In his song, Rocky Mountain High, John Denver writes, “He was born in the summer of his 27th year  - comin' home to a place he'd never been before.”  I can personally relate to this concept of being born later in life because my professional life began in the 2010 Greater Kansas City Writing Project Summer Institute.  Little did I know that after ten years of teaching, walking through the doors of the GKCWP SI would signify my professional birth.  It is more than a rejuvenation, it is more than a renewed interest. Joining the NWP network truly represents the birth of my educational philosophy.   I have been both humbled and empowered by magnificent hearts, minds, and souls of the NWP.  The core principles of the NWP national program model have become the guiding light for both seeking and delivering professional development in the field of education.  I find myself highly motivated by opportunities for craft mastery, professional autonomy, and philanthropic purpose of the National Writing Project.  My professional birthplace is the Greater Kansas City Writing Project, my relatives and ancestors are the entire NWP network. 

     Unfortunately, the organization that gave birth to my professional life is facing great challenges today.  Because of sweeping federal cuts, continued success of the NWP network is in grave danger.  Looking further into the connection to Rocky Mountain High, John Denver writes, “Now his life is full of wonder but his heart still knows some fear of a simple thing he cannot comprehend - why they try to tear the mountains down.”  Like Mr. Denver’s feelings for the mountain range, I feel fear for the National Writing Project and fail to understand how one of America’s longest standing, most effective educational reform networks could lose federal support.  I’m deeply saddened by the recent federal funding cut to NWP. 

    I must believe that through continued advocacy, stewardship, and championship of our good work, the NWP network will not only survive, but thrive.  We must find a way to continue the phenomenal work of the NWP, my professional birthplace.

-Scot Squires

Greater Kansas City Writing Project