Portrait of a Volunteer

Jacquelyn Harris

Jacquelyn Harris is K–12 Communication Arts Instruction Curriculum Coordinator for the Normandy School District in St. Louis, Missouri. Throughout her 41 years in education, she has taught first through tenth grades and has served in many other teaching and administrative capacities.

What is your volunteer involvement with NCTE?

I am currently a consultant to the Advisory Committee of People of Color, a committee I chaired some years ago.

What keeps you motivated to volunteer?

I am motivated to continue my involvement with NCTE because it is important that I keep abreast of the latest information regarding teaching and learning English/language arts. I also believe that all voices need to be heard as related to education in a multicultural/multiethnic society.

Can you describe a current volunteer role you have with the Council; what does it entail?

Currently I am a consultant to the Advisory Committee of People of Color where I participate in meetings and actions that impact the recognition and involvement of people in the Council. We also address the issues that are often overlooked by the general population, often to the exclusion of the voices of people of color, African American, in particular.

What satisfactions do you derive from volunteering?

I feel that I am part of making a change in the make-up and actions of the Council. Issues are discussed in the Black Caucus that enhance my knowledge, growth, and actions.

I would recommend that people get involved in the Council in order to facilitate change and improve their knowledge base regarding the teaching and learning of English/language arts.

What do you find most useful from among NCTE's professional development offerings of books, journals, conventions, programs, services, etc.?

I have attended the Convention for many years and I think the opportunity to interact with my peers has been most rewarding.

For more information about . . .	Visit . . .
Advisory Committee of People of Color	http://www.ncte.org/about/gov/commit/106940.htm
Black Caucus	http://www.ncte.org/groups/caucuses/black

For more information about volunteerism at NCTE, visit http://www.ncte.org/about/over/vol