New York Teacher's annual awards luncheon honoring the winners of our popular journalism contest is hitting the road, so to speak.

The event was traditionally held during the union's annual Representative Assembly, often in a tight time frame. After hearing lots of feedback from the many members who work tirelessly on their newsletters, newspapers and Web sites, we knew they relished more time to not only celebrate their awards, but discuss and learn more about effective communication and advocacy journalism.

• Entry Forms (PDF): Inservice Members | Retired Members

The New York Teacher staff  is pleased to announce the date for the inaugural Journalism Awards Celebration and Conference - a day-long event that takes place Saturday, March 27, at the Rensselaer Conference Facility at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy, just a few miles east of NYSUT headquarters.

The conference will feature workshops on writing, design, photography and electronic media and, of course, the awards luncheon. Winners of the contest's top two awards - The Ted Bleeker Award for general excellence and the Solidarity Award - also will be feted at the RA.

Contest entry forms have been mailed out to all NYSUT locals. Forms are available on the union's Web site.

Deadline for entry is Nov. 23.

Registration information and other details about the Journalism Awards Celebration and Conference will be announced early next year.