Stefanie Watson: "Teacher Research and Inquiry: Improving Writing Curriculum and Practice"

Hello all, I am Stefanie Watson. I have been teaching primary grades for about twenty three years. Before receiving my teaching credential I taught preschool for three years. I became part of the RWP early on in my career and have been involved with it in various capacities since 1990! So I guess I am the historian in the group! This year I am directing the ISI, working with Rachel and Mary Ann. Our RWP director, Sue McIntyre will also be with us when she is not busy with other RWP work. So we are a leadership team.

I think the word team is important to me - I cannot be a good teacher without sharing insights and struggles with colleagues. That is why I stay involved with the RWP - I am part of a group, I am not alone and stagnant.

This is the first day of summer for me. Yesterday I packed my room up for awhile and the students went on their way awaiting all that summer brings. It was quite a difficult year - politically and emotionally. Yet as I reflect on it, there are so many moments that make me feel good about teaching. I want to delve into making my writing instruction meaningful to the students and worthwhile this summer and get rejuvenated. I have time now!

And here are the bio questions:
Favorite word: discourse
Least favorite word: absolutely
What turns me on: random acts of kindness
What turns me off: road rage
Favorite curse word: shit or jimmy cricket, depending . . .
Favorite sound: song birds
Profession I would like to do if I wasn't teaching: physical therapist
Profession I would not like: Accountant
If heaven exists, as I entered the pearly gates, God would say, "Stefanie, farts don't matter here because they don't exist anymore!"