Writing workshop pioneer Nancie Atwell challenges teachers of writing “to come from behind their own big desks” and dare to learn about teaching from their students. The Professional Writers Group (PWG) provides one space where teachers can take up that challenge and grow professionally by reflecting on their classroom practice.
The purpose of the group is to help teachers publish their professional writing, to encourage sharing of resources and practices, and to build a community of reflective practitioners. Toward these ends, each session will include time for writing and supportive exchange. Writing workshop is a key part of the PWG because it provides opportunities for participants to encourage and advance one another’s research.
While the goal of the PWG is to have each participant leave with a published piece, you are welcome to join if you are unsure about achieving that goal the first time around. There are, however, two essentials: first, participants must be willing to develop as reflective practitioners who are asking burning questions about their teaching; second, participants must embrace our writing community and be willing to celebrate cooperation and the synergy of the group.
As facilitator Pete Shaheen explains, the PWG is intended to enrich our lives as teachers, learners, citizens, and family members through writing about the culture of our classrooms. We hope to understand ourselves and our teaching better, and to provide ourselves with a healthier view of the world and our place in it.