By the end of the school year, my students had figured out when e-mails arrived and whom they were from.  One of my students announced to me, “Mrs. Hansey you have a new e-mail from Miss Hansey.”  It was almost recess time, so I wondered, “What could it be?”  As I began reading the email it said, “Hey, mom, there is this cool writing class this summer.  I think I’ll sign up.  Do you want me to sign you up also?”  I thought to myself, “Oh dear, writing, I really need to work on this area, but will it be too hard for me?  Will they all laugh at me?”  At least I am aware that my writing needs improvement.  My daughter, Tiffanie, must have caught me at a weak moment or I really liked the offer of a $1000 scholarship.  God only knows why I replied, “Sure, sign me up.” 

On the first day of class, I was scared to death, however, really excited to begin my journey through the Oregon Writing Project.  I found myself faced with a room full of enthusiastic teachers.  They all seemed like great teachers and were talking about writing skills way over my head.  I heard the word computers and I thought, “Computers oh good, I mean oh god, I want to learn but don’t know if I can ever catch up.  Key drives, blogs, RTM’s, oh god, oh god.  Presentations?  You mean I will be giving a presentation to this group of teachers?  Perhaps I should just drop out now.” 

The Oregon Writing Project turned out to be exactly what I needed.  It was designed in a format that worked very well for me.  Time was allotted to work on my own writing and learn skills to help improve my personal writing as well as my teaching of writing.  Response and editing groups were arranged small enough for me to feel safe.  Lesson presentations by each participant allowed me to take away many valuable lessons that are ready to be taught.  Adaptation ideas generated during class helped me in modifying lessons to meet a wide range of learners.  Computer use and presentations were geared for the professional educator.  Some were a little over my head, however I am now introduced, though not quite ready for the jumping off point.  Book and web site reviews were a valuable use of my time.  I really appreciated the kind; caring, supportive environment provided by Nat our professor, Jennifer and Tara our tech support, along with each and every participant.  This class was a collaborative group effort with everyone helping each other.  I need to say, a special thank you to Tiffanie, my daughter for encouraging me throughout the OWP.  Also, thanks to Kelly my personal editor. 

I know that the learning will not stop when the class officially ends.  We have developed friendships along with professional bonds that will last a lifetime.  The professional educators that I met and bonded with throughout this experience will be a valuable asset to me in the future.  I would strongly recommend the Oregon Writing Project to others wanting to improve their own writing as well as improving their teaching in all content areas.  Look for me in the future at another OWP.   This class was exactly what I needed and what I wanted!