Center for English Teaching

05/27/2026

The Spring Banquet is one of our favorite events of the year. It is a time to celebrate the English teaching community in Western New York — honoring the brilliant teachers who are just beginning their careers and the legends who have paved the way for exceptional English education.
We also celebrate the mentors who have guided our brightest and best through student teaching, as well as the student teachers who have completed their placements and represented Buffalo State with excellence.
We are incredibly proud of everyone who received awards and grateful to all who continue to show up for and support our community.
Always remember:

05/19/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 award winners recognized for their dedication to students, literacy, leadership, and social justice across Western New York and beyond.

Early Career English Teacher Award
Alexis McTigue — Lancaster Middle School
Recognized for her creativity, energy, and commitment to engaging middle school learners through innovative projects and meaningful classroom experiences.

Mid-Career English Teacher Award
Jessica Phillips — Elmwood Village Charter School
Honored for her leadership in antiracist and culturally relevant pedagogy, mentorship of educators, and advocacy for meaningful English education across WNY.

Lifetime Achievement in English Teaching Award
Jeanne Skotnicki — West Seneca West Senior High School
Celebrated for more than two decades of impactful teaching, mentorship, collaboration, and leadership in English education.

Administrative Leadership in Support of English Language Arts Award
Danielle Womack — Math, Science, & Technology Preparatory High School
Recognized for transformational leadership, student-centered school improvement, and unwavering support of meaningful English teaching.

EESA Inspirational Teacher Award
Dean Bavisotto — Sweet Home High School
Honored for inspiring students and future educators through compassionate teaching, advocacy, and dedication to student success.

Alumni Award
Professor Kevin Starr
Celebrated for 47 years of service as an educator, mentor, coach, and supporter of Buffalo State English Education.

Community Award
Will McCourt
Recognized for his advocacy, leadership, and commitment to equitable education, social justice, and sustaining Buffalo State’s English Education community.

Thank you to all of this year’s honorees for the lasting impact you continue to make in classrooms, schools, and communities.

05/14/2026

On Friday, May 1st, more than 500 attendees, including students, families, and educators gathered at Buffalo State for a celebration of student voice, creativity, and advocacy. Hosted by the Western New York Network of English Teachers through the Center for English Teaching, the conference showcased powerful work from students in grades 5–12 across the Buffalo-Niagara region.
The day featured an inspiring keynote from award-winning author Angie Thomas, sponsored by Buffalo Public Schools’ Office of Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Initiatives. Students then shared presentations and creative projects exploring topics such as social justice, identity, cultural heritage, socioeconomic issues, and the environment.
From spoken word poetry and podcasts to digital storytelling, musical performances, and research presentations, students demonstrated the power of youth voices to educate, inspire, and create change. The day concluded with a celebratory luncheon for all participants and attendees.
Congratulations to everyone who made this year’s newly trademarked Youth Voices Conference such a meaningful success! 💙👏

05/08/2026

03/11/2026

Tickets still available for the March 21st Meat Raffle!

03/11/2026

Tickets are still available for our annual Meat Raffle on March 21st. Come and join these fine English Education folks to support the meaningful teaching of English in the Buffalo Niagara region.

03/06/2026

Quick WNYNET Meat Raffle update — the VIP tables are officially SOLD OUT.

But don’t worry… the real VIPs have just arrived.

We’re thrilled to announce that Anatomy and Chevon Davis of Divas Who will be emceeing the night, bringing the glam, the laughs, and the main-stage energy to one of WNYNET’s most anticipated events of the year.

Join us Saturday, March 21 at the Buffalo Irish Center.
Doors open at 6 PM and the first spin hits at 7 PM, with DJ TooTall spinning all night long.

Along with the meat raffle, the night will also feature:
• Silent Auction
• Wine Raffle
• 50/50 Drawings

Tickets are $15 and include free beer and wine (no outside alcohol).
Coming with a group? Tables of 8 are $100.

Pay via Venmo or send a check payable to WNYNET to:
309 Ketchum Hall, Buffalo State
1300 Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14222

VIP tables may be gone — but the show is just getting started.

02/19/2026

This is not just a meat raffle. This is THE event of the year.

The WNYNET Meat Raffle returns Saturday, March 21 at the Buffalo Irish Center, and it’s bringing spectacle, sound, and serious main-stage energy.

Doors will open at 6 PM, and the first spin hits at 7 PM.

This year’s event will be hosted by the incredible Drag Queens of Divas Who, with music all night from DJ TooTall. In addition to the meat raffle, guests can enjoy the silent auction, wine raffle, and 50/50 drawings. Expect zero dull moments here!

Tickets are $15, including free beer and wine (no outside alcohol).
Coming with a group?
• Table of 8: $100
• VIP Table: $140 (preferred seating, basket raffle sheets, and 50/50 tickets included)

Pay via Venmo or check can be made payable to WNYNET, 309 Ketchum Hall, Buff State, 1300 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222

This is one of WNYNET’s most anticipated nights of the year–and you don’t want to miss it folks!

02/19/2026

We are excited to invite you to this year’s Annual EESA Alumni Talk, featuring Olivia Colby, a second-year English teacher in the Big Picture Alternative Learning Program at Niagara Falls High School.
Olivia is a Buffalo State alum whose work centers on inquiry- and project-based learning in alternative education settings. She has previously presented at both the NCTE Annual Conference and the WNYNET Fall Conference. If you had the chance to hear her speak at WNYNET, this is a great opportunity to engage with her ideas again, and if you missed it, this talk offers valuable insight into teaching practices that support engagement among all learners.
Her talk, Seeing the Bigger Picture: How Alternate Education is Inspiring Engagement Amongst Reluctant Learners, will take place on Tuesday, March 17, from 12:15–1:30 p.m. in Ketchum Hall, Room 320. Refreshments will be provided, and attendees will be encouraged to bring a lunch. All additional details can be found on the event poster.
We hope you’ll join us for this engaging and timely conversation with one of our alumni.

02/10/2026

🎶 Dust off your vocal cords and lace up those dancing shoes—it’s karaoke night! 🎶
Join us for our annual English Ed Karaoke Night on Wednesday, February 18th as we take over The Attic (upstairs) for a night of big vocals, questionable song choices, and even better vibes.
We’ll start gathering at 8:30 PM to mingle, warm up, and hype each other up before karaoke kicks off at 9:00 PM. Whether you’re ready to belt out a power ballad or just cheer from the crowd, this night is all about fun and community.
🎤✨ Please note: food and drinks will not be provided or covered—plan accordingly!
Bring your friends, bring your confidence (or not), and bring the energy. We can’t wait to see you there!