RE-Thinking the Work of the Site

[Amy Clark]

Nine years into the AWP, I found myself still struggling with defining who we were and what we were about. I struggled with the model and how to make it work. As we approach our first decade together, it's finally becoming clear.

These were the things I knew for sure:
*That I've made lifelong friends since the first summer institute
*That the AWP gives me a place to belong as a writer and researcher
*That the possibilities for growing the site are so limitless I have felt intimidated by them

These were the things I didn't know:
*What TC's are passionate about these days
*How to help inactive TC's find a way to make the work of the site part of their daily professional lives, not a separate entity
*How to delegate the work of the site to TC's who have a passion for the work

I have found our Advanced Institutes the best places for idea-gathering about answers to these issues. Our last event, which featured Don Gallehr of the Northern VAWP, turned out to be the most productive yet. We established a new continuity leader, Robin Charles, and a new fundraiser, Hope Hart. We're beginning two more Open Institutes (in Tazewell County, led by Tammy Williams and Smyth County, led by Keela Smith.) We learned that lots of wonderful things are happening with TC's but the word wasn't getting back to us (which is one of the things I hope the Ning can help to accomplish). We have defined our leadership team and we're continuing to define how the parts of the model work together.

In the upcoming weeks and months, AWP leaders will be casting for TC's who want to make the site work for them and be part of a particular team (like inservice, continuity, community outreach, technology, SI, etc.) The job opportunities are both tiny and large, depending on the kind of work and time a TC has to offer. This is one giant step toward unifying our growing site and launching it into a new decade!

[Amy Clark]

Becky, that sounds like a good writing prompt..."What I know for sure".....

[Rebecca D. Elswick]

I think you should add ...things I knew for sure - "That AWP has inspired TC's to view themselves as writers!"

[Lizbeth J. Phillips]

I look at AWP as an outpost of NWP. If we were scientists exploring other worlds, AWP would be in a wilderness of sorts, in the far reaches of frontier. This is not an insulting concept. Rather, it is an inspirational one. We have a mission that stretches us thin across many miles broken up by mountains and breaks in technology. While we could wonder if folks are interested in our mission, we are likely better off reconciling with the notion that people in our area are focused on survival (funding, supplies, oxygen!)

Opening more institutes is a good way to close the miles. I've talked to people in my building (Abingdon/Bristol residents) in case the drive to UVA Wise was the issue. I found out that the summer trainings my county sponsors (held in July) and the short summer break are the primary reasons why teachers do not joint a cohort. The ones who would be fantastic tend to teach summer school, which gives them even less time.

Maybe my situation is unique. I sure hope so!

I am wondering if we could do an online survey and get feedback about what teachers feel they need in the way of writing/reading supports. I think Dr. Lee would let us send a message with a survey link. If we know what teachers and administrators want, maybe we only need to fine-tune what we do. Maybe we need to bridge what we do to get people to activate their writing skills.

How many school systems ask for in-service assistance? How is our attendance at the conferences? Does location impact attendance? You see, I'm out of touch. I've been so focused on developing curriculum and researching, I've managed to self-contain myself. Isolationism can negate best practices.

I'm busy, on a tight budget to put daughters through college, and ignoring my home while I try not to leave a single child behind. That being said, this Ning has already reconnected me. So count me in, Amy.

Has a Ning invitation gone to all TC cohorts? Is there someone you want me to talk to?

I'm excited. Ning has closed the miles and made everybody on here my electronic neighbor.

See you soon?
Liz