For a few years I have sighed every November when it seems like every literacy genius that I follow have headed to NCTE and then shared all about it. For a few years I have thought that maybe I would go, but then when it comes to be time, there never seemed to be enough time. And so I haven’t. And I have been fine, but boy ,have I felt like I was missing out.
So thanks to the amazing Lynda Mullaly Hunt who thought that maybe we should propose a session on the Global Read Aloud. Thanks to all of my amazing Nerdy Book Club friends who told me that this was the best conference ever, thanks to my district for believing fervently in professional development, and thanks to Skype for believing in me and the GRA, this is the year I get to go. And I am counting down the days like it is a countdown to Christmas.
So where will I be?
On Friday, I get to be on a panel with Franki Sibberson, Ruth Ayres, Bill Bass, Ann Marie Corgill, Katie Muhtaris, Katherine Hale, Colby Sharp, and Kristin Ziemke. Yup, I am so honored to be presenting along these amazing minds on Keeping Reading Authentic and Student-Centered with Technology at 11 AM.
Later that day, I get to do my 3rd ever Ignite. And I am nervous; how can you not be when you only get 5 minutes to share what you are passionate about? But at 2:30, I am going to try.
Saturday at 8 AM, it is then to the session that started it all; The Global Read Aloud. I will be the one pinching herself when I get to sit with Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Sharon Draper, Kate Messner, Jenni Holm, and Katherine Applegate, as well as Michelle Kedzierksi as we talk about the project and more importantly the community that it creates.
Now for some reason none of these come up with my name in the app, which actually feels rather symbolic, after all, I cannot believe that I get to go. I cannot believe that I get to learn and be inspired finally at this conference.But trust me, they are happening, I will be there, and I will be grinning from ear to ear.
So if you see me, and I look pretty much like me, please say hi. Please tell me which book you are reading, tell me what you’re up to. I will be the one amazed at simply being there, surrounded by so much passion.
Pernille Ripp 
Have fun, Pernille! I will have to miss it again this year. Maybe next year. But thanks for creating the GRA. I have enjoyed it with my class for the last three years. This year we read Fish In A Tree and the students loved it. They did some blogging and tweeting about it and had many laughs when we read it. Thanks again! Ellen
Dear Pernilleripp,
Have a great time! You deserve it! I am so glad that I was introduced to the GRA this year. My students have been so inspired and I have too! It’s created a ripple effect and it is amazing! Thank you again,
Tara Gonzalez
I am so excited and hope to meet you. I haven’t figured out how one is suppose to eat at this conference. There is something great every minute. I posted my presentation and schedule here: https://reflectionsontheteche.wordpress.com/2015/11/15/ncte-2015-do-you-want-to-vox/
I did a Voxer group for GRA and have opened one for NCTE15. Would love for you to join us. You are like our hero, you know.
I won’t be there, but I KNOW your input and ignite talk will be exactly what everyone needs to hear. Your words were very affirming for me at NerdCampMI in July.
Sounds great! I wish I were going!