“I’m here because I believe in all of you. If one of you goes on to create a blog today, then I’ll be thrilled.”
Those are the words of Dawn. She was the last person to share why she was in this workshop we were presenting, Teachers as Writers. Every year, our district has a professional development day called Westport Learns. The entire teaching staff comes together to choose workshops to attend, all presented by teachers in the district.
Dawn, Erika, Elena, and I were presenting Teachers as Writers and hoped to share our experiences starting blogs and being part of the Two Writing Teachers Slice of Life Community. To be honest, when Erika and Elena pitched the idea, I didn’t think we’d get many participants. I actually figured we’d end up cancelling the workshop due to low enrollment. But we had eleven participants spanning from preschool teachers to middle school and as one participant said, “I think [we] were meant to be there.”
We began the workshop explaining how our presenting group had come to be…how two years ago, on February 28th, Erika had asked me to join her in the Two Writing Teachers’, Slice of Life Challenge. How that next summer a group of teachers got together to read Ralph Fletcher’s, Joy Write at Dawn’s house. How Elena had come to that group. How we are all now part of this beautiful community of writers and what that means for us as teachers of writing. We spoke of many of you, our fellow “slicers,” our virtual friends and the gifts you share with us week after week, through your own words or feedback shared.
We then asked all of the participants to introduce themselves and share why they had come. We didn’t plan for what happened next, but for the next 45 minutes or so, teachers shared about their own writing lives, their dreams and fears. Some teachers spoke of journaling, writing alongside their students, and even of publishing novels. It was through this sharing that we went from a room full of strangers to a new community of writers. I was personally moved by the stories and the openness to try something new…to continue growing.
Dawn was the last to share and her words stuck with me, “I’m here because I believe in all of you.”
These words made me think of something Natalie Louis, from Teachers College, had shared with us recently when she said, “Package up the strength and hand it back to them…no one gets enough of that.”
Dawn’s words and Natalie’s words have me thinking about how to give more of this belief and strength back to people- students, teachers, friends, family, strangers.
In our workshop, the one I thought was doomed for cancellation, I gave it back that day by offering suggestions for blog titles, trouble shooting WordPress and the actual creation of blogs, and through the promise to read the words of anyone who decided they might try a Tuesday Slice of Life Challenge or maybe even the March Challenge.
Today, for all of you, preparing to take on the March Challenge or maybe even just considering, I believe in you. ❤️

It really was a great session! I too was so impressed and moved by the introductions, the honesty and openness in the sharing. I love this idea – “Package up the strength and hand it back to them…no one gets enough of that.” And of course Dawn’s beliefs are so powerful!
LikeLiked by 2 people
This slice captures the energy that was in the room Friday morning – the energy and excitement to “try something new…to continue growing.” I wish we could have bottled up the energy and risk taking mindset that all those fabulous, brave teachers showed! This one gives meaning to to “when you least expect it….” I know I was surprised by how it all went! It was fabulous watching colleagues have a go! Thanks for listening to me and sharing this slice! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Surprise… Dawn said it all again here. ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
How rich and inspiring a day this sounds!
LikeLiked by 2 people
How awesome! I am getting ready to introduce the Slice of Life Challenge to colleagues tomorrow, but unfortunately, it will be a much quicker intro. I love your community and envy the positivity when you write about the group you have formed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Let us know if you get new colleagues to join the TRIBE!!
LikeLike
This just makes my writing heart so happy! I dream of this experience – sharing my love of writing with colleagues who want to write too! So envious.
LikeLike
You have always been such inspiration to me and have helped me become a better teacher. I was one of the eleven in that room and it was an amazing time. I didn’t want it to end. I never thought that I would start an SOL, but here I am. Thank you is not enough.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love love love!!! So glad to welcome you to this community. You’re a joy to work with and I love seeing what comes of our crazy ideas!!! Hooray! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Denia you are amazing! The story of how you came to take the leap into Slicing is so encouraging!! YaY you!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your post is so inspiring! I, too, have been encouraging others to join the March Challenge!! Thanks for believing in me and the others joining us this March!! I feel stronger being a part of this community of writers and glad we are both in it!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It feels good to be part of something so positive that builds you up! ❤️
LikeLike
Even from a distance, your group’s writing inspires me. I don’t know how I stumbled upon you all last year – and I don’t know how I figured out that you all knew each other – but I did, and your group helped me keep going. I haven’t found my own in-person group up here, but I look forward to creating one over time using your enthusiasm as a model.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re an honorary member of our group! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, what I wouldn’t give for colleagues who shared an interest in writing. How lucky you all are to have each other. I have found “community” in the SOL and Teach Write folks for now. Still hoping.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re always changing lives!!!
LikeLike
What a great workshop! So good to see this kind of interest and support around writing.
LikeLike
What a profound message for teachers to hear!
Thanks for bringing the world of blogging to more teachers in your district!
LikeLike
Wish I could have been there with all of you. I was with you in spirit. Sigh. It sounds like a great turnout and a lot of positive writing energy.
LikeLiked by 1 person