gifts · holiday

The Best Gifts for the Writing Teacher in Your Life

Now is the time of year where I find endless gift lists online: what to get the foodie or the music guru or the athlete or the you-name-it in your life. In that same spirit, I’ve chosen to curate a gift list for teachers of writing, and the folks that support them. I know there are lots of lists for writers out there already. Many suggest pens, headphones, or comfy chairs, but my list is different. Being a poet at heart, I tend to live in metaphor. My list, then, is a collection of things writing teachers owe ourselves and one another - a collection we can’t find on Amazon or Etsy, no matter what search terms we use. So, without further ado, here are my recommendations...

professional development · writing workshop

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.

equity

MLK Day: A Reflection

Today, in the United States, we commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Today, kids in the U.S. might eat breakfast in pajamas. Their parents might shop a sale. Many will see (and welcome!) a day off of school or work. Some will use today as a day of service. It’s easy to let a day like today slide by without taking stock, without offering it the full measure of what a day like today deserves. So let us consider today.

edubloggers · reflections

Some Honest Reflections on Our Profession

Juliann wrote a Slice of Life Story today that included the following paragraph: This job of teaching is a tricky one. It is one that doesn't stay behind when you close the classroom door. It follows you home, it taps on your shoulder every time you walk into a book or craft store. Wouldn't that… Continue reading Some Honest Reflections on Our Profession