College English Association

In December 1938, a group of young academics attending the MLA convention in New York took on the biggest name in their field—the MLA. They chose to forge a new path by organizing into the College English Association and offering a voice to “the college English teachers of America.” Their aim was to upend the scholar-teacher dynamic by recognizing teaching as paramount. Today, more than eight decades later, the CEA continues in that same spirit.  At our core, we strive to meet these goals through two venues: our Annual CEA Conference and our journal, The CEA Critic.  

With over 400 active members and a collection of regional affiliates, the CEA welcomes teacher-scholars at all levels—from graduate students to emeritus faculty—who share our belief that teaching is central to who we are and what we do.

Each spring, CEA members old and new gather for three days to share their work, test new ideas, seek feedback from their colleagues, and celebrate our shared love of all things language and literature. And, of course, to party. Conference cities are chosen for their local appeal and overall accessibility—from San Antonio to Baltimore, from Denver to St. Petersburg. However, just as much as place, what attendees love about the CEA conference is the collegiality that begins in the sessions and spills into the various food-filled events such as the President’s Reception and the Diversity and Women’s Connection events. 

Although the annual CEA Conference is the cornerstone of our organization, CEA’s affiliates are building blocks that hold us together all year long. In the decades before the first CEA conference, regional affiliates offered local opportunities for CEA members to meet and share their work. They are invaluable partners allowing members to engage explore their more particular interests.

Today, there are thriving affiliates from Michigan to the Caribbean and from the Rocky Mountains to New York. In addition, many of our affiliates host local conferences, and some also publish journals and newsletters. Some affiliates partner with other regional organizations. Wherever you are, there is an affiliate near you!