Reflections on the Teche

For many people, the National Writing Project is a onetime institute for professional development.  But for some, it is a journey of discovery, nurturer of friendships, and a way of life.   Fifteen years ago, I went through the Summer Institute for the National Writing Project of Acadiana.  This experienced changed my life.  I found a philosophy of teaching I could call my own.  I found a group of people who believed in education. And I found a writer in me. 

Through my involvement in NWP, I have found many lifelong friends, mentors, and writing coaches.  I have worked with the same writing group for more than 10 years.  We have learned from each other, grown with each other, and supported each other. 

Through my involvement with this model of teachers teaching teachers, I have found empowerment to become the best teacher I could be.  I pursued a Masters in gifted education.  I was able to tackle the process of becoming a National Board Certified Teacher.  I have given presentations in cities such as Albuquerque, New Mexico, Philadelphia, PA, and Little Rock, AK.  I have published articles and poems in national journals.  The door to teacher leadership is open to me by NWP.

In the last eight years, I have led writing contests and youth writing camps for students.  Through these activities, I have passed on the “I am a writer” feeling.  I have given students encouragement to believe in themselves and to become the best they can be. 

President Obama has signed a bill that would eliminate funding for the National Writing Project.    In a statement on March 6, 2011, Sharon Washington, the executive director of NWP said, “This decision puts in grave jeopardy a nationwide network of 70,000 teachers who, through 200 university-based Writing Project sites, provide local leadership for innovation and deliver localized, high-quality professional development to other educators across the country in all states, across subjects and grades. In the last year alone, these leaders provided services to over 3,000 school districts to raise student achievement in writing.” 

I am one teacher in a world of thousands who have found a home with the National Writing Project.  We have found a group that pushes each other to be professionals in a field that is failing.  Together we write for a cause.  Writing matters!

Last night I watched a program on LPB featuring a Boston high school.  Their test scores were falling, failure rate was high, and there was little going for this school.  What turned it around?  Literacy: A program of writing across the curriculum.  Today, a Mexican American girl from this school will be the first in her family to attend college, and all because she was taught how to write.  Writing saves!

If the federal funding for NWP fails, it will not destroy the National Writing Project.  For 20 years, NWP has been an authorized national professional development program.  NWP will survive, I have little doubt.  Writing survives!

Writing marathon for Yeah, You Write! youth writing camp