Teachers of all age groups, disciplines develop writing strategies during class 6/20/2009 10:48 PM
By ROB NOVIT Senior writer
When Leavelle McCampbell Middle School teacher Brishundra Berry was asked to participate in the Aiken Writing Project at USC Aiken, she admitted to some initial skepticism. After all, she's a math teacher. But midway through the four-week class, Berry has been pleased with the project's mission to help teachers develop writing strategies in their classrooms. "Yes, I do teach math, but I do incorporate writing in that," she said. "I used to write poetry but had gotten away from it because I was so busy with teaching. This has given me time to do some writing myself, and I'll also look for more ways for writing in my classes." Now in its third year, the Aiken Writing Project is affiliated with the National Writing Project. Teachers throughout Aiken County and neighboring school districts were invited to participate. The class is also associated with the Ruth Patrick Center's CE-MIST (Center of Excellence in Middle-level Interdisciplinary Strategies for Teachers) and also gets support from other writing organizations statewide. The project's leadership team includes USCA professors Lynne Rhodes, Vicki Collins, Deborah McPhee, Karl Fornes and Kay Hanson; South Aiken High teacher Ginger Dunker; and Aiken High teachers Francesca Pataro and Zeke Miller. They also develop continuity events throughout the school year. "We've become so much more engaging," said Rhodes. "As we come back each year, we understand more of what the teachers actually need. We're able to give it over to them and let them take it where they want it to go in their classrooms. They can collaborate with colleagues and peers, integrate curriculum and meet the needs of their students." The participating teachers include Cherity Robinson of Aiken High, Laura Coakley of Greendale Elementary School, Mary C. Brooks of LBC Middle School, Ashley Young, Rosanna McClain and Loretta Childress of North Aiken Elementary School, Jessica Cagle, Joan Justice, Ashley Ringus and Jamie Mason of Busbee Elementary School, Berry, Latonia Evans and Yvonne Holston of Leavelle McCampbell, Pamela Williams of A.L. Corbett Middle School; Monica Gordon-Mance of Schofield Middle School and Emily Geyer of JET Middle School in Johnston. The activities over the duration of the writing project include daily journal writing, peer response groups, anthology writing and reading/discussion groups. Each teacher is required to present a 75-minute demonstration on best practices involving writing. After giving her presentation last week, Busbee teacher Ashley Ringus expressed enthusiasm about the program. "It's a wonderful experience," she said. "I've noticed some weakness in my writing instruction and wanted to strengthen it. I want to walk into my classroom as a third-grade teacher next year and use writing across the curriculum, not just in language arts." The power of the course is the opportunity to assist teachers in becoming leaders in their profession, said Dunker. "It's about teachers teaching teachers," she said. "There's a need for professional development, and teachers can use these ideas in any subject. What's unique for me (as a high school teacher) is working with elementary and middle school teachers. We learn we have the same needs and concerns." Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.
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