Thomas McCann is an assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction with Elmhurst Public Schools. He has taught English in a variety of school settings: four high schools, two colleges, and three universities. Tom has published articles in English Journal, Educational Leadership, and many more. With Peter Smagorinsky and Stephen Kern he is coauthor of Explorations: Introductory Activities for Literature and Compositions, 7-12. He teamed with Larry Johannessen for two books, including Supporting Beginning English Teachers: Research and Implications for Teacher Induction (NCTE 2005) and Talking in Class: Using Discussion to Enhance Teaching and Learning (NCTE 2006).
View Thomas McCann's Resume/Vita, Publications and Workshops.
Level: 6-16
- Teaching Writing
- Classroom Discussion
- Inquiry Learning
- Concerns and Support for Beginning Teachers
- Team Teaching
Supporting Beginning Teachers through Critical Junctures
Audience: 6–12 Teachers and Leaders; English Education Instructors and Supervisors
The workshop examines research about the major concerns of beginning teachers and their strategies for successfully coping with challenging episodes in teaching. Workshop discussion focuses on ways that schools and teacher preparation programs can work together to support new teachers in navigating a series of critical junctures in the early stages of their career.
A Structured Process Approach to the Teaching of Writing
Audience: 6–12 Teachers
The workshop offers ways teachers can design writing instruction that will allow students to learn about writing processes while they produce works that are readable. Through the use of several sample activities, the consultant will model what could be called a structured process approach to the teaching of writing.
The Discussion-Based Classroom as a Key to High Achievement
Audience: 6–12 Teachers
The workshop will reveal strategies for inviting and facilitating authentic discussion in the English classroom. The workshop activities will illustrate how engagement in authentic discussion helps students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work with challenging texts and complex writing assignments.
Teaming to Teach: Learning and Growing through Collaboration
Audience: 6–12 Teachers and Leaders; English Education Instructors and Supervisors
The workshop reveals a model of teacher preparation and teacher practice that encourages collaboration and interdependence. The participants will examine an alternative to conventional student teaching and will share a plan for moving practitioners away from isolation and toward community.