Our cohort of writers in Berkeley spent a good deal of time thinking about what we mean when we say continuity for our writing project sites. The book series we are working on is joined by a common thread of continuity and sustainability for various sites of the National Writing Project.
Here is what I wrote when asked about what continuity means for me:
At a very basic level, I see continuity as tapping into the energy of the Summer Institute for other levels of our site’s work. Teachers come out of the SI brimming with ideas, confidence and enthusiasm for implementation into their own classrooms – which is very important – but also with the sense that they are now part of something larger than their classroom and school. Many realize they can make a difference on a larger scale and this is where the seeds of leadership begin. That period of time following the SI seems to be most crucial for keeping people connected to the site. If too much time lapses, the energy begins to fade. Life impedes on the memories of the summer. If we can find connections that are relevant – and work on their new ideas and concepts and bring them to fruition – then we are more likely to have them emerge as leaders of the future. Continuity strengthens the site on so many different levels and outreach by the leadership team is important. For example, we tapped an SI graduate from last summer to be the editor of our online Weblog newsletter and I am now considering a replacement from this summer’s crop of teachers. There has to be a continual movement of people and challenges with support to keep people engaged. A site that ignores continuity runs the risk of fading away at some point in the future.
Meanwhile, the entire group brainstormed about continuity and came up with this list of ideas:
- Capture energy of SI
- Intellectual home – remodeled over time
- Honor the mission of the site
- Nourish and learn from NWP fellows
- Leaders open to change and ideas
- Having a place where people say ‘yes’ to ideas
- Imagine the possibilities
- Grassroots approach
- Social aspect – friendship and professional level
- Director gives out “keys to the office” – openness/access
- Mentor for leadership
- Challenges of diversity of teaching experiences/communities
- Addressing tensions within site
- “Never step into the same river twice”
- Continuum of Continuity
Peace,
Kevin