In this episode, Christine Devane shares her amazing and inspiring journey from teaching to writing.

As a teacher, Christine noticed a need for more representation of all students in the books they read, which is what fueled her motivation to create her book, Elephant Beach.

In our conversation, Christine talks about her experience as an author which provides many insights for teachers who are working to support their writers. As a teacher, author and parent, Christine shares ideas that will encourage young writers, allowing for creativity and authenticity in the writing classroom.

Christine provides thoughts on teaching writing that will be of help for all!

Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation:

• Creativity fueled by a need
• The importance of a writing community
• The writing process for authors and students

You can find Christine's book and upcoming items on her website

About Christine Devane:

Christine Devane was a second grade teacher for thirteen years and enjoyed reading with her students. She currently lives in Massachusetts with her husband John; three children Joey, Nick, and Adeline; and their dog Sophie. Christine loves going to the beach, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and collecting lucky elephants.

**Teachers! We want to hear from you! We want to hear your story, experience, aha moment or insights related to Getting Students to Write! The more we share, the more we learn together, the more we can accomplish for our writers!

Click the link below and record a voicemail. Your story may be featured on the podcast:)

Send a voice message to GettingStudentstoWrite

About Melissa:

Melissa is an enthusiastic educator and continuous learner with over 19 years' experience in education.  Her passion and expertise is transforming writing programs so that teachers are confident in writing instruction and student writers thrive! She strongly believes teachers are the key to effective instruction and their writers are their best resources.

Melissa knows that too often, explicit writing instruction is pushed aside in elementary education, and she feels it is her calling to help schools make it front and center, providing teachers with the knowledge and support necessary to implement effective and engaging writing instruction. 

Teaching to Transform, LLC was founded by Melissa in 2018 and partners with school districts to provide professional development in writing instruction.

If you would like to learn more or refer Melissa to your district, check out her website below!