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Pat is gathering our monthly Spiritual Thursday posts around the theme of stepping out of your comfort zone. For years I have taught young writers’ camps in the summer. But this year I was inspired by Katherine Bomer’s presentation at NCTE last November to try teaching teachers. Katherine’s teacher/students presented about how personal writing led them to be better teachers of writing. I’ve long held this belief for myself, but decided to get out of my comfort zone and share my understanding with other teachers in my own district.
The Teachers Writing Institute begins on Monday. I’m squirming in my seat. What have I gotten myself into? At first I thought no one would sign up, but on the first day the email went out, eleven teachers signed up. We increased the number of participants from 15 to 20. Now I have a full class of 20 teachers who want to experience their own writing and learn new strategies for teaching. So, on Monday, I will face 20 expectant teachers. My palms are sweaty. My heart is racing. Can I really do this? Can I make these teachers feel like writers? Can I give them the confidence they need to go back into the classroom and offer freedom and choice in writing to their students?
With Katherine’s book The Journey is Everything and her generous spirit in email exchanges, along with Voxer friends’ advice, a long list of writing prompts, and a stack of mentors, I am as ready as I’ll ever be. I want to hold onto these thoughts:
- We are all teachers. We are in this together.
- Writing is a brave act. Sharing writing is even braver.
- You have everything you need.
- There is a higher source of power (Yahweh God, Holy Spirit) open to me.
- Nothing and no one is perfect.
- Let the work of writing together be the focus.
And it won’t hurt if I know you are praying for me. Thanks!
Reflections on the Teche 