August 14, 2007

Continuing Support

After taking stock of Tuesday's Gallery Walk, a number of recurring themes surfaced. One of those was the idea of professional support beyond the Summer Institute. Would you be interested in having support after this class? What would be the ideal way to implement it? Should there be face-to-face meetings at mutually agreeable locations, perhaps host schools? When and how often would this support occur? What would the agenda be for each meeting? Are there other ways to provide support? What are your ideas?

9 comments:

Mrs. Schmidt said...

I would like to continue periodic face to face meetings at mutually agreeable sites, as well as continue to talk via the blog. I would love continued support in the way of resources to support implementation in the classroom, feedback and suggestions on how things are going for me and how well I'm doing, and a sounding board from others in the class to bounce ideas off each other, vent, share successes, etc. I want the writing project and the things I've learned here, to stay a prominant part of my thoughts and my life!

Lou Ann said...

I would love to continue to meet occasionally - perhaps even at a coffee shop - for the same reasons Missy mentioned. Teaching can be somewhat isolating in terms of adult interaction and sharing our ideas, successes, failures, plans and even, maybe, some student work would be a great support. We've built the community, let's not lose it!

Mary said...

I, too, would welcome continuing support via the blog and face to face meetings. I have learned so much from our discussions the last few weeks. Coffee shops are great -- thanks Lou Ann. Maybe we could set up a schedule of dates, sites after talking about our calendars and places to meet. I would also like to continue receiving feedback from a writing circle. My circle has taught me a lot --THANK YOU!

Karen Murawski said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Karen Murawski said...

I concur with Missy, Lou Ann, and Mary that face to face meetings are valuable. I'm not exactly sure what I'll be doing now that I'm retired/rewired, but I'd love to work more closely with the MWP. Whether I'll be facilitating book studies, wrting circles, or modeling writing workshop, I know I'll need support, affirmation, and effective feedback from all the writers I've met at the MWP.
What a wonderful three weeks! We've built a community that needs to continue. My gratitude to everyone I've met at the MWP.
Karen :)

Ms. Sibbernsen said...

Yes, let's get together face-to-face when we can to swap strategies, share writing, talk books, and support each other as we take what we've learned back to our buildings and districts.

Perhaps a set monthly meeting would work. If the Army Reserves can give the government one weekend a month, I can surely offer the Writing Project one evening a month :)

I'd even want to do a little writing--if my writing circle is game. I need you to keep me on my toes!

Also, I'd like to keep the blog going between meetings.

Sherri said...

Time is short, and then it's over. Why not do something valuable with it? MWP has given me a vision of how we might share the beauty of written communication with students who don't know the awesome power of the pen -- and to reinforce those who would cherish the opportunity to share their writings! You guys have taught me so much over the last 3 weeks! But I'm not ready to go it alone... probably never will be. I like Patti's idea of one Saturday a month. (Alterra's is an awesome local cafe with plenty of seating.) There are enough of us that a critical mass would surely be available for each appointed meeting. I look forward to continuing my bit of action research at Badger and sharing our experiences with others. There is power in audience!

Unknown said...

I also would like to continue meeting with everyone from the summer writing project. The entire three weeks have been an awesome experience and I'd love for it to continue. Also, I feel that the need for support as we each go out into our various writing communities is really important. Once a month on a Saturday seems realistic to meet. I'd suggest Sherman Perk (49th and Roosevelt)--my favorite neighborhood coffee shop. Thanks for the "coffee shop votes", Lou Ann and Mary!

konez said...

I would like to continue to meet occasionally for support and conversation. As I finish last touches on my planning for tomorrow, I find myself wishing I could bounce ideas off people. Are we going to continue to blog? It looks like there hasn't been a new blog topic recently.