Have any of you heard of the organization Teachers & Writers Collaborative? I was just looking at their site and it looks like they have good information and a smart program. Their basic premise is that professional writers can offer writing teachers innovative pedagogical tools. They offer workshops, publish books, have a resource library and center, and run the online forum WriteNet. Most these tools are aimed at teaching K-12, but some of their ideas seem valuable for undergraduate teaching. This approach is similar to one that many college theatre programs take — hiring professional practitioners to teach students — and I know some college writing programs do this as well. Has anyone ever used their books or resources, or do you know more about this organization?
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CAC.OPHONY is a weblog on communication-intensive instruction at the college level and its implications for students about to face the challenges of writing and speaking publicly in professional settings. CAC.OPHONY is written and edited by the Fellows of the Bernard L. Schwartz Communication Institute, Baruch College, City University of New York.
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Hi Jill. I have heard of Teachers and Writers Collaborative. I have taken a few Creative Non-Fiction courses at Hunter, and the professor I had mentioned them as a good resource. I think they have more resources for professional writers and K-12 teachers as you said. I think the point you raise about the similarity with college Theater programs is interesting…the distinctions between “professional practitioners” and “teachers.” College faculty have often been both I’d think, and have to bridge that. And it seems like we fellows do as well.
Reply to Deborah
Teachers and Writers is a terrific organization and they publish some wonderful books. The ones I am more familiar with concern teaching poetry, but I am sure many of their titles would be helpful to those who want to explore imaginative ways of teaching reading and writing at all levels..
Reply to Diana