Teachers teach. Writers write. We do both.
WHO WE ARE
We are a non-profit organization of, by, and for teachers dedicated to improving the teaching and uses of writing at all grade levels (K–16) and in all disciplines by offering writing workshops throughout the year.
PROGRAMS FOR TEACHERS
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PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS
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TESTIMONIALS
“From my Afternoon Writing Group, I take away the importance of building trust. Previously I only had my students edit each other’s papers, but not help revise. Now, before my students begin to share revision, I will build community. The bond that my AWG formed was amazing, and they helped me become a better, more confident writer.”
— Pam Haney, Santa Teresa HS, East Side Union HSD
“I feel like most professional development is for new teachers, or dumbed down. This was not…it was incredible. I’m a better teacher and more prepared to share my learning with colleagues, which made my experience even more meaningful.”
— Anne Van der Staay, Ellis ES, Sunnyvale ESD
"I can say without doubt that this summer institute has been the most beneficial professional development I have been a part of."
— John Wou, Horner MS, Fremont USD
"Feedback was a powerful component. The letter dialogues led me back to questions I had when I first started teaching: How do I teach? Why do I teach? Breaking away from the formulaic structures I have been tied to, I am now experiencing a resurgence of what I felt at the beginning of my teaching; authenticity.”
— Patricia Carrillo, Olinder ES, SJUSD
“I loved the Saturday workshop model with live students. It is a great reminder of how much students are capable of when given the tools and mentor texts to support expressing their own truths. I will continue to build a more student-centered, authentic classroom with reading and writing methods I experienced here.”
— Ariel Sarver, Westmont HS, Campbell UHSD
"A veteran of the classroom needs inspiration as much as a newly-credentialed teacher. The Saturday PLC met my need to explore new ways to reach students. What works one year may fall flat the next, so then it’s time to sign up for a Saturday Seminar series. "
— Mike White
“Saturday Seminars have been invaluable in allowing me to learn from experienced teachers in a collaborative environment where they discuss the challenges and successes they experience daily in a classroom.”
— Mackenzie Rodriguez
“My student life was spent groaning about page count requirements, so writing was a chore. Then in the ISI a teacher demonstrated using “snapshot” memories. Her lesson made it simple to ease into a piece that ended up being much longer and more complex than I ever imagined. This idea came from an elementary school teacher and I’m an AP Language instructor!”
— Babak Shahrivar, Piedmont Hills HS, ESUHSD
CURRENT PROGRAMS
Professional Learning Community
Facilitated by Andy Joseph “A.J.” Robinson, this workshop series will provide opportunities to explore ideas and practice concrete skills that allow in-school and community educators to build culturally sustaining, trauma and resilience-informed, transformative writing courses and community programs.
For Teachers
Teen Writers Institute
The Teen Writers Institute is in-person for 2023! This summer writing program for teens offers a curriculum designed to develop and support students’ imaginative and academic writing across literary genres. The Teen Writers Institute features guest presenters, authors and various workshop choices for 8th to 12th graders.
For Students
Super Saturday
Our Super Saturdays use a "lab school" model, in which teachers and students participate in the presenter’s workshop lesson together in small groups, generally including the following: mini-lesson on writing craft, study of a mentor text, demonstration of innovative and engaging pedagogical strategies, large blocks of time for students and teachers to write, and sharing writing in small groups or whole group.
For Teachers
Super Saturday
Our Super Saturdays use a "lab school" model, in which teachers and students participate in the presenter’s workshop lesson together in small groups, generally including the following: mini-lesson on writing craft, study of a mentor text, demonstration of innovative and engaging pedagogical strategies, large blocks of time for students and teachers to write, and sharing writing in small groups or whole group.
For Students
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