One of the things I value most as a member of the TWT family is our respect and appreciation for each other. Each of us brings something different to the blog. As a result, each of us connects with our readers in a unique way.
After nearly three years of being outstanding collaborators on Two Writing Teachers, Anna Gratz Cockerille and Tara Smith have decided to transition from co-authors to contributing writers. To find out why and what that means, please read their words below.
A note from Anna:
It was not an easy decision to wrap up my tenure as co-author at Two Writing Teachers at this juncture. I have been honored to contribute to such an important resource for writing teachers and to be part of a community by whose reach I am constantly amazed. During the two and half years I wrote for TWT, my personal life was rife with changes. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a more tumultuous time. I gave birth to one son, lost my father, had another son. My husband and I bought a house, moved, sold the house, moved again. In my career, I moved from staff developer to coach to editor to mostly stay-at-home mother. It is mainly because of this last role that I must bid farewell for now to Two Writing Teachers.
In 2015, the One Little Word I chose to motivate me for the year was time. So much of what I wrote in that post is even more relevant now. As I have decided to dedicate myself predominantly to being home with my children, the bulk of my time goes to caring for them. I have to be more vigilant than ever about how to spend the time that remains. In that post, I quoted Scott Ginsberg: “So, every time you say ‘yes’ to someone else, you’re also saying ‘no’ to yourself.” Saying good-bye at this time to Two Writing Teachers is so that I can say “yes” to my children. But that does not mean it is an easy or light good-bye.
I must take this opportunity to thank my co-authors. I have learned so much from your work ethic, your partnership, and of course, your writing wisdom. I thank Stacey in particular, whose vision, steadfastness, and dedication are without a doubt the reason the blog is the success that it is. I also thank all of you, our readers, who read us, respond to us, write with us. TWT wouldn’t be what it is without you.
As with many good-byes that are made with affection and great respect, this is more likely than not only a temporary parting. I will remain as a contributing writer to the blog, and I hope to publish articles from time to time when my schedule and the needs of TWT match up. Until then, adieu, and thank you.
A note from Tara:
It has been both a pleasure and an honor to be a part of the Two Writing Teachers team for the past several years. Our community of educators is enriched by the ideas shared here, the conversations they engender, and (above all else) the way our new learning impacts the children we teach. We grow as educators when we collaborate and this blog is a fabulous example of the power of collaboration. The running of Two Writing Teachers, as many of you know, requires both collaboration as well as an enormous amount of behind the scenes work. I have arrived at a point at which I am no longer able to contribute to the day to day operations of the blog in an equitable way. Luckily, thanks to the generosity of spirit of the TWT team, I will remain a part of our community by contributing a post a month. I look forward to continuing to participate in the great learning that takes place at TWT every day, and to “see” you on Tuesdays to share slices of our lives.
We have been blessed by Anna and Tara’s contributions. Anna’s expertise for explaining the Units of Study is unparalleled. Tara’s talent for reaching middle school writers is inspiring. As contributing writers, we’ll continue to learn from them, but on a more limited basis.
Even though the co-author team is presently smaller, you can expect many things to stay the same here at TWT:
- We’ll continue to host a quarterly blog series around a specific topic. (Our next blog series, Teaching Writing with Mentor Texts, will begin on May 3rd.)
- The Slice of Life Story Challenge will continue on Tuesdays year-round (and for all 31 days of March).
- This blog will continue to be a place:
o For teachers to be fueled with a passion for teaching, writing, and living.
o For teachers to see the latest in research and ways to apply it in their classrooms.
o For us to “practice what we preach” by sharing our own writing.
o To bring writing teachers together to share ideas and stretch each other’s thinking.
o To reflect on our teaching – celebrating when it goes well and working it out when it doesn’t.
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Thanks so much to the two of you, Ana and Tara.I gained so much from your contributions. It was great ppd – personal professional development. Best to you!am
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Anna and Tara, I am going to miss you! I will certainly look forward to your posts and I wish you both all the best. Here’s to saying ‘yes’ to new things!
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Anna and Tara,
I have learned so much from you. While I’ll miss your presence, I’m glad for you, and look forward to all you have yet to do. Thank you for all your wisdom.
Julieanne
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Oh, Tara and Anna, I will miss your voices here. I respect your decisions, and I wish you both the best. I’m happy to know that you will still contribute to the conversation here on the Two Writing Teachers blog. Thank you both for your time here- I have learned so much from both of you! Wishing you both all the best.
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I appreciate all the hard work you both have given to the group. This place continues to be a place I go to be energized year after year. Thanks for the hard work!
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As is the case with so many of us, juggling our time is a daily necessity and concern. Anna, it sounds like you have definitely made a decision that will support your need for more time to spend with your family; a difficult but wise decision. I applaud your courage.
Tara, I have appreciated your gentle and caring nurturing of my first attempts as a blogger this past year and feel as though we have become digital “friends.” I wil miss your presence and guidance, but I look forward to learning more from you in whatever mode you choose to present your thoughts and ideas,
With much gratitude toward both of you,
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What a lovely post, Stacey, thank you! And I am so honored to read everyone’s comments. The feeling is mutual – I love this community! I will see you all soon, to be sure.
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Anna and Tara, thank you for all you’ve taught me. Life, like writing, is dynamic and change is sometimes necessary. I look forward to hearing your contributions.
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Sometimes it seems easier to focus on the sweet part of bittersweet news. While I will miss your regular contributions to TWT, I am delighted to know that your voices will still be part of the conversation here. Many thanks and wishes for good things in your next chapters.
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Anna and Tara, I echo what has already been said. You both inspire and push me to try to be better. I have been surprised that I can learn from this blog every single day. I look forward to reading more from you (just less frequently). Thanks for all you have done for our community!
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Thank you both for your time, your talent and your dedication to the teaching of writing.I’m amazed you were able to stick with it as long as you did. And now…take a deep breath and enjoy the next phase of your life.
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Thank you for your work. I mostly participated by reading, reading, reading. And I got so much from you both. Best wishes on the next part of the journey. Thank you for all your insights, passion and honesty.
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A fond farewell and best wishes as you navigate new waters. We look forward to when you are able to moor your busy lives to the TWT harbor for occasional posts. Thank you for writing and teaching so many of us!
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Thank you both, Anna and Tara, for your contribution to the TWT blog. Your work here is greatly appreciated by so many. I wish you well in this new part of this thing we call life and look forward to your future contributions to our profession.
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Anna and Tara,
Thank you for your contributions to TWT. Even though the blog’s primary focus is elementary and middle school teachers and I teach high school, I have found your work inspiring and valuable.
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Thank you for how you taught and enriched me as a writing teacher. Your wisdom and your dedication to the art of writing is a gift you gave to all the readers of TWT.
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I admire your expertise and willingness to sacrifice your time to share. I have learned so much from both of you!
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Anna and Tara- You have taught me so much about writing instruction and identity as a writer. You are both talented educators and leaders in literacy!
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Anna and Tara, You will be missed! I admire your dedication to teachers and wish you both the best of luck as you find new adventures! So glad you’re not leaving all together!
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