Telling Our Stories/Raising Our Voices: From Anecdote to Action

Cathy Fleischer

An Eastern Michigan Writing Project Summer Institute
July 22-23, 2014
9am – 3pm each day

Sadly, the ongoing conversation about school reform too often leaves out the voices of teachers—those who are most intimately acquainted with the day-to-day issues that impact students and their learning. We believe that these voices are essential ones for policy makers to hear, but we recognize as well the pressures on teachers to remain silent.

How can teachers safely enter the conversation? In this workshop, we’ll help you become part of that conversation as you learn how to develop your personal stories into a more public narrative, starting from anecdotes and building toward an action plan. By the end of day 2, you should have an action plan to take back to your classroom and school. The workshop is facilitated by Dr. Cathy Fleischer, EMWP co-director and author of Teachers Organizing for Change.

Who can apply? Any teacher in the EMWP network is eligible for this institute. To apply, please fill out the accompanying form. The deadline for applications is May 1, 2014. If more than 10 apply, teachers will be selected based on two criteria: (1) commitment to the topic, as reflected in a short response essay and (2) school and subject area representation (i.e., diversity in grade level; school location; school size, etc.). Additional teachers (up to a total of 25) from other NWPM sites may apply, but without a stipend from EMWP (see below).

Is there a cost? The Institute is free for teachers, but limited to 25 participants. In addition, EMWP teachers are eligible for a stipend: $200 for attending the two days, plus $100 for creating and implementing an action plan.