How to Become a Better Writing Teacher: A Conversation with Matt Glover

In this conversation, Matt Glover, former teacher and principal, now a full-time writer and consultant, and I discuss his book, How to Become a Better Writing Teacher, co-authored with Carl Anderson (Heinemann, 2024)

Key Highlights from Conversation

Author’s Background

• Matt Glover's experience as a first-grade teacher, assistant principal, and principal of a large early childhood school.

• Shifted interest towards teaching writing, influenced by colleagues and educational leaders like Carl Anderson and Katie Wood Ray.

Importance of Teaching Writing

• Glover’s interest in how children compose and think.

• Emphasis on the importance of teaching writing from an early age.

• Discussion on the role of equity in teaching writing, ensuring all students can express their thoughts regardless of language and transcription skills.

Engagement and Choice in Writing

• The impact of choice (topic and genre) on student engagement.

• Strategies for supporting meaningful choice in the classroom to enhance engagement.

• The correlation between engagement and achievement in writing.

Building Confidence in Young Writers

• The significance of building students' confidence as writers.

• Techniques such as using children as mentors in writing conferences.

• The positive effects of showcasing less confident writers as mentors.

Effective Writing Instruction Practices

• The role of teacher's own writing in the instructional process.

• The power of peer partnerships and long-term student collaborations.

• Practical strategies for conferring with students and asking empowering questions like "What are you making?" and "What have you done well as a writer?"

Evolving Writing Units

• Incorporating modern forms of writing like podcasts and TED Talks into the curriculum.

• Glover’s perspective on the cautious use of AI in teaching writing.

• The importance of maintaining authenticity in teacher-created writing samples.

Advice for Teachers

• Start with one action or strategy from the book and work on it incrementally.

• Utilize the assessment tools provided in the book to personalize and guide instructional improvements.

• Commit to long-term growth and incremental learning rather than trying to overhaul teaching practices all at once.

Interested in learning more?

1. Check out the two-day online institute for the book, co-facilitated by Matt Glover and Carl Anderson in July. Register with Heinemann here.

2. Watch our conversation with Carl Anderson to kick of this book study here.

3. To integrate more authentic assessment in your writing instruction, I humbly recommend my book on digital portfolios. it is a powerful approach for engaging and empowering students as writers and learners.