Ashleigh Stone is a TC with the Middle Tennessee Writing Project and a 5th grade teacher at John Pittard Elementary School. On April 2nd and 3rd, Ashleigh and six other members of the Middle Tennessee Writing Project traveled to Washington DC for the NWP Spring meeting and to share with government officials the impact that MTWP has had on them and writing instruction in Middle Tennessee.
I never imagined as I walked in Kirksey Old Main room 104 last Summer on MTSU’s campus, I would be embarking upon something completely life changing. I use the words life changing because Middle Tennessee Writing Project changed my life not only professionally but personally as well. For example, since leaving the Invitational Summer Institute of 2008, I have presented at a writing conference, started a Youth Writers’ Camp at my school, and remained in contact with other Teaching Consultants for collaboration. In addition to these wonderful opportunities, I had the pleasure of attending The National Writing Project’s Spring Conference held in Washington, DC. This conference included roundtable discussions about current issues dealing with NWP and local sites. As beneficial as these discussions were, the most important task at hand was lobbying for funding. I was going to march around Capitol Hill and try to convince local representatives and senators’ aides to support our funding initiative for NWP. Sadly, NWP cannot run on enthusiasm and passion alone.
 MTWP Director Bobbie Solley, Angela Pope, Congressman Bart Gordon & Ashleigh Stone
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I must admit it was very intimidating to think I would sit across a table from individuals who ate, slept, and breathed politics. Who am I but a 5th grade teacher from Middle Tennessee who dodges discussions or debates revolving around politics? However, I’m not sure if it was the majestic site of our Nation’s Capitol or the American flags waving proudly and freely throughout the city, but I have never felt more proud to be an American and more importantly a teacher. My passion for teaching and the NWP was renewed! I was ready to take on anyone and anything if it meant continuation of the NWP and in turn the MTWP. This was the least I could do to give back to an organization that has given so much to me in one short year. |
The words flowed freely from my mouth as I spoke about the benefits of everything I learned from my experiences with MTWP. We worked together in two teams to take our message to all of our local representatives. I was working side by side with fellow teacher consultants, but more importantly they were my friends. We were lucky enough to meet all of our representatives’ aides and even with a few representatives themselves. We shared a common goal and a common passion for the NWP and the MTWP.
It was a long and hectic day. The hours flew quickly and we soon found ourselves walking hurriedly toward our hotel while our words matched our fast and furious steps. We were on such a high! We swapped stories about our meetings and laughed hysterically as Kim, one of our TC’s, told us of how she took a picture with Rep. Lincoln Davis beside his prized statue of a mule in honor of Mule Day. We were developing long lasting relationships with our congressmen for the greater good of NWP.
- MTWP goes to Washington!
Overall, the trip to DC was productive and priceless. We spread our message to the right people and met with like-minded educators who shared our love for writing and NWP. It was an experience I hope to do again and encourage all TC’s to try!
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Are you ready to become an advocate for writing and MTWP? Follow these links to download NWP’s Advocacy Toolkit with tips for writing your Senators and Representatives and to find addresses for your Congressmen.
