative references based on ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, or beliefs will not be considered. Please make sure the title reflects the content of the session. NMSA reserves the right to edit program book descriptions and titles for clarity and/or space limitations.