Stacey is joined by beloved authors and educators Lily Howard Scott and Ralph Fletcher to explore how teacher language shapes students’ writerly identities. They examine what it means to make writing personal and joyful, even amid standards, rubrics, and formulaic structures like the five-paragraph essay. Lily and Ralph offer practical tips for using inclusive, encouraging language that welcomes every child and keeps their voices at the center. The conversation also explores the impact of AI, asking important questions about creativity, authenticity, and how we help young writers distinguish real writing from AI-generated text. This episode will leave you rethinking how your words as a teacher can help build or limit students’ confidence and independence as writers.

Ralph Fletcher has written over fifty books for writing teachers and young readers. His books include Fig Pudding, Flying Solo, Marshfield Dreams: When I Was a Kid, Joy Write, Craft Lessons, and Writing Workshop: The Essential Guide. His most recent book for writing teachers is Tapping the Writer Within: Practical Ways to Help All Students Claim Their Wri-dentity (published by Corwin). 

Ralph visits schools and frequently speaks at educational conferences around the world, helping teachers find wiser ways of teaching writing. Check out his website, or follow him on Facebook or Instagram.

Lily Howard Scott, MSEd is an educator and author. She teaches graduate school at Bank Street College of Education and supports school leaders, teachers, and caregivers around the country with literacy learning and social and emotional learning. 

For nearly 10 years, Lily taught elementary school in both independent and public settings. She is the author of The Words That Shape Us (Scholastic), selected by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center as a Top Book for Educators in 2025. Learn more about Lily from her website or follow her on Instagram.

Go Deeper

• More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI by John Warner + a related podcast
• The Mind-Expanding Ideas of Andy Clark

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You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. 

• Melanie Meehan: [email protected] 
• Stacey Shubitz: [email protected]

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For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.