Teaching Writing

Empowering Educators to Improve Writing

Teaching Writing is designed for K-12 teachers, paraprofessionals, instructional coaches, and other school-based educators. Building on the research of Professor Emerita Maria Brisk, the workshop delves into the Systemic Functional Linguistics theory-based approach to writing instruction. By incorporating the Teaching and Learning Cycle, we scaffold instruction to foster flexibility in language usage and empower students to become proficient writers.

The ability to write well is essential to a student’s success

Yet, it's a challenge facing our schools. According to national writing assessment data, only 24% of students in grades 8 and 10 performed at a proficiency level. This data makes it clear that developing high quality writing instruction is more relevant than ever.

At a Glance

Who should attend?

K-12 teachers, dual-language educators, paraprofessionals, instructional coaches


What is the format?

Online with live synchronous sessions and weekly self-paced activities


When is the professional development offered?

Schools and school districts can tailor a timeframe for the professional development courses


What is the cost?

400 dollars per participant


Will participants receive Professional Development Points?

Participants who complete all required work will receive 15 PDP’s.

Our Impact

500 +

Educators

45 +

Communitites

Our Work

Using a genre-based pedagogy informed by systemic functional linguistics, participants will learn how to teach specific genres. The strong emphasis on language development distinguishes this approach from others currently used in schools. These offerings are designed for teaching all students but considerable attention is placed on teaching multilingual learners and students in bilingual programs. Since the theory itself originated from the work with students speaking multiple languages, an emphasis is placed on examining language and how it functions in texts. 

We are committed to collaborating with you to create personalized professional learning experiences that prioritize student needs and align with your school goals and strategic priorities. To ensure a tailored approach, our program manager will meet with the school leader and/or leadership team prior to the workshop to understand your school's unique culture and customize the learning experience.

Throughout this program, participants will:

Engage in online lectures and live discussions

View model lessons

Analyze student work

Explore writing resources 

Develop instructional materials for their students

Meet to reflect on the learning and identify implementation support

Our offerings include:

District and/or School Consulting

This service included as part of the professional development includes a school-visit before the program, and a reflection meeting with the facilitator and the school administrator to identify implementation support. 

Teaching Narrative 

Using a genre-based pedagogy informed by systemic functional linguistics, participants will learn how to teach non-fiction narratives and fictional narratives.


Teaching Report and Explanation

Using a genre-based pedagogy informed by systemic functional linguistics, participants will learn how to teach reports and explanations in the context of social studies and/or science.

Teaching Argument and Procedure

Using a genre-based pedagogy informed by systemic functional linguistics, participants will learn how to teach arguments and procedures across the disciplines.

Program Faculty

Maria Estela Brisk

Maria Estela Brisk

Professor Emerita



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Maria Estela Brisk

Maria Estela Brisk

Professor Emerita

Dr. Maria Estela Brisk is a Professor Emerita at the Lynch School of Education and Human Development. For decades, Maria Brisk’s work has focused on language and education—individually and where they intersect. Teaching since the mid 1960s, her expertise has centered on how literacy and bilingualism are developed. She uses systemic functional linguistics to teach writing and implement genre-based pedagogy, most recently and successfully at Russell Elementary School.

Her illustrious career includes dozens of books and scholarly journal publications, as well as speaking engagements around the world. Brisk has served as an expert witness on several court cases on desegregation and bilingual education. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the AERA Bilingual Education Research SIG Lifetime Achievement award and the AERA Scholars of Color Distinguished Career Contribution Award.

Course Facilitators

Frank Daniello

Frank Daniello

Associate Professor of Elementary Education
Lesley University



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Frank Daniello

Frank Daniello

Associate Professor of Elementary Education

Lesley University

Dr. Frank Daniello began his educational career as an elementary school teacher and district literacy specialist. Frank's research interests presently focus on SFL-informed genre-based pedagogy in elementary classrooms, teacher leadership and school change, and teachers’ critical reflection about instruction. A theme that unites his scholarship is that teachers are the single greatest influence on children’s development in schools. 

Tracy Hodgson-Drysdale

Tracy Hodgson-Drysdale

Professor of Education Specializing in Literacy, Multilingualism, and Linguistics



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Tracy Hodgson-Drysdale

Tracy Hodgson-Drysdale

Professor of Education Specializing in Literacy, Multilingualism, and Linguistics

Dr. Tracy Hodgson-Drysdale has taught in various capacities over a twenty-year period, including five years working as an elementary generalist, six as a reading specialist, and thirteen as an instructor teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses in literacy, bilingualism, and systemic functional linguistics (SFL). She has worked with Dr. Maria Estela Brisk since 2008 as her teaching assistant and research assistant, and they also presented at conferences and collaborated on articles. 

Elizabeth McDonald

Elizabeth McDonald

Instructional Coach



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Elizabeth McDonald

Elizabeth McDonald

Instructional Coach

 

Elizabeth MacDonald is a veteran educator and instructional coach within the Boston Public Schools and has served as an adjunct instructor in Boston College’s Lynch School of Education for close to twenty years. Her interests include urban education, reading and writing instruction, dual-language schools and the preparation of pre-service teachers. She has worked with Maria Estela Brisk on  the study of and implementation of the theory Systemic Functional Linguistics in the classroom. Additionally, as co-author of the first and second edition of The Mindful Teacher, she is committed to supporting and retaining urban educators. 

Lisa Portadin

Lisa Portadin

Literacy Coach



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Lisa Portadin

Lisa Portadin

Literacy Coach

Lisa Portadin is a longtime educator in K-12 public school and university settings and currently works as a district coach for the Boston Public Schools. At BPS, Lisa has been a general and special educator and a school-based instructional coach. She is passionate about shaping and supporting teachers' evolving practices in the classroom. Lisa is currently a doctoral candidate at Northeastern University, researching the skills and knowledge needed to teach writing to. 

Mariam Gorbea Ramy

Mariam Gorbea Ramy

Director of Curriculum and Programs
Eureka Enrichment Services (NPO)



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Mariam Gorbea Ramy

Mariam Gorbea Ramy

Director of Curriculum and Programs

Eureka Enrichment Services (NPO)

Mariam Gorbea Ramy has a Bachelor's in Applied Psychology and a Master's in Elementary Education, with a Urban and Bilingual focus, from Boston College. She worked in BPS as a Spanish teacher in Dual Language schools. She now creates curriculum that integrates Puerto Rican experiences with STEM skills as Director of Curriculum and Programs in an NPO in Puerto Rico. Ms. Gorbea Ramy is a native speaker of English and Spanish, is proficient in French, and continues to learn Lebanese Arabic.

Questions?

Contact lynchschoolpce@bc.edu for more information about customizing or paying for multiple registrants via purchase order.