Why I Value the NWP

[Georgia Christgau]

When I was 42 I decided to try something new: teaching. Fortunately I was mentored by a caring professional whose roots were in the National Writing Project. I learned how to teach reading and writing -- which, despite having formerly been a journalist, I found extremely difficult to do. The Writing Project helps teachers in all disciplines hold students to high expectations by believing that writing helps them learn. Now I'm 61 and not only do I still find teaching satisfying and rewarding, I'm always learning something new from WP colleagues. It's a great organization which turns ordinary people into professionals. Its philosophy of teachers teaching teachers also places it above other organizations. We get and give respect -- and thus find inspiration and support in the classes we give and take. Bravo, NWP!

 

Georgia Christgau