NWP Works!
In her statement written for our congressional visits last week Sharon Washington, Executive Director of the National Writing Project, said that NWP works because NWP teachers provide professional development activities for educators throughout the United States, increase student achievement in writing performance, and support teachers in improving their practice.
I say NWP works because I became a writer the first day of my Summer Institute in 2009. I had been a language arts teacher for over ten years and the first personal writing that I ever found value in was the piece that I wrote the first day when the TC asked me to tell my story. I had been telling my kids for years that they had a story to tell....how convincing could I have been if I hadn't believed it myself? From that day on, I am more passionate than ever to know your story....and the story of my students....and to share my writing... everyone has a story to tell, we are all nervous to tell it, and every single story counts, even mine.
I say NWP works because I was pushed to examine my practice and refine my beliefs. I started with an idea and researched why. I used my inquiry to further my practice. I used discussion as a vehicle to learn. I spent my summer days with other teachers around my area and we wrote about what we did in the classroom and shared. I have included technology into my classroom and examined why my students benefit. Because of this examination, I continue to seek out my writing project TCs to discuss our classrooms.
I say NWP works because I have a voice. I have opportunity for leadership. I have found the NWP to learn from. I can't imagine teaching without the support of the National Writing Project.
Sarah Rizzo
Mid Ohio Writing Project
I say NWP works because I became a writer the first day of my Summer Institute in 2009. I had been a language arts teacher for over ten years and the first personal writing that I ever found value in was the piece that I wrote the first day when the TC asked me to tell my story. I had been telling my kids for years that they had a story to tell....how convincing could I have been if I hadn't believed it myself? From that day on, I am more passionate than ever to know your story....and the story of my students....and to share my writing... everyone has a story to tell, we are all nervous to tell it, and every single story counts, even mine.
I say NWP works because I was pushed to examine my practice and refine my beliefs. I started with an idea and researched why. I used my inquiry to further my practice. I used discussion as a vehicle to learn. I spent my summer days with other teachers around my area and we wrote about what we did in the classroom and shared. I have included technology into my classroom and examined why my students benefit. Because of this examination, I continue to seek out my writing project TCs to discuss our classrooms.
I say NWP works because I have a voice. I have opportunity for leadership. I have found the NWP to learn from. I can't imagine teaching without the support of the National Writing Project.
Sarah Rizzo
Mid Ohio Writing Project
