Last week Annie Campbell published this op-ed, “Guarding Fragility,” in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. It is powerful and worth the read. I hope you check it out.
Annie has been helping me with my keynote. She’s read, asked questions, and provided much needed encouragement. Annie is a friend of mine, but we’ve never met face to face. In fact, I’ve never even heard her voice. Still, I’ve been wishing she could be at the All-Write Summer Institute.
After I read “Guarding Fragility” I realized her words were perfect to quote in my keynote. Her words made it possible to connect the parts of the keynote in a sophisticated way. So now I’m not only thankful for all of Annie’s feedback, but for the words needed to tie my keynote together.
Here is a little sneak peek…
Can’t wait to meet many of you at the All-Write Summer Institute. If you are a blog reader, please, please, please introduce yourself to me! (And since you’re super-cool, can we take a photo?) And here’s the really great news…let’s say you’re wishing you registered for the All-Write Summer Institute because it would be really great to go — it’s not too late. Yes I know it’s TOMORROW, but you can still register. You can still register. You can still register.
TWO WRITING TEACHERS 
Great article, Ruth. And I know you were amazing… you rocked the house! Hope to see you soon.
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These are truly beautiful quotes by Annie Campbell. I particularly love “Good teachers guard the fragility and bet on the miracle.” I look forward to hearing about the All Write Institute…and with everyone in spirit! Best wishes!!
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Best wishes Ruth. Perhaps next year? I love the op-ed and the quotes shared-so exactly on target for all of us. And inspiring to ponder. Have a great two days.
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Excellent article, Annie. The metaphors worked perfectly to communicate important points. I always love Anne’s blog posts. I guess NY isn’t the only state with school in session this week. Thanks for passing this article along. Enjoy.
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Would love to attend All Write! Any chance that it would ever be a bit later in the summer? New Yorkers are still in school this week. Looking forward to reading more about it. I’m sure your Keynote presentation will be inspiring. ~ Theresa
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Annie’s article Is powerful! There are so many great points in it, and my favorite is “We can teach our children to flap their wings, but conditions have to be just right for them to fly”…I feel as though I have lived this scenario so many times, especially when I taught first grade. I posted it to my FB friends and saved it as a PDF for future reference. Thank you for sharing her work! Also, Ruth, good luck (even though you don’t need it)! The All Write conference sounds like an awesome opportunity!
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Wish I could be at All Write. I’m hoping those attending share a lot of great information via blogs, twitter, etc. I love the third quote down. “It isn’t that we’ve gotten it wrong. It is that we are still working to get it right.” So often change/trying new things can be interpreted to mean we thought we were doing the wrong things when in fact we are just trying to continually improve. That makes sense to me both personally and professionally.
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I also wish that I could attend! I hope that you will share how your keynote goes and maybe even more glimpses into the content. Just from seeing the quotes that you are going to use to tie it all together, I can tell that it is going to be so powerful. Enjoy!
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It’s been four years since I met Annie, in person, in Carl’s class at TC. I love reading her writing. She is a true inspiration to us all.
Thanks for including the link to her most recent op-ed. I know she’s been writing opinion pieces for the Times-Dispatch in the past year. This one is fantastic. And yes, all children deserve both a good teacher and a reasonable class size. I truly think that’s a basic right.
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Would love to be there, but I am also excited to attend TESOL Academy at Eastern Michigan University this Friday and Saturday. There is still room there as well 🙂
I love the resources online. I will definitely be checking them out! Enjoy your conference! I am sure your key note will be great!
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So wish I could be there but will have to connect thought the writing of those who are there. Is anything going to be recorded that can posted later? Have fun! We be watching for updates.
Love the Annie Campbell quotes.
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I will be at the All Write conference! I’m looking to your keynote and the sneak peek has grabbed my interest! Your writing continues to inspire me and I’m sure your keynote will as well. Maybe I’ll even get the chance to meet you in person! Not that you need it, but good luck on your speech Ruth.
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Leaving this afternoon Indiana bound and very excited! I anticipate a lot more inspiration is in my future. These quotes are great and will be well received. Can’t wait to meet you.
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I learned about All Write by reading your blog, and can’t wait for this little gem. I am very thankful for all that you share, even though I don’t express it enough,
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I wish I could be at All Write – hoping to be there in person next year but will gather up all the virtual goodies I can get this time around. Looks like your keynote will be inspiring! Thank you for sharing this with us.
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Glad you had more inspiration for your keynote. You will do well because your heart is in it–as always. Just a side note: If you discover you have two different shoes on in the middle of it all–celebrate the fact that it doesn’t really matter, and that your spark and creativity are alive and well. Creative people don’t ever have to worry about matching!!!
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Ruth, I think Annie’s words are truly inspiring. I would love to use the quote about teaching children to flap their wings… at my daughter’s wedding in the fall. I feel it is fitting for the children we teach and, of course, that includes our own children. I love to read your blog. Keep up the great work. Peggy
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I so wish I could attend the All-Write! I will have to rely on others to share their learning through posts. I love Annie Campbell’s writing. She inspires me with her words. Your keynote will inspire. Have a great conference!
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