Planning to attend the National Council of Teachers of English conference in November? If so, be sure to check out all the graphic-novel content being offered at this year’s conference. So far, all the rooms these events are taking place in have yet to be announced; but you can use the information below to plan out your activities.

 
November 19
Session: A.46 - 9:30 am to 10:45 am
Format: Roundtable
Topic: Policy, Politics, and Social Justice
Level(s): Secondary (9-12), College/University
Title: RATIONALES FOR GRAPHIC NOVELS: BECAUSE LIVING LITERATE LIVES MEANS HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO!
Writers, including practicing teachers and teacher educators, for the upcoming resource 'Rationales for Graphic Novels' will book-talk specific graphic novel titles and share examples of rationales designed to help teachers, school librarians, and other stakeholders get them on the shelves and into the classroom via responsible, proactive measures.
 
Session: C.38 - 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm
Format: Panel
Topic: Literature
Level(s): Secondary (9-12)
Title: VAMPIRES, SUPERHEROES, AND A TALKING MAUS: EXPLORING LITERARY DEVICE AND CRITICAL THEORY IN GRAPHIC NOVELS
This unit introduces students to the concepts, terminology, literary devices, and themes present in graphic novels and familiarizes students with applicable literary criticism.
 
Session: E.34 - 4:00 pm to 5:15 pm
Format: Classroom Demonstration
Topic: Adolescent / Young Adult Literacy
Level(s): Middle (6-8), Secondary (9-12)

Title: BEYOND GRAPHIC NOVELTY: TRANSFORMING THE HYPE INTO POWERFUL PRACTICE 

Transcending the abstract promises of graphic novels as valuable literacy tools, this workshop aims to equip educators with a toolkit for using graphic novels in the classroom and to impart self-confidence in exploring a new path for engaging students in reading while meeting their learning needs.
 
November 20
Session: K.10 - 4:15 pm to 5:30 pm
Format: Panel
Topic: Writing
Level(s): General (proposals of interest at all instructional levels)
Title: THREE GENRES TEACHERS SHOULD KNOW MORE ABOUT: GRAPHIC NOVELS, MACHINIMA, FANFICTION 

(Sponsoring Group: National Writing Project)
What motivates learners to grapple with texts and communicate their ideas to a larger audience? Broadening our definition of text and audience and modeling effective communicative techniques for use in the real world by experimenting with alternative realities are ways to connect with students through a shared and active learning experience (teacher and student)that fosters enthusiasm and engagement. Three teachers will discuss ways of using graphic novels, machinima, and fanfiction in the classroom in order to motivate students to think, read, and write critically; foster classroom collaboration; and inspire civic engagement.
 
 
November 21
Session: L.28 - 8:30 am to 9:45 am
Format: Conversation
Topic: 21st-Century Literacy
Level(s): Middle (6-8), Secondary (9-12), College/University
 
Title: COMPOSING WITH IMAGES AND WORDS: CREATING A COMICS COMPOSING COMMUNITY WITH STUDENTS 

Reading graphic novels is increasingly discussed amongst teachers and students, but what about composing comics? This hands-on workshop will provide participants with theory and research in this area and discuss the classroom implications of asking students to create their own short comics. Participants will experiment with composing comics and reflect on their process and implications for classroom practice.
 
 
Session: M.03 - 11:30 am to 12:45 pm
Format: Panel
Topic: Popular Culture
Level(s): General (proposals of interest at all instructional levels)
Title: JOY, PURPOSE, AND LITERACY: A CASE FOR GRAPHIC NOVELS ACROSS THE CURRICULUM 

This panel will introduce ways to incorporate graphic novels across the curriculum with a focus on using graphic novels to push students toward literary analysis through the interpretation of visual elements of graphic novels. Classroom-tested lesson plans, handouts, and model student projects will be provided.
 
 
Session: M.21 - 11:30 am to 12:45 pm
Format: Panel
Topic: Literature
Level(s): Middle (6-8)
Title: PERSPECTIVES ON THE GRAPHIC NOVEL: MOVING BEYOND THE COMIC BOOK 

This session will provide the participants with food for thought on 'the what, the why, the how, and the who' of graphic novels, resources to support teaching and learning, along with an opportunity for discussion. Presenters will present various perspectives on graphic novels: library media perspective, publishing perspective, and an international and pedagogical outlook.
 
 
Session: M.36 - 11:30 am to 12:45 pm
Format: Panel
Topic: Writing
Level(s): College/University
Title: NEW APPROACHES TO THE TEACHING OF WRITING 

The panelists explore the use of graphic novels, student-compiled textbooks, and readings to support the teaching of writing.