Dear Teachers,
Being a teacher who writes has taught me so much about what it means to be a writer. In my classroom, I help students see that we’re all learning what it means to live the life of a writer. It means showing up to a blank page, collecting ideas, finding our way through the process, sharing feedback and strategies with each other, and exploring and celebrating along the way.
Recently, I was in a Zoom meeting with other teacher writers in a workshop with the Chicago Area Writing Project. One of the participants unmuted and shared that she was unsure how to start writing. “Should I just start writing and see how it goes?” she asked.
Many people nodded, and one of the leaders responded to let her know that there were different ways to go about it, but if she felt ready to keep going, she should.
When this participant asked about getting started, I heard her asking for permission to follow what felt right to her. I smiled, thinking of the student writers I work with who often ask for that same permission to move forward with their writing. But I also recognized this feeling in myself. I’ve felt unsure and nervous at times. And because I am a teacher who writes, I know firsthand how important it is for someone to say, “Yes! Go for it.”
In my book Living the Life of a Writer: 6 Practices Student Writers Have, Know, and Do, one of the six practices is that writers know that writing is a process. Not only that, but every writer explores what moving through their writing process looks like for them. There are so many different ways to be a writer, and we can support student writers through this process.
As teachers, we are not only supporting student writers to develop their writing skills; we are helping them trust themselves. And that is an important endeavor. I recommend every teacher write with their students. The easiest way to do this is to do what your students are doing in class. Free writing, responding to a prompt, writing a personal narrative . . . you should do it too. You can also find workshops, challenges, and exercises to try in person or virtually.
Writing with student writers and exploring what you’re interested in writing will help you talk about living the life of a writer from personal experience, share strategies, and, most importantly, connect with your students. Whether you enjoy writing or leaning into living the life of a writer stretches you out of your comfort zone, your willingness to explore, take risks, and reflect with students matters.
Teachers who write aren’t just talking the talk; we’re walking the walk.
With gratitude,
Jen
