Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 9am – 3pm at CESA #3 (Fennimore, WI)

This one-day workshop is designed to help grade 3–8 teachers create authentic, engaging writing experiences while preparing students for success on Wisconsin’s Forward Exam.

Key Outcomes/Benefits

1. Create Authentic Writing Experiences: Learn strategies to integrate meaningful, student-driven writing activities that build essential skills and engagement.
2. Focus on Standards-Alignment: Align classroom writing practices with Wisconsin standards and equip students with skills needed to succeed on the Forward Exam.
3. Increase Student Confidence in Writing: Gain tools to help students approach writing with greater confidence, from brainstorming ideas to final drafts.
4. Practical, Ready-to-Use Activities: Leave with a toolkit of activities and resources ready for immediate implementation in the classroom.
5. Cultivate a Classroom Environment That Supports Writers: Discover ideas and resources that create the conditions for developing students’ identities as writers for life.

Facilitators

Mark Dziedzic is a Senior Outreach Specialist and the director of the Greater Madison Writing Project, University of Wisconsin–Madison’s affiliate of the National Writing Project. He has been facilitating professional learning and teacher action research with pre-K-12 educators from across Wisconsin with the School of Education’s outreach office since 2009. Prior to joining the outreach office, Dziedzic was an elementary and middle school teacher in Colorado and Wisconsin. He also taught a methods course and supervised student teachers in the UW–Madison Elementary Education program.

Bryn Orum is the Outreach Program Manager for the Greater Madison Writing Project where she coordinates programs for youth and educators. Key projects include Rise Up & Write: a youth advocacy writing summer camp, and the College, Career, and Community Writers Program (C3WP): a National Writing Project program that supports the teaching of evidence-based argument writing. Previously, she co-founded and taught high school English at Clark Street Community School in Middleton, Wisconsin. Orum studied literacy and English at the University of Wisconsin–Madison where she earned her bachelor of arts and master of science degrees. Much of her work in education has focused on equitable and innovative environments.

Common Questions

• “I’m worried this will be too focused on test prep.”
  This workshop balances creativity with standards-aligned practices, ensuring students learn to write authentically while also preparing for standardized assessments.
• “I don’t have enough time in the school day to add more writing activities.”
  Our approach emphasizes integrating writing across the curriculum, helping you find organic ways to embed writing without adding extra time.
• “My students have very different skill levels. Will this work for everyone?”
  Yes! Our strategies are adaptable for diverse learners, giving you ways to support all students, from those needing extra help to those ready for more advanced challenges.
• “Is a one-day workshop enough?”
  In just one day, you’ll gain a wealth of practical, impactful ideas, along with post-workshop resources to continue learning and refining your approach.

Teacher Testimonials from Previous Workshops Hosted by Mark and Bryn

“This workshop has made me a better teacher–more reflective and more enthusiastic.”
— Kelly Kroon

“I am so grateful for this experience. It has shown me how collaboration and writing can create change in the world—and in our students’ lives!”
— Brenna Swift

“This workshop has allowed me to be my best educator and learner self.  The camaraderie, enjoyment, awe, and challenge provided by these colleagues is precious to me.”
— Jenny Magee

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Register today to empower your students as writers, for school and for life!