NWP gave me a voice.  NWP gave me permission to be what I've always known I was:  a writer.  NWP gave me the opportunity to share what I've learned with other educators.  NWP gave me permission to take time (valuable time!) writing with my students in the classroom. NWP gave me the tools I needed to teach my children to be better writers.

I teach vocational education, and as a business teacher I had always been aware of the value of writing when it came to the workplace, but I had never taken enough time with my students in my business classes to write!  These days my students reflect on their learning with regular writing experiences; they write technically about processes; and they write simply for the joy of writing and the joy of sharing their writing. We still get through our curriculum with ease, but instead of giving catch-up days or "free days" (which I've never been fond of), we have writing days.  I can see a difference in my students' writing, and in their attitudes toward writing.  Their tests scores are showing improvement as well, and I feel that I am working as a partner with their language instructors to improve this valuable communication skill. 

Through the Writing Project, a group of teacher consultants partnered with the Department of Education to assist a rural school in academic distress.  We worked with those teachers as a team throughout one school year, and as a result, that school's scores improved. Teachers there told us that we brought to them what they had been needing and looking for in professional development.

If it had not been for NWP, I may not have pursued National Board certification.  In 2006, I became an NBCT, and I owe my success in that endeavor, in large part, to my association with the Writing Project.

When I walked into that classroom at the University of Central Arkansas and saw those smiling faces and felt that warm welcome of acceptance, I had no way of knowing that the 2002 Summer Institute was also going to be the richest professional development I have ever been a part of.  I have encouraged many of my fellow teachers to participate in the Summer Institute.  It makes a huge difference in their lives, and positively impacts student learning more than any other professional development I have ever been a part of!

I cannot express all that NWP has meant to me in one e-mail, but this is a fair start.  The NWP is an apple of pure gold for teachers who are looking for the truest and best professional development.  What a shame it would be to lose this wonderful program!

Patricia Roberson

The Great Bear Writing Project

University of Central Arkansas