About four years ago, my educational journey intersected with George Couros through his book, The Innovator’s Mindset, during a mentor program I led in a previous school district. George’s words consistently ignited inspiration within me, shaping my thoughts and sparking numerous insightful exchanges. During one virtual mentor meeting, George challenged me in front of our group, urging me to start my own blogging platform. I hesitated, questioning, “What unique insights could I possibly offer?” George’s response, “Lauren, you write for yourself, it’s to reflect on your learning.” His words struck a chord. How often do our own seemingly simple ideas resonate deeply with others who hear them for the first time?
Reflecting on this journey, I never envisioned reaching this milestone—my 100th Blog Post. To mark this significant moment, I wanted to honor some of the educators who have inspired, uplifted, and continually pushed me to reflect on my teaching past, present, and the evolving educator I aspire to become.
This is Why We Write is a tribute to these remarkable educators. I hope you click on their names to learn more about their impactful work. Their collective wisdom, shared through powerful insights, ignites your learning path, sparks creativity, and fuels a passion for education. I’m deeply grateful to each contributor for their invaluable words and support. May their reflections illuminate your own teaching paths and elevate your commitment to continuously nurturing and empowering future generations.
And to my readers, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your messages, support, and encouragement have been the guiding force behind my journey. Thank you for sharing insights and inspiring me to strive to be better today than I was yesterday. As a token of appreciation, I’ve included actionable ideas at the end of this post to inspire educators within your organization to write!
With heartfelt appreciation,
Lauren
THIS IS WHY WE WRITE
Writing has the potential to travel into the hands of those who need it. The beautiful part about it is that it doesn’t need a stamp or shipping box. It needs a space to manifest your spirit, nurture your ideas, and capture your inner thoughts. Writing can cultivate courage in others. Writing is a reflection of who you are and who you want to be. Your impact stretches farther and resonates more deeply than you think. The world will be a little better with your voice in it. YOU are a writer… you can do these things.
I write because it pushes me to not only dig deep into my own thinking, but the viewpoints of others. Clive Thompson once wrote, “Having an audience can clarify thinking. It’s easy to win an argument inside your head. But when you face a real audience, you have to be truly convincing.” The ability to wrestle with my own thinking in meaningful ways through writing, has been the best learning I have done in my career. Sometimes I write to share my learning, and sometimes I write to learn. It has only made me better in the service of others.
I write because it allows me to take the time to pause and reflect. The writing process is about gathering my thoughts on what I’m learning. Most often, writing allows me to dig deeper on various learnings and even challenges me to consider what I truly believe and hope for. I choose to publish my writing as a way to inspire others and lift the great work I am seeing from people who I care about and who care for others. Writing allows me to celebrate the journey!
Nearly a decade ago, I heard a statement during a conference that has stayed with me ever since: “If there’s no sharing, there’s no learning. Teaching is fundamentally a sharing activity.” –Darren Kuropatwa When I transitioned from the corporate world to education, I was immediately struck by how generous teachers were with their time and resources. Everyone was eager to share their lesson plans and materials with me to help me learn and grow. That’s why I write: to contribute to and be part of this wonderful community of educators who so openly and willingly share with each other. I write to reflect and grow. I write to share lesson plans and ideas for others to remix and make their own. I write to get feedback from others to stretch my thinking further and improve my practice. I write because I’m a teacher and a dreamer, forever hopeful that what I have to share might make a difference in someone else’s life.
I write because I’ve seen the impact my words can make on other educators around the country. Initially my writing was born out of frustration for the ‘things’ I wasn’t seeing happen in schools, to then turn into ideas and actionable steps to make us all better for kids. I’m 100% an accidental author, and I’ll always encourage others to write, write, write because you just never know who will be impacted by your words and what may just become of all that writing for you! Think big, but write small. It’s so much easier to get a short blog post off the ground and published, you can and will have it all grow from there. Write on!
I write because, as Valter Hugo Mãe beautifully put it, “It is urgent to live enchanted.” Writing, for me, is the spell that enchants the ordinary, turning it into something extraordinary. It’s the alchemy that transforms thoughts into words and words into action. When I write, I enter a realm of wonder and awe. And when everyday routines can sometimes overshadow the enchantment of teaching and learning, writing is my way of reigniting that spark. It reminds me that each lesson, each learner, and each moment holds the potential for wonder. Writing not only enchants the present; it also serves as my compass for the future. It’s a tool for learning, growing, and improving. I write to savor that enchantment, to share it with others, and as a commitment to continuously improving. This is a journey where words are both the destination and the path. If you’d like to read more about my writing journey, check out my article on Edutopia: Using Your Experience as a Teacher to Become a Writer.
This is Why I Write: A Haiku by Dave Burgess
Doubt. Fear. Confusion.
All vanish through reflection
This is why I write
https://bit.ly/m/NovakEducation
I write because the words in my head make more sense when I can craft and mold them into text. I write because when I was in elementary school, it felt as though I understood myself best when I penned my thoughts in a little blue diary with a lock on the side. I write because I have so much to share, and the limitations of time and place prevent me from reaching all the educators who may need inspiration, support, and strategies to implement practices that help them increase the outcomes of students and find balance. I write because, in our souls, we are all storytellers. I have stories to tell and experiences to share, and my hope is that those experiences and those stories can help to connect us and open our hearts to what is possible.
I write to reflect upon my learning. I write to learn, relearn, and unlearn. I write to connect with myself and others. Writing is my healing, my solace, my peace, and my refuge. Writing allows me to stretch and expand into my best self and hugs me through my ugly too. Writing grounds me in my humanity and the vast humanity of others. When the world feels chaotic and uncertain, writing catches me. It is my hammock on a spring day. It is the sand between my toes and the ocean breeze in my hair. It is the spark that lights my campfire and chunky snowflakes on a winter’s Eve. Writing is a reminder that I was here for a short, beautiful, painful time and that this place will exist long after I’ve left. Writing is my greatest hope that my life meant something and that just maybe I left my corner of the universe a little better than when I found it.
The Principal Liner Notes Podcast
I write because I love words. I love everything about the expression of the written word. Words connect us and serve as beacons of insight, hope, and support on our human journey. In our gig as educators, we all need an outlet from the daily demands. Some take time to find all kinds of pursuits to maintain balance in life. For me, writing is that release into meaningful connection with others. As I often sign off on my podcast, “Don’t forget to share with the world your dreams, visions, and ideas because the world needs them.” Writing is my way to tune into my own ideas and hopefully foster a sense of belonging and connection with others.
I write because it gives me a chance to highlight incredible things people have done for kids and schools. People won’t change the way they talk about schools until we change the way that we talk about schools so writing has forced me to be more intentional about not only seeing those things, but making sure others do as well. I also realize that I’m not going to be around forever and the stories we tell become part of the legacy we leave for those we love. Writing has given me the opportunity to ensure that those stories can live on for a long time.
I started my blog in 2015 with 3 questions. It has turned into 2 books with more to come, I hope! I have shared my thinking, reflected, revised and grown tremendously over the last 8 years of publicly sharing my thinking. I write because it helps me organize my thoughts and it allows me to share ideas and get feedback. The biggest reason I write these days, however, is that I often have the opportunity to visit classrooms around the world and by sharing what’s working I hope to inspire others to dream about what is possible in their context. If one educator reads about a Bright Spot and is inspired to put their ideas into practice, their learners benefit and there can be a ripple effect that has potential to impact many more.
I write to ignite other leaders into action. The power of the written word is eternal, and I know that writing is one way to create a time capsule of stories, narratives, lessons, and encounters that will fuel future generations. Mark Batterson once said, “The shortest pencil is longer than the longest memory.” Whether it’s journaling, short stories, essays, or novels, writing about our experiences is a direct transport to times and spaces where others can be healed, helped, and heard. We all have stories in us that deserve to be shared. Writing is the way we capture life and continue to learn from all the ways it plays out for each of us.
I write to share and impact. It was a teacher across the hall from me who came over and said, “I think you should write an article for Edutopia. You share such great tips in your emails with the staff and you do such interesting lessons in your classroom, there is a wider audience out there.” I had never thought about sharing beyond my school site. Writing helped me feel seen and appreciated and it was powerful to know that my ideas and words had an impact. I hope it encourages others to do the same. We can’t see the greatness happening until it is shared.
I do so to give back to those people that have helped me break free from a traditional mindset and hopefully inspire others to do the same. The more we share what actually works others will see the value in looking at their practice through a different lens. I blog in the hopes of challenging my own thinking in order to continually grow into a transformational leader. Finally, I write to be transparent. I want to showcase how schools are leveraging research and evidence based practices to usher in sustainable change.
I have learned so much about myself as a professional and as a human through my writing. I write to reflect and grow, I write to hold myself accountable for what I believe, and I write to inspire. Blogging has been such a wonderful tool in my life for these reasons, and because it offers immediate feedback. Sometimes the feedback is silence, sometimes it is through likes and shares, and sometimes the feedback is through comments and personal messages. Ultimately, I write because I love the medium and it allows me to connect with myself and with others.
I write because I have a story. I write because everyone has a story – however, only some put their story into words. I write so others can relate and recognize they are not alone in whatever they face. I write to walk alongside others, specifically, people I’ve never met. I write because we need one another – even if it’s only through a few words on paper. I write because we all need a little encouragement.
I have a great passion for writing, which stems from my love for creativity and innovation. Writing allows me to explore new ideas and topics by transforming them into words. These words can inspire others and create connections between people. It is essential to reflect, learn, and grow through processing our thoughts, especially in education, where exchanging ideas and approaches can significantly impact students’ lives. Engaging in this medium helps me express my creativity and turn abstract concepts into concrete insights. I continue to iterate and enhance school and classroom culture and teaching and learning experiences through this process. What I value most about writing is its ability to foster connections and collaborations with others in the profession. This outlet allows me to connect with others and positively impact the world. My ultimate goal is to use my writing to impact students’ learning significantly. Every educator can benefit from journaling ideas or engaging in blogging; even those with similar content can provide unique insights or a new perspective. I find joy in this journey of creativity, innovation, and authentic connections, and I always enjoy seeing others share their voice.
I write to ask myself questions and to challenge my thought process. I write so that I can learn and reflect on who I was yesterday, who I am today, and who I can still become. I write to know that I am alive and that I am truly experiencing all that is happening around me. I see where I have grown and where I failed to grow which helps to reset my path forward so I can be better today than I was the day before. The steps I take towards growing and improving help to plant seeds in those around me – whether in my children, friends, or colleagues. We have an opportunity to positively impact those around us and our journey is made all the better when we are traveling with others. You can do this too and I hope you will join the journey by sharing your writing with the world.
I write to share my voice. Writing can be a way to express emotions, offer ideas, and connect with others. Although I didn’t always feel like writing was a strength, I learned to build my skills over time, engaging in research, experimenting with creativity, and thoughtfully reflecting. Writing has become a way for me to collaborate, learn, and grow–just as we want our students to do. Writing can amplify the voices of our students in ways that allow them to feel empowered and create positive change in the world.
I write because it helps me to process my thoughts and to reflect. Writing is a way to pause, look back, and think about the experiences and lessons I’ve learned. When I started blogging, it was also a way to share ideas with others. The more that I wrote, I realized that I wanted to learn more myself. I dove into writing about topics that required research and risk-taking, both of which pushed me to keep trying new things and stretch beyond my own comfort zone. For me, writing is also about amplifying the voices and stories of others. Whether through my blogs or books, by sharing all of our stories, I hope to inspire and connect people in meaningful ways.
Why do I write? I write to find clarity in my own thoughts, to unwind the complexity of leadership. I write because I once was the first year school leader whose head was far below water, breathing through a snorkel. But, I was the school leader who, after aligning with a leadership coach, found clarity and became intentional with their time and actions. I became that leader who could focus on what mattered and not just firefighting. I write because we are all uniquely positioned to help the person we once were. I write to inspire other leaders, to support those who walk a similar path to the one I once was on. I write for them, because they all deserve to find clarity, walk in their purpose, and discover the joy in their leadership lives.
We have a gift of words to share by telling our stories. I love to write because it is a mind and soul-nourishing passion that immerses me in a state of blissful flow, where time fades away, and I feel truly alive and in my element. I am entertained by the process of thinking, reflecting, and ruminating as I witness the beautiful transformation of thoughts into words. It allows me to create and craft messages about what I’ve learned and deepens understanding of both myself and the world. Sharing knowledge and stories is not only a profound act of friendship that strengthens connections but also a catalyst for collective learning, growth, and acceleration of forward-thinking ideas. Our words possess the potential to resonate deeply with others, offering not only value and inspiration but also insight, comfort, and understanding. When we amplify our voices, we have the potential to make a lasting impact on lives and leave a meaningful imprint on hearts. I am deeply grateful and feel blessed to have learned from many others through their writing. I encourage you to courageously embrace authenticity and vulnerability when you share your story. Writing is a precious gift to oneself, and when shared with others, can be transformative in touching, shaping, and enriching lives. To learn more about why I write, please read https://livchan.com/the-gift-of-your-words-share-your-story/. I am happy to support your writing journey so connect via @LiviaChanL.
I write to reveal my heart and mind. I was once told, “what is mentionable is manageable.” These words have had an immeasurable impact on my life. Writing connects my brain to my heart, pushing me to process and reflect. It has a way of unraveling my thinking. What starts as a vaulted version of myself gives way to a reflective space to grow with others.
Why do I write? It’s my energy, my thought collector, and the calm to my crazy. It’s as much a part of me as my heartbeat. I write not to satisfy others. Although, isn’t it wonderful when you use your passion to serve others? I write because I enjoy it. Writing provides me an outlet to expose my innermost being–which is scary yet restorative. It’s my time-capsule, my personal history book. It helps me learn from my past, present, and dream big for the future.
THIS IS WHY WE WRITE.
| Actionable Ideas to Implement Tomorrow How can you use the contributors’ writing to impact your teaching, students, and personal writing life? I have compartmentalized the actionable steps into those 3 categories: 1. Teaching Inspiration: Facilitate a classroom discussion or writing activity where students can reflect on their own reasons for writing. Encourage them to connect their personal motivations to the contributors’ insights.Create a “Why I Write” display. Share excerpts from the contributors’ responses with students for inspiration and then have students write their own “This is Why I Write” responses. 2. Inspiration for Students: Assign a writing assignment to your students where they explore their own motivations for writing. Encourage them to draw inspiration from the educators’ stories.Create a class or school-wide writing contest where students share their “Why I Write” stories. Showcase the winning entries on your school’s website or newsletter. 3. Personal Inspiration: Keep a journal or digital document where you regularly collect quotes and insights from the contributors and other inspirational figures in education. Use these as a source of motivation when facing challenges in your teaching journey. Consider starting your own blog or reflective writing practice to share your experiences and insights as an educator. Use the contributors’ stories as a reminder of the impact your writing can have on others. *Host a guest speaker for faculty or students to discuss the power of writing and its impact on teaching and learning. |
Empower. Collaborate. Connect. 
This was a great idea for a post. I hope to be included with these awesome people someday.
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Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoyed it and that it inspired you to write!
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