MMI instructor Jennifer Novotney featured author and presenter at annual teachers conference in Harrisburg

MMI English instructor Jennifer Novotney was one of seven featured authors at the Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of English Language Arts annual conference in Harrisburg.

The authors were featured at an Author’s Breakfast where Novotney read from her young adult book Winter in the Soul and talked about her inspiration for writing the book. She also participated in a book signing for two of her novels, Winter in the Soul and Infinite Spring.

On the first day of the two-day conference, Novotney delivered a presentation entitled “Shared Writing Experiences: Building Community in a Diverse Classroom” to coincide with the conference’s theme, Embracing Diversity.

She is the author of several books for young readers and was a 2014 recipient of the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for her debut young adult novel, Winter in the Soul. Infinite Spring, the sequel to her debut, was released in 2015. Of her series, an Amazon.com reviewer wrote, “Jennifer obviously has a talent for literary fiction. The descriptions of the landscapes and imagery shine brightest.” Recently, she completed her first middle grade novel, Felix and the Dream Tree.

Novotney is a native of Los Angeles and attended California State University and Northern Arizona University, graduating with highest honors in English. She joined the MMI faculty in the summer of 2013. She previously worked at Misericordia University as a Coordinator of Writing and Adjunct English Instructor, as well as The Pennsylvania State University at Hazleton as an Adjunct English Instructor. Prior to her move east, Novotney taught English at Panorama High School in California.

The Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of English and Language Arts, a professional organization committed to promoting literacy and lifelong learning, empowers and inspires educators through professional development and collegial communication. The conference brings together outstanding educators from throughout Pennsylvania to share their insights into the current best practices of the profession and offer some practical strategies for classroom activities.