In this episode of The Have a Life Teaching Podcast, host Dr. John Schembari talks with Illinois educators Paige Timmerman and Courtney Hake, co-authors of Their Stories, Their Voices. Together, they explore how teachers can use personal narrative writing to help students find and share their authentic voices—while meeting academic standards and preparing for real-world writing.

Paige and Courtney discuss how narrative writing builds engagement, supports social-emotional learning, and develops critical thinking. They outline four key narrative types—informative, analytical, persuasive, and reflective—and share practical ways to weave student voice into everyday assignments without overhauling the curriculum. The conversation also dives into innovative projects such as experimental narratives, podcast assignments, and multimedia memoirs that make writing both relevant and joyful.

John and his guests unpack how narrative connects to standards, fosters growth mindset, integrates with digital literacy, and even interacts with emerging tools like AI. The episode closes with an inspiring reminder: when students write about what matters to them, they not only learn to communicate—they learn who they are.

Paige Timmerman LinkedIn

Kourtney Hake LinkedIn

Their Stories Their Voices Book

Music by Aylex