Notes an absence of pleasure about and use of the English language, explained by: (1) the thriving industry of "put down" that makes people feel insecure about language; and (2) failure to appreciate simple, direct, pleasantly cadenced English. Encourages listening to the language to reawaken pleasure in it. (SR)

Presents the presidential address given at the 1998 National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) conference. Looks at basic principles supported by NCTE historically. Notes the widespread belief that educational problems can be solved by mandating one particular solution, and asks what NCTE's role is in all of this. (SR)

Presents a humorous speech given to high school English teachers on two serious subjects: externally imposed standards and standardized testing, and anti-intellectualism in the classroom and in the culture. Argues that English teachers themselves are responsible for some of the anti-intellectualism they encounter by teaching literature in an…