In Katherine Ramsey's own words:
"My mother was a French professor at SMU for 41 years, so it is not surprising that I inherited her passion for learning. I grew up surrounded by books and stimulating intellectual conversations. Early in life I became fascinated by the power of story. Even though I grew up as an only child, I never remember being lonely because I could always become involved in a good book. After twenty-one years in junior high and middle school classrooms in both public and private schools, I still find it hard to believe, although I do know it is true, that any child cannot love reading as much as I do.
I grew up in Dallas, Texas, and received my undergraduate degree in English from SMU. After teaching in Dallas; Pittsfield, Massachusetts; and Houston; I moved to Austin where I continued teaching middle school. The close proximity of the University of Texas motivated me to return to school for a graduate degree in curriculum and instruction. Now I am back in Houston and firmly planted in the middle, teaching sixth and eighth grade and serving as the curriculum coordinator for language arts, grades 6-8, at my small, independent school. When I am not teaching school, I enjoy traveling with my husband of 37 years, visiting with our two sons and their families, or hanging out with my favorite Yorkshire terrier, Penny."
What motivated you to volunteer for NCTE service?
It was a combination of things. Teachers who mentored me early in my career told me that joining NCTE was a "must do" in my professional life, so I did. I discovered that my mentors were right. Since those early days I have considered NCTE my professional and intellectual home. However, I only "knew" NCTE through the English Journal, Notes Plus, and The Idea Factory. After I attended my first national convention in 1991, I became interested in a more active role in NCTE. Friends nominated me to be on the advisory board of the Junior High/Middle School Assembly. I was honored to be chosen and delighted to serve.
What has kept you interested in volunteering your time over the years?
Of course, NCTE has been intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding, but what has really kept me involved has been my deep commitment to the wonderful friends I've made. They are teachers who have dedicated their careers and lives to enriching the lives of our children. What a wonderful legacy they are creating! I cannot overemphasize how much being a part of this community has enriched my life.
What does your current role entail?
Currently I serve on the Advisory Board of the English Journal and am an ex-officio member of the search committee for the new editor of Voices from the Middle.
What key roles have you played and what did you find most satisfying in carrying them out?
I have been the Program Chair and Chair of the Junior High/Middle School Assembly, Chair of the Secondary Section Nominating Committee, Associate Chair of the Secondary Section, Chair of the Middle Level Section Advisory Committee, Chair of the Middle Level Section, and have served twice on the Executive Committee. It was very satisfying to represent the voice of the middle level classroom teacher and to ensure that the middle level was equitably represented in our organization. Middle level teachers and teacher educators have a vital and unique place in the educational community. Those irrepressible, energetic, creative middle school students require an equally creative and energetic educator.
What satisfactions do you derive from volunteering?
I feel that I am giving back part of what so many others have given to me. I can now be a mentor to other teachers in much the same way that my NCTE colleagues have been mentors to me.
Why would you recommend volunteering to another NCTE member?
To paraphrase Jim Burke, as a volunteer committed to attending every convention and spring conference, I became a part of the "Great Conversation." Being a volunteer has allowed me not only to benefit from the experience and knowledge of other educators and learners; it has allowed me to be an integral part of the chain.
How or has your affiliation with NCTE improved your professional development and career?
I have access to the best resource for information and expertise in my field that I can possibly have. I've been more active at the national level recently, but our local affiliates are a wonderful entry point for those who are interested in becoming active volunteers. We in the Houston area are especially fortunate. Not only do we have an outstanding state affiliate, Texas Council of Teachers of English Language Arts, but we also have three very active affiliates in our big city: North Harris Council of Teachers of English, West Houston Council of Teachers of English, and Houston Council of Teachers of English.
Do you have a favorite NCTE publication?
Voices from the Middle and English Journal are co-favorites. I cannot imagine a better magazine for Middle Level teachers than Voices. First Linda Rief and Maureen Barbieri and now Kylene Beers have done a superb job of growing that journal. My affection for EJ goes back to my earliest teaching days when it was the only magazine with articles for middle-level language arts educators.
What is the one book, article, or professional development experience you would recommend to other educators?
The professional development experience that I would recommend to other educators is going to and participating in the Annual Convention of NCTE on a yearly basis over a sustained period of time. It's wonderful to go even to one convention, but for the experience really to be considered professional development - the kind that stretches one's imagination, grows new habits, bonds one to a community of peers, and transforms classrooms - it takes time and commitment.
How has being part of an educational community like NCTE improved your abilities as a teacher and as a leader?
Being a part of an educational community like NCTE has expanded my vision as an educator. I've been able to bring the latest and best in researched-based practice to my own classroom because of my involvement in NCTE. I've had an opportunity to design and present professional development in the schools in which I've taught based on the presentations I've attended and given at NCTE conferences and conventions. In my own school setting, I'm better prepared to serve as the curriculum coordinator for grades 6-8 and as a team leader because of the experience I've had chairing various committees within NCTE.
For more information about volunteering with NCTE, please visit www.ncte.org/about/over/vol.
