In November, the staff at The Writer’s Block will be attending the National Conference on Peer Tutoring in Writing (NCPTW) in Chicago along with writing center teams from around the country. “It will be really rewarding to learn about the writing centers in different schools and states,” said Coach Jake Meyers, an EHS Junior.
For those unfamiliar, The Writer’s Block is Edina High School’s writing center. Staffing the center are two teachers who act as advisors to approximately 20 student writing coaches. The coaches offer one-on-one peer writing conferences to EHS students working on any writing project, at any stage of the writing process. The staff will attend the NCPTW in the fall in order to improve their skills at this.
In addition to simply attending the conference, The Writer’s Block coaches are applying to give a presentation during the event. “We were specifically contacted by the coordinator of the conference and asked if Edina would put together a proposal,” said Ms. Mohs, English teacher and one of the advisors to the writing center.
The Writer’s Block staff attended the conference once before in March of 2011, but did not present. This year, writing centers selected to present at the convention are eligible for a $500 transportation grant.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Understanding Tutor Identity.” Current coaches are working steadily on the presentation proposal. “Right now we’re planning on presenting a video by parts, following the journey of a writer from first use of the writing center to regular use and forming friendships with the coaches,” said coach Maggie Stang, also an EHS Junior. “But that’s still our rough sketch.”
The EHS writing “coaches”—referred to as such because they wish to focus on collaborative and encouraging “coaching” rather than teaching—have certainly found their true identity in the position. For them, it has been rewarding “just to see the wide variety of kids that come in, and to learn about your own writing as well as help others,” said Meyers.
Stang added that “making relationships I wouldn’t have otherwise,” both with students and fellow coaches, has been a highlight of the experience.
Potential new coaches are invited to apply in the spring after they have been recommended by a teacher. Teachers are asked to look not solely for writing skill, but for leadership as well.
“It’s a role you grow into,” said Ms. Mohs. “We spend time with training and reflection throughout the year.” Therefore, potential coaches don’t necessarily have to be in an advanced English class.
If you are interested but don’t get recommended to apply, Ms. Mohs asks that you see her specifically for more information.
