Guest Blog

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scarlett@writeboston.org

Prior to joining WriteBoston, Scarlett spent a decade serving as a high school English teacher and administrator in Lawrence Public Schools. Her greatest accomplishment there was being a part of the team that took one of the high schools from a Level 5 turnaround school to a Level 1 school. She is a teacher at heart and that comes through as she works with teachers and students. Scarlett believes education is an equalizer that can open doors and change lives for the better. Working with teachers to make grade level standards accessible to all students is something she loves about her job. When she is not in schools, she can be found eating doughnuts on Saturdays, laughing with her family, and listening to podcasts while she walks her dog.

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sophiasalazar@writeboston.org

Sophia is a graduate of Amherst College and former Fulbright scholar to South Korea, where she taught secondary school students and spent time with North Korean diasporic communities for over a year. Since her time as a student in Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley, Sophia has learned about and engaged with community-centered initiatives that have served as engines for purpose and social change. She enjoys learning about how histories and cultures impact society on micro- and macro-level scales. Having built experience in the education space at home and abroad, Sophia is also passionate about approaching education from an equitable and justice-oriented lens, and is eager to explore innovative ways of storytelling, learning, and community-building in local and virtual spaces through her work as a Commonwealth Corps Youth Program Associate at WriteBoston. When not working, Sophia enjoys spending time outside, making playlists, supporting local artists and community organizers, and picnicking. She also aspires to be a loving plant caretaker.

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jasmineheyward@writeboston.org

Jasmine joins WriteBoston after earning a journalism degree at Northeastern University. During their studies, they fell in love with working with students, volunteering with Generation Citizen, Let’s Get Ready, the Boston Debate League, and more. They serve as Teens in Print’s Senior Associate, developing TiP’s programming, editing the newspaper, and mentoring students. Jasmine’s journalism background includes bylines with Boston.com, The Boston Globe, and The Christian Science Monitor. When they’re not at work, they enjoy playing video games, watching cooking shows, and trying new international foods.

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kellyknopf-goldner@writeboston.org

Kelly’s 25 years in education—as a teacher and coach—have all been dedicated to uncovering the writer and reader in every student. Whatever a child’s passion, she believes strong communication skills will ensure they achieve it. She also believes in the necessity of literacy to make sure young people enter the world beyond school as informed, critically thinking citizens. Kelly has taught in private and public schools, coached teachers in and around Boston, and edited and published teen writers at TeenVoices Magazine and Boston Teens in Print. She has been at WriteBoston since 2003, aside from a recent stint back in the classroom. She’s a book junkie and with her family loves to cook, hike, camp, and watch old comedies.

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lucylevin@writeboston.org

Lucy is a recent graduate of Boston University’s journalism program at the College of Communication, where she realized her love for print, live, and audio storytelling and published work in WBUR and the Brookline TAB alongside her classmates. Lucy spent the majority of her time outside the classroom exploring Boston’s neighborhoods and getting to know local authors of all ages and genres as an intern at GrubStreet, so she jumped at the opportunity to cheer on WriteBoston’s Teens in Print students as a Commonwealth Corps Youth Program Associate this year. She hopes to help young people develop their voices and publish their valuable ideas. Outside of work, Lucy loves attending Moth StorySLAMS, organizing social justice-related events with her friends at the A.C.E. Collective, and sitting in the park with a fresh baguette.

Stacey is the Commonwealth Corps Program Manager for the Massachusetts Service Alliance. For the past few years, the Commonwealth Corps has partnered with WriteBoston to support two service members, who have joined our Teens in Print program and helped us reach more students.

How did you get involved with WriteBoston? WriteBoston applied as a Commonwealth Corps host site in 2018, and has been a host site partner for two years. WriteBoston hosts 2 full-time Commonwealth Corps members in the Teens in Print program who serve as Youth Program Associates, deepening the program’s college and career readiness services and supporting student writing growth in Boston. Through our partnership, our members are provided with a meaningful service experience and the TiP staff benefit from being a part of the larger Commonwealth Corps community of nonprofits across Massachusetts.

What’s most unique about WriteBoston? Our Commonwealth Corps members at WriteBoston have been able to serve directly with students in the Boston Public Schools while thinking more broadly about how they can support students’ college and career readiness. They have developed creative programming that keeps students engaged and excited about learning.

Why is it important to support this work? Through their service at WriteBoston, our Commonwealth Corps members will impact approximately 150 under-resourced Boston students by providing individualized writing support and wrap-around services that target college and career readiness skills. In addition, they will leverage 25 volunteers that will support students’ writing and thinking skills through mentoring relationships centered around reading, writing, and career and college exploration. This is an incredible impact of which we are proud to be a part.

Liz is a Writing and Instructional Coach at WriteBoston. For the past two years, Liz has worked with educators across Greater Boston to hone their teaching practice and improve students’ literacy learning.

How did you get involved with WriteBoston? I have been an instructional coach at WriteBoston since 2018.  After years of teaching and some experience as an administrator, I wanted to find a place where I could work with a wide range of teachers on issues that truly mattered to them and made a difference in the experiences that students would have in their classrooms.  WriteBoston has allowed me to be that supportive presence in schools where teachers are excited to learn and it’s been such a privilege to work alongside teachers every day.

What’s most unique about WriteBoston? We are able to provide professional development that is thoughtfully tailored to support and complement the on-going work and address the unique needs of a particular school, as opposed to using a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

Why is it important to support this work? Teaching is hard work and teachers deserve high quality professional development opportunities and personalized coaching that equips them to better serve their students and leads them to feel respected, confident and fulfilled.

Cynthia is one of WriteBoston’s most dedicated, long-term supporters and a fierce advocate for students’ educational opportunities.

How did you get involved with WriteBoston? My involvement with WriteBoston, spanning more than a decade and a half, dates back to a chance encounter with a former board member who invited me to WriteBoston’s annual benefit, Pros&Conversation. At this gathering, I was impressed to learn that WriteBoston not only has developed programs for mastering writing, but is also reaching out to classroom teachers across Greater Boston, working with them on educating teen students coming from challenging and diverse backgrounds on the art of writing well. 

Having been the first in my Lebanese immigrant family to attend college, I know firsthand how my ability to read well and write skillfully has made all the difference in giving me access to a world I would never have known: a world filled with possibilities, adventure and enrichment. This is the world we all desire for our own children and should be the world we want for every child. WriteBoston gives that opportunity to Boston’s underserved children and because I believe their voices must be heard and their futures made more secure, I fiercely and passionately support WriteBoston.

What’s most unique about WriteBoston? There is no doubt that skillful, articulate writing impacts the success of any student. Without that skill, students have little chance of advancement. Through teaching effective writing skills, WriteBoston is changing the course and future of these young people.

Why is it important to support this work? These days my hope is coming from the socially conscious, politically active, determined young people demanding change. Their cries for a more just and safe nation are the cries we hear from our teens, too. WriteBoston, thankfully, is giving these young students the tools to think critically and write effectively so their voices can be heard loud and clearly.

Brian, EVP and Partner at CTP, has supported WriteBoston in a number of ways, including hosting career exploration days at the CTP workplace for teens, and producing an organizational video for WriteBoston.

How did you get involved with WriteBoston? I was invited to WriteBoston’s Pros&Conversation annual event in 2017 and I was blown away by the mission of the organization, the leadership, and the level of work these young people were producing. So I looked for an opportunity to get involved. As a former journalist and a communications professional I appreciate the talent and the drive of the students. So for the past two summers we’ve had groups of young people from WriteBoston spend the day at our marketing agency CTP (@CTPBoston), to shadow our teams and learn how they one day could apply the communications skills they’re developing to a profession like ours.

What’s most unique about WriteBoston? WriteBoston is unique because of its approach to helping students become brilliant communicators by letting them practice real journalism. 

Why is it important to support this work? Learning how to communicate with clarity and imagination will shape the lives of young people academically and professionally. But it will also help them shape society.

Michelle is a special education teacher for 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts and Math at McKinley South End Academy. She’s worked with a WriteBoston coach for the past few years to incorporate high-quality literacy practices into her classroom.

How did you get involved with WriteBoston? We are in our second year of partnership with WriteBoston. I was first introduced to the program through my literacy coach, with whom other educators at my school and I meet weekly with for professional development. WriteBoston has become a staple at these meetings. Our WriteBoston coach conducted audits at the beginning of the year and observed the amount of reading, writing, and discussing that occurred during a class period. We then used and continue to use this data in a number of ways including to reflect on what we’re doing well, areas in which we can improve, and, most importantly, how we can serve our students in the most productive ways possible. Our coach has provided tools, lesson plans, and write-to-think strategies that have rejuvenated our goals as educators and our students’ progress as writers.

What’s most unique about WriteBoston? What is most unique about WriteBoston is the attentiveness and genuine care and interest of our coach, Liz. It is clear that Liz doesn’t just see this role as a job that needs to get done, but as an investment that is worth every ounce of effort. I meet weekly with Liz one-on-one and what strikes me the most is that after every meeting or observation she always shares her thoughts. If it was a meeting she will reiterate what I said, validate my concerns, and work on ideas and solutions to my questions. If it was an observation, she highlights what impressed her, commends my efforts when challenges arise, and is ready with questions about why I chose a certain approach or if I have ever tried this tool, etc. The simple feeling of being heard is a powerful one. [My WriteBoston coach] has helped my confidence as a teacher so much. I am in my second full year of teaching so it is easy to become overwhelmed, but Liz has been there for me week after week with her positive reassurance. 

Why is it important to support this work? It takes confidence to lead a group of young minds. Not only has WriteBoston given me a foundation of tools and resources, but, most importantly, the confidence I need to maximize those resources.

Pamela is a Medical Assistant Instructor at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School. She’s worked with a WriteBoston coach for the past year to incorporate literacy practices into her classroom.

How did you get involved with WriteBoston? I have been teaching nursing instruction for the better part of 30 years. I hold a Masters in Nursing Education and the majority of my teaching experience has been with young and middle aged adults. That being said, I thoroughly enjoy the population of students at Madison Park, and I have always been a fan of pedagogy in my adult classroom. My first exposure to the WriteBoston curriculum was my first week of employment. I was fortunate to have been assigned to professional development classes with Kelly [a WriteBoston coach]. Incorporating literacy into every lesson plan was not easy at first and I struggled initially. I’m a vocational teacher, not an English teacher, right? Boy, was I wrong. Today I am totally invested in the literacy strategies and I include multiple strategies into one lesson. My lesson plans are tailored to my population of students. I see the results in the students’ faces when they are engaged and ready to learn. 

What’s most unique about WriteBoston? WriteBoston has provided me a whole new approach to teaching vocational content and literacy at the same time. I call that a win-win! WriteBoston has allowed me to teach reading in more creative and effective ways. My students are more engaged and actively communicating and learning from each other. [The WriteBoston strategy] enables my students to actively connect in text and enjoy literacy.

Why is it important to support this work? It is important for educators to assess and continually re-assess learning. The whole WriteBoston theory of teaching literacy is so important for the population of learners that I currently have. Some of my students are [English Learners] or just have poor reading and writing skills in general. Being aware of the class language proficiency levels and learning styles helps me to create and modify lesson plans that contain the important speaking, writing, reading and language skills. 

In summation: I am a true believer of WriteBoston’s [work] and I have witnessed students’ positive growth in literacy with the strategies recommended by WriteBoston. Support is needed by all educators to ensure that our students have the tools they need to succeed and understand language with proficiency.

Michael is an assistant principal at Collins Middle School in Salem. He’s working with a WriteBoston coach to engage eight grade students in authentic discussions around complex texts.

How did you get involved with WriteBoston? [At Collins Middle School], we were looking to push some of our veteran staff. We wanted and needed to increase student ownership of the learning and WriteBoston has people with the experience to get us to move our instruction to the next level.  

What’s most unique about WriteBoston? I like the fact that it’s an additional resource to go above and beyond what our school priorities are and can tier the professional learning that’s taking place in the building. 

Why is it important to support this work? Because school resources are tight, often veteran teachers don’t get the professional learning they need in order to continue improving their practice. Having the additional support [from WriteBoston] allows us to do that. We need our literacy coach to be doing things like running data, helping new teachers, and in general getting everybody aligned and running. The WriteBoston coach is able to differentiate and work with veteran staff in a way they will not otherwise get.

Michaelle is a staff writer for the Teens in Print student newspaper and a freshman at Boston Arts Academy.

How did you get involved with WriteBoston? I got involved with Teens in Print ever since Carla [TiP’s Program Director] came to my school to talk about this opportunity . . . I soon officially joined. Now I write articles for my enjoyment. 

What’s most unique about WriteBoston and Teens in Print? The most unique part about WriteBoston would be our relationship with each other and how TiP prepares us for scholarly writing and resume building. 

Why is it important to support this work? I feel it is important to support this work because there are others who are passionate about writing. Not many people have the opportunity to let their voice be heard, speak for themselves and share their ideas. It’s also a great way to productively do something with your time. It helps youngsters with dreams of becoming a journalist in the future and gives us a higher chance of being accepted into colleges/universities. Overall, I feel TiP sets the perfect example for students and offers LOTS of opportunities, networking skills, just the basic needs of survival in the outside world.

Clinton is an alum of the Teens in Print program. He wrote for the paper before graduating high school in 2018. Clinton is now a sophomore at The University of Massachusetts Amherst.

How did you get involved with WriteBoston? I got involved with WriteBoston my sophomore year of high school through their Teens in Print​ and ​Summer Journalism Institute​ program. I am involved today by keeping in touch with previous mentors such as the program coordinator, Carla Gualdron, who will always keep a place in my heart. She has inspired me to major in journalism and hopefully one day I will come back and share my knowledge with aspiring journalists of the program. 

What’s most unique about WriteBoston and Teens in Print? Teens in Print is the only free program that allows youth to write for a city-wide print newspaper and cultivate their knowledge in the field of journalism.

Why is it important to support this work? Journalism is not appreciated enough, especially when some deem it the “enemy of the people.” WriteBoston shows the importance of the press and gives skills that are transferable to virtually any job.

Elebetel is an alum of the Teens in Print program. She wrote for the paper before graduating high school in 2018. Elebetel is now a sophomore at Tufts University studying African History and Philosophy.

How did you get involved with WriteBoston? My high school had a Writers Room that I used to go to during classes and after school. One of these days, Teens in Print was having their weekly meeting so I decided to join them (they also had food). After I started writing for the publication about literally anything and everything I was passionate about, there was no limit. I spent a lot of time in the Writers Room with my best friends and we had a lot of heated discussions about current events. Now, when WriteBoston is having an event and/or reaches out to alumni for support, I do my best to give back and be a part of the growing community.

What’s most unique about WriteBoston and Teens in Print? For me, it is the fact as a writer you have no limits on what issues you can cover and even how you go on about it. In fact, WriteBoston connects you with people who have years of experience and are able to better guide you in the process of covering a story.

Why is it important to support this work? As a result of my time as a TiPster [Teens in Print reporter], I have gained valuable and useful skills as both a writer and a reader. I recognize the value of a person’s voice, story, and seek out people’s agency in seemingly desperate situations. I am very grateful for all the opportunities WriteBoston and TiP have given me and look forward to the work they will do in the future.

Derrick is a WriteBoston Board Member, photographer, and career journalist who wrote for The Boston Globe. Derrick shares his writing and photography skills with budding young journalists in the Teens in Print program.

How did you get involved with WriteBoston? I was invited by my Boston Globe colleague Bob Turner to join the board. I remain on the board, and mentor Teens in Print youth journalists when appropriate.

What’s most unique about WriteBoston? It is as close as I can imagine to the Model Cities after-school youth writing and journalism program I benefited from in Milwaukee in the early 1970s. 

Why is it important to support this work? The pen is mightier than the sword and we need inquisitive, literate, and eloquent urban youth of color, and youth from difficult backgrounds to be equipped to force America to confront on the negative side its differences, disparities, discrimination and disenfranchisement, and on the positive side, provide an inspiring look into their culture, vision and hopes for making this city, country and world a better place than what we’re leaving them.

David is an English Language Arts Teacher at McKinley South End Academy, a Boston public school providing special education to students with emotional and behavioral needs. David has worked with a WriteBoston coach for the past few years to incorporate literacy practices into his classroom.

How did you get involved with WriteBoston? WriteBoston has been providing coaching for the English teachers such as myself at my school, McKinley South End Academy, for a few years. I attend weekly meetings with our consultant, Liz Leidel, and she observes my class most weeks. We also often meet before and/or after to discuss the observation. 

What’s most unique about WriteBoston? Professional development meetings, consultation, and observation are often not stimulating or useful. WriteBoston’s are. My teaching, 33 years in, is being improved as a result of working with Liz, my WriteBoston coach.

Why is it important to support this work? There is much debate about how to improve teaching, but this is not open for debate: WriteBoston makes a tangible contribution to the enhancement of our skills.

Cristian is a staff writer for the Teens in Print student newspaper and a senior at John D. O’Bryant High School.

How did you get involved with WriteBoston? I was invited to attend a [Teens in Print] session near the end of my sophomore year by someone who works with Teens in Print, and she encouraged me to join since she thought it would be a good fit for me. I was hesitant at first, but I did attend, and after hearing all the cool and amazing things the [TiP students] have done and have written about, I was immediately hooked and decided to join the following year. I am now an affiliated staff writer with Teens in Print, writing articles about issues I feel are important and need to be addressed. I will hopefully be involved with TiP in future endeavors because it truly is an amazing program.  

What’s most unique about WriteBoston and Teens in Print? Teens in Print is accepting of different ways of thinking. I feel like I can write an article that challenges most people’s views and everyone would be respectful of my opinions, which is so rad.

Why is it important to support this work? Today, most people overlook the opinions of the younger generations, claiming we’re “too young.” Teens in Print changes that by giving us young people a way to voice our thoughts.

Eddie is a staff writer for the Teens in Print student newspaper and senior at The Roxbury Latin School. 

How did you get involved with WriteBoston? I was a junior in high school and I needed a job. My sister had been working through the City of Boston’s SuccessLink during her summers so I figured I would do that too. As I began my search I was plagued with camp counselor jobs, clean up jobs, and all the other bland, cliché, and typical jobs everyone else had. Before I bit the bullet to become a camp counselor I stumbled upon something called “WriteBoston,” another job listed on the site. It intrigued me so I did some digging to satisfy my curiosity because I didn’t want to sign up for anything I would regret. After my interview I realized I would actually have the chance to grow and mature while I worked on my writing skills. SJI turned out to be a great experience I would do twenty times over before I became a run-of-the-mill high school camp counselor. Today I’m a Staff Writer and I would like to be more involved if my school’s schedule would not be so packed and complex.

What’s most unique about WriteBoston and Teens in Print? When I joined WriteBoston I realized the work the staff does for us goes far beyond journalism. Yes, we are training our journalism skills but we are also being taught how to be productive adults.

Why is it important to support this work? The work we do at Teens in Print is multifaceted; we are working to become journalists but through that work we build a network, we mature, and we prepare to face the real world with the right tools.

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carlagualdron@writeboston.org

617-541-2635

Carla’s story with WriteBoston is a quintessential one of things coming full circle. As a sophomore at the former Media Communication Technology High School in West Roxbury, she joined the Teens in Print newspaper as a staff writer. It was there that she got her first taste of ink. That feeling of accomplishment in seeing her name in print sent her on a quest to become to journalist. A Boston native, Carla stayed local and attended Emerson College where she earned her degree in print journalism. Since then, Carla has quenched her thirst for bylines through the Boston Herald, El Mundo newspaper, and The Enterprise. In 2016 Carla returned to Teens in Print as the Program Director, hoping to inspire budding cub reporters.

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anneshackleford@writeboston.org

617-541-2663

Anne Shackleford joined WriteBoston in 2012 and manages the organization’s communications, grant writing, and fundraising. (If you call the office, you’re also most likely to hear her voice.) Prior to coming to WriteBoston, she lived in Providence, RI, where she amassed an impressive collection of art created by other people’s children from working in communications and development at a youth arts organization. Before that, she spent two years working one-on-one with college students as a writing center tutor: helping freshman football stars navigate their first college essay to working with international graduate students as they express the minutia of turf grass science. The experience of working closely with other writers—talking and thinking about the writing process—gave her a deep appreciation of how writing can push real reflection and growth in thinking. Anne is a proud alumna of the AmeriCorps VISTA program, having served two years. She graduated summa cum laude from the Ohio State University with a BA in English and minors in professional writing and business. She’s inspired by great theater, weird art, and the amazing perspectives and voices of young people.

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sarahpoulter@writeboston.org

617-541-2631

A native Oregonian, Sarah moved to Boston for love in Y2K (despite the hype, the world didn’t come to an end) and hasn’t looked back. While she remains curious about the many career possibilities left unexplored – professional sewist, craft blogger, face painter, fabric designer – her passion for education is fueled by the insatiable curiosity of her two children and her husband, the dedicated middle school teacher who convinced her to pack her bags for Boston.

Before assuming the role of Executive Director in July 2016, Sarah worked at WriteBoston for 5 years in roles ranging from Grant Writer, Director of New Business and Evaluation, to, most recently, Deputy Director. Sarah brings over 15 years of leadership, program management and partnership development experience through a range of roles within education intermediary organizations. Notable past employers include City Connects, the Boston Plan for Excellence, and the Boston PIC. She earned her Master’s degree from the Education Policy and Management program at Harvard University.

When she’s not learning how to play Pokémon or supervising messy cooking projects with her children, she should be reading, running, or improving her garden.

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libertybritz@writeboston.org

617-541-2626

Liberty grew up on a small chicken and goat farm in in North Carolina. She moved to Boston to attend Northeastern University and graduated with a B.A. in Human Services. To her own surprise, she grew to love Boston and learned to tolerate the winter. As an avid reader, she’s always cherished good writing and has acted as an editor for the better part of her life. She finds joy in encouraging others to embrace their unique voices and gain confidence in their prose.

Prior to WriteBoston, Liberty worked at two other nonprofits in Greater Boston, as a freelance editor, and at two flower shops. Liberty is a serial book and plant collector and in her free time, can be found reading a good novel, baking, or tending to her growing collection of house plants.

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elvisalvarado@writeboston.org

617-541-2627

Born and raised in Boston, Elvis has developed a profound love for the city and believes it has played an integral role in the formation of his identity. Choosing to stay in Boston for his undergraduate studies at Boston University reaffirmed his love for his hometown and allowed him to get involved in his community. Through working with programs like the Paul Robeson Institute, Upward Bound, and the Boston Debate League, he found his passion for working with youth. Elvis draws his inspiration and motivation from the students he has worked with and hopes to encourage those around him to serve the communities that need it most. His desire to be of service has landed him a position with the Commonwealth Corps as a Youth Program Associate and he hopes to help students find their voices. 

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annekelley@writeboston.org

617-541-2664

Annie joined WriteBoston as a Commonwealth Corps Program Associate because she loves writing and working with students to help them love writing, too. Having seen Good Will Hunting one too many times, Annie moved to Boston from Northern Virginia to serve for an AmeriCorps Program, City Year. During her time at City Year, she served at Tech Boston Academy in a 7th grade ELA classroom and fell in love with tutoring students and beating them at the card game “Speed” every day at lunch. Although she is unsure of what her future holds, she knows she wants to continue to support students whether that be in a traditional classroom setting or through educational nonprofit work. She hopes that this year she’ll be able to meet more fun, weird, and cool kids who inspire her. When she is not serving, Annie loves to listen, watch, or read a good story, run around her new city, and eat lots of ice cream.

alyssavaughn@writeboston.org

617.541.2650

Alyssa Vaughn joined WriteBoston in 2017 as the AmeriCorps VISTA for the Teens in Print program, and has since supported the program’s special initiatives, overseen the newspaper’s publication cycle, and managed the brand’s marketing and social media strategies. She currently serves as the program’s Editorial and Content Manager, developing and maintaining Teens in Print’s journalism curriculum. Her approach to her role is informed by her past experiences in journalism at Boston and St. Louis magazines and in youth development at Brighton, MA’s Another Course to College. She holds a degree in English from Boston College.

alexgeorgiadis@writeboston.org

617.541.2626

Alex is thrilled to join the WriteBoston team as the Writing Center Coordinator at Boston International Newcomers Academy! After graduating from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in Public Policy and Spanish, Alex braved the move up to New England, despite warnings from well-meaning relatives about the unbearable winters. She spent the past year serving as an AmeriCorps member at Lynn Classical High School, where she supported English Language Learners in Algebra and Biology classrooms. The role that brought her real joy, however, was developing an English conversation group after school where students debated the merits of various pro-soccer players, listened to pop songs, and played many, many rounds of “trashketball” over the course of the year. Alex is passionate about advocating for her students and providing holistic support to help them thrive in their academic and personal lives. Outside of the classroom, Alex enjoys running along the Charles, hiking, and following golden retriever accounts on Instagram.

jessiegerson@writeboston.org

617.541.2664

Jessie’s previous work has included serving as the Literacy Director for McCormack Middle School in Dorchester, MA, and directing the Oakland Practitioner Teacher Training Program in Oakland, California. She started her career as a middle school English and Social Studies teacher, and has worked as a coach and consultant with district and charter schools, helping to train new and experienced teachers and strengthen building-wide literacy practices. She earned her Masters in Policy, Organization and Leadership Studies from Stanford University and her Masters of Arts in Teaching from the University of Louisville, Kentucky.

kierancollier@writeboston.org
617.541.2627

merleberman@writeboston.org

Merle Berman’s husband wants to move out of their hometown of over three decades to savor the freedom of anonymity because Merle’s visibility in town extends far and wide—as wife, mother, educator, child and social justice advocate, coach, community leader, fitness fanatic, garden aficionado. Perhaps to her husband’s chagrin, she isn’t leaving town anytime soon. Instead, she is exploring new territory through an uncharted shift to working in urban schools, mentoring a maximum security inmate, and teaching pronunciation to new immigrants, with her South African accent.

It’s no secret that Merle is a Bruce Springsteen devotee. Bruce is an iconic educator, and like The Boss, Merle’s career springs from the ground up. Through teaching children, and training, coaching and leading teachers and administrators, Merle knows how to empower learners to break barriers in their thinking and writing – in life transforming ways. Ask Merle what skills have been most critical to her success and her answer might surprise you: humility and nuance. When not steeped in schools and scholarship, you’ll likely see her wheeling or chasing her grandchildren, throwing pots, braving steep downhills on her bike, or consuming stunning sunset views!

robertalogan@writeboston.org

While teaching in Boston Public Schools for over thirty years, Roberta Logan worked collaboratively with colleagues as well as interns from Harvard University and Tufts University. Since retiring from Boston Public Schools, she has continued to work with educators at various levels, who are at different career stages. She is an adjunct faculty member for The Boston Teacher Residency Program. Her appreciation of authentic voices has led to an ongoing relationship with the Africa Outreach Program at Boston University, where she co-facilitates a book group for k-12 educators. Beyond her work with classroom teachers, she serves on the Mission Hill School Governing Board and enjoys gardening, long walks and making soup. Her most recent writing project focused on the historical relationship between African Americans and the legal system in Massachusetts.

bettysouthwick@writeboston.org
617.541.2604

The founding Executive Director of WriteBoston (2002–2016), Betty Southwick currently serves as a part-time strategy adviser for the organization. She brings business, management, and teaching experience to her work, including consulting on work-life and dependent care issues for major Fortune 500 companies for ten years. She is an educator with experience as a teacher and a guidance counselor and the parent of two Boston public school graduates.