His grammar presentation at WCU highlighted Connie Weaver’s research and writing about teaching grammar. She find that sophisticated grammar is only developed in literacy-rich classrooms and that grammar taught in isolation actually seldom transfers to writing. Mr. Kelley showed younger teachers how they can still teach grammar through the writing process while catering to the developmental needs of each student.
His presentations at the Google Summit (first time ever on the East Coast) walked teachers from the D.C. and Maryland area how iPads and Chromebooks to provide students access to curation, publishing, and collaborative opportunities that never existed otherwise. Additionally, he shared how he uses the technology to secure mentors for his classroom--authors who share their experiences via Skype, Twitter, and Google Hangouts. He even had past CFPMS students join in the conversation with the teachers in the auditorium through a Google Hangout!
Currently, he is collaborating on a research-based article for English Journal with several well-known and published educators across the country: Gary Anderson, Cindy Minnich, Meenoo Rami, Sarah Andersen, and Luke Rodesiler.
In September, he will be presenting to a group of local teachers at the Pennsylvania Writing and Literature Project’s “Fall Saturday Seminar--Digital Literacy Conference” on September 28th.
Coming this spring, Mr. Kelley will be travelling to Nancy Atwell’s school in Maine, the Center for Teaching and Learning, to observe how literacy is taught and shared across their curriculum. He was granted the internship from among hundreds of applications. We look forward to his sharing what he learns with the staff as well as with his students.
