Hello, My Name is _______________

I have the pleasure of spending the next two weeks introducing you to the smart, brave, knowledgeable literacy leaders (maybe better described as literacy crusaders) who have so graciously agreed to make this virtual space a meaningful professional learning home for each of us.

The eight literacy coaches who will regularly share their thinking here:

• have varying job responsibilities
• work throughout Wisconsin
• have varying amounts of experience in coaching
• collaborate with teachers working in 4K through grade 12

They are united by a passion for literacy, a desire to continually learn, a strong belief in the power of coaching to transform professional practice, and a love of laughter.

A simple bio or elevator speech or overview of their job description won’t capture what these professionals are about. Instead, each coach has written a reflective piece - a narrative about a real experience (think: CCSS writing standard 3) - focused on how their professional life changed as a result of serving as a literacy coach. That reflective piece was inspired by a column from Ann Landers reproduced below.

"Senior Sentiments" originally appeared as in a syndicated Ann Landers's column (September 3, 1999). The column can be viewed here. The above PDF of the column can be accessed here.

Here are an overview of the steps that inspired the pieces you will read in upcoming days. This activity could be adapted to inspire reflective writing by your colleagues or students.

1. The facilitator reads “Senior Sentiments” aloud. The purpose of the first read is for participants to enjoy the piece.
2. With a partner or a small group, participants read “Senior Sentiments” a second time. The purpose of the second read is to analyze the author’s choices. What ideas/topics are included? How is the piece organized? Annotate the text to show thinking.
3. As a large group, review observations about craft and structure.
4. Write. Pick up your pencil and paper or your device and write. Be inspired by or emulate the ideas and organization of “Senior Sentiments.”
   
   

Note. I wish I could take credit for using this Landers's column as a mentor text. The idea was shamelessly taken from someone I am proud to call a colleague and a friend. I have yet to meet a teacher of writing as gifted as she.

Barb Novak is one of two literacy consultants at Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Having attended public schools from kindergarten (suburban Milwaukee and Eau Claire) through college (UW-Stevens Point) and graduate degrees (UW-Oshkosh and UW-Madison), Barb is the proud product of and an advocate for Wisconsin’s public school system. Prior to joining the DPI in November 2012, Barb worked as a literacy coach, reading interventionist, and reading teacher. She prides herself on being a bit of a professional matchmaker by helping the incredible literacy leaders she meets throughout Wisconsin form relationships to improve professional practice.