Empowering Young Writers: Instructional Strategies for K–8 Educators

Instructor: Emily Pawlusiak, Literacy Instructional Coach, MMUUSD

Who Should Attend? All K-8 teachers who teach writing or who have writing as part of the curriculum

This course explores how backward design can be used to strengthen writing instruction in K–8 literacy classrooms. Participants will analyze success criteria embedded within the Common Core State Standards for Writing and examine research-based instructional practices that support the development of effective, engaging writing instruction.

Throughout the course, educators will engage in professional reading, reflective discussion, and collaborative learning experiences designed to deepen their understanding of effective writing pedagogy. Participants will also take part in simulated classroom applications of high-impact writing strategies and analyze how these practices can support diverse learners across grade levels.

As a culminating component of the course, educators will design, revise, or enhance instructional activities aligned to existing units of study, ensuring that writing instruction is purposeful, standards-aligned, and responsive to student needs.

OBJECTIVES

Engage in reading and discussion of professional texts related to the enhancement of practices in teaching writing.
Reflect on course content through discussion and journal reflection, emphasizing how to incorporate course strategies into teaching practice.
Create and/or revise a series of writing lessons within a unit of study aligned with district curriculum using backward design, CCSS standards, and best practices in teaching writing.
Incorporate concepts from course texts in plans for instruction and assessment.
Increase content knowledge and student resources related to learning and teaching a unit of study.
Increase resources, knowledge of routines, and comfort in skills to engage students in authentic writing experiences

Dates: June 29 - July 3, 2026 8:00 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Virtual and MMUUSD, building TBD

Cost: Member : $1,350 includes book $1,770 includes SMC grad credit and book

Non Member: $1450 includes book $1870 includes SMC grad credit and book

Text: Anderson, Carl, and Matt Glover. How to Become a Better Writing Teacher. Heinemann, 2024.

Emily Pawlusiak is a Vermont educator with twenty years of experience teaching and leading literacy instruction. She began her career in the New York City public school system and has been an educator in Vermont since 2008. Emily has served in a variety of roles, including special educator, middle school Language Arts and Social Studies teacher, literacy specialist, and graduate course instructor.

She currently works as a literacy coach at MMUUSD, where she supports teachers and students in strengthening English Language Arts instruction and outcomes. Outside of her professional work, Emily enjoys exploring ways to maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle and spending time on adventures with her family.