Day Two - National Teacher Appreciation Week: Connecting Schools Across Connecticut

 The good news? I didn't have to get up this morning at 5 a.m. to catch a train to the western part of the state. The truth? I would do it again to witness such educational magic. The bad news? Well, lack of sleep and bags under my eyes.

Tuesday was a fantastic day partnering with Central Middle School and their team of 8th grade educators to provide writing workshops surrounding Young Adult literature, transitions, creeds and stealing like a writer. In total, we ran our workshops 4 times a piece and had a blast with the brilliant young people of Greenwich.

My workshop featured the writing of Laurie Halse Anderson, Kwame Alexander, Jerry Craft, Elizabeth Acevedo, Walter Dean Myers, Matt de la Peña, and Kevin Emerson. The 60-minute sessions flew by fast and in a short time we read selections of each, discussed the high school years ahead and nodded to Jacqueline Woodson that The Day You Begin is the day you share your own stories. Workshop after workshop, I loved the silence that could be heard as kids composed, shared their work, and saw their thinking put to page.

Also wonderful was the inclusion of Ubuntu Academy seniors from Bassick High School who co-led the workshops, offering their stories of immigration, working hard, relocation and a believe in American democracy. They were the true superheroes of the day.

Last night finished, too, with a National Writing Project online workshop of round tables where Jessie Early, Arizona State University and I led a session on Vibrant Youth programs. I learned so much from her (and stole this photograph after my screenshot failed). There were 3 pages of online participants (that is, take these photos and times it by three). There is nothing better than the teachers teaching teachers work of the National Writing Project. The talks are invigorating, inspirational and timely. It was the first time I saw the power of breaking out into mini-sessions during a ZOOM meeting. Go 21st Century technology.

Ah, it is obvious that summer is coming.

I'm waking today ready to tackle professional development in Bridgeport and work with the fantastic teachers at Columbus School K-8. I can't wait to learn with them once again.