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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 
I will pray for you. I know teachers can be. . . not always cooperative, but your list of thoughts is something anyone can relate to. #2 is my favorite. You will be great!
Margaret, this is amazing! YOU are amazing. What a gift this will be for the teachers! I know you will be blessed by this experience. So proud and happy for you. xo
This will soon be more comfortable, I’m sure! Good for you, taking it on! I remember doing technology presentations for large groups of teachers in the state. The first time was SUCH a stretch of the comfort zone! And though teachers can be tough, they are also a very supportive bunch and will be sending you good vibes as you are up there. They WANT you to succeed…you are one of them! (I will pop up a few prayers for you just the same…)
Having followed your postings for several years, I think you are really going to enjoy your group. I agree with others that you have so much to share! Have a wonderful time!
Yeah, Margaret! Stepping out of the comfort zone to give others your gift of passion for writing. I am sure that the Lord will help you sort out the jitters and lead the way to an amazing experience. I taught my grad class writing institute last week and just loved the experience. Of course, it helped to have a group of dedicated teachers who were ready to try out new moves. Best of luck. Thoughts and prayers lifted for you.
This group is volunteering to give a week to writing. I hope they are ready to write their hearts out.
A delightful step out of your comfort zone, Margaret! And I’m envious of those teachers who will be learning from and with you next week. I’ll keep you in my prayers. You have an incredible list of thoughts put together to guide your work. And you make me want to read Katherine’s latest book.
This is exciting for you and all of the participants. You help teacher-writers all the time one-on-one. I think bringing it to a group will add so much power to the work
I’ll carry your confidence in my back pocket.