When I plan this kind of professional development, I picture the mentors who shaped my teaching. I hear their words in the advice I pass on. Confidence matters. So does content knowledge. But the most important piece? A strong net of support and collaboration. Because when teachers feel grounded in their practice—and connected to one another—they’re able to do their best work for young writers.
Category: professional development
Maintain the Momentum: Making Professional Learning Stick
When attending conferences and workshops, we retain only a fraction of what we see and hear from the presenters, no matter how amazing they are. It is only through a process of intentional reflection and sharing that we can leverage and expand our new learning to impact our entire school system.
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Taming the Clutter: Bringing Focus to Professional Learning
Sometimes, I am overwhelmed with the amount of new learning about writing that I wish to incorporate. I’ve come to realize I’m not alone. I’m not the only person with more resources and ideas than they know what to do with, and I‘m not the only one who risks inertia because I don’t know where to start. If that’s also you, or someone you know and love, I’ll be sharing my process for how I work my way to more clarity and focus.
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I Remember
What is a memory? What makes a moment memorable? Were they moments of utter joy and warmth? Or was there embitterment, stress, and even trauma that made it special? For me, the 2020-2021 school year had many moments that were both. As much as I would like to move forward from last year, those memories… Continue reading I Remember
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Take a Tour of Your Own School with an Eye Toward Writing Workshop
When you have a chance, take a walk through the hallways of your own school. Try to see with fresh eyes. Pretend you are a visitor. Ask yourself: What kind of writing is on display? What kind of writing is not on display?If what we display in the hallways conveys a message about what we… Continue reading Take a Tour of Your Own School with an Eye Toward Writing Workshop
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Tips for Getting the Most out of a Literacy Conference: Strengthening Professional Learning
Professional conferences are an excellent way to increase your knowledge and can fuel your enthusiasm for teaching. If you're new to attending conferences -- or just want some tips to help you maximize your enjoyment as a conference-goer -- then this post is for you!
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Feedback That Moves Writers Forward: Review and Giveaway
Feedback That Moves Writers Forward: How to Escape Correcting Mode To Transform Student Writing, written by Patty McGee, is a must-read for educators who know we can do far better for students when it comes to talking with them about their writing.
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When Writers Drive The Workshop: Review and Giveaway
When Writers Drive the Workshop is a book with heart. Brian Kissel writes with passion, voice, humility, conviction, and wisdom. The stories he shares from the student writers he worked with are stories that will stay with you, reminding you why doing this work matters so much. Read the rest of the book review and leave a comment for a chance to win your own copy of When Writers Drive the Workshop! (You will want to win!)
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A Class Hub To The Rescue!
A class hub can make all the difference for digital writing and learning!
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Finding Our Teacher of Writers Superpowers
What teacher of writers superpower would you like to develop this year?
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Close Writing: Review and Giveaway
"Mrs. Sokolowski, I'm done!" It's a refrain I've heard often from students, who tell me they are completely finished with a piece of writing. More times than not, as I read the student's work, I see that the piece could use more revisions, more editing, more care. I've always felt that having a passionate purpose… Continue reading Close Writing: Review and Giveaway
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Post-its and PD: Crafting a Writer’s Statement
When was the first time you felt like a writer? My earliest memory of being a writer was creating stories that my Grandma used to tell. She invented characters: "Good Gertie," "Bad Betsy," and "Sweet Sally" (Gertie's sister). My Grandma would make up stories of how Betsy would do all naughty things while Gertie always listened… Continue reading Post-its and PD: Crafting a Writer’s Statement
