Freedom Writer Teachers Summit

Okay, so here's an update. I am adding to the post that some of you have already read. I had an amazing time in LA this past weekend. I feel so rejuvenated! It's just what I needed to get me through this year and relfect on my teaching. So, here's a taste of what I was able to do. If you would like to see pics, please email me and I will send you the link. I would really rather not just post it here.

Thursday:
First we met with Erin and got a chance to see the people we had worked with during our respective institutes over the past year. It was so nice catching up. Then, we proceeded right into FWT mode and listened to Dr. Carl Cohen speak. For those of you who need a refresher, he was the superintendent of LBC schools when Erin was there. He is an amazing speaker and has done amazing things with different schools around the country. He led the fight for integration in the LBC schools, and then stuck with them to make them better schools. We also are now working with a data collection firm in order to produce some data about how these programs are working in our schools over the next few years etc.

Friday:
Left for UCLA for the day. Met with some principals who run a principal's institute. That was actually a lot of fun. But, these are the kickers for the day...We met Dr. Terrence Roberts who is one of the Little Rock Nine! And then, to follow him, we met Andrew Carroll (he edited the books War Letters and more recently, Operation Homecoming. He talked about the power of writing letters and it was very inspiring. Then we went to the theater and got a chance to see the ROUGH CUT of the documentary! OMG! I can't wait. You guys are phenomenal. I know the film is really about the book, but we actually play a big part in how it's being used in the classroom. Some of you are on there and it's amazing. Matt, Stephanie, Shelby, Madison, Gary...

Saturday:

I don't know how to get rid of the bold, sorry:)
On Saturday we met Peter Thum of Ethos water (for those of you who enjoy Starbucks, you may have already seen this). He was outstanding, talking about entrepreneurship. We also met with some people about how to find funding for your classroom. There were three parts to this day, however, that really grabbed me. The first was meeting Matt Boger and Tim Zaal. If anyone saw the Oprah where they were on, you know who they are and their story. Look them up. It's amazing. Their program is called "From Hate to Hope". Matt is gay and Tim is a former KKK member. How their paths have crossed a couple of times is a heart-breaking, yet wonderful story. The second was speaking with our editor...yes, we have an editor, because we have a book deal. I don't to say too much, but I am stoked to have a deadline and super excited. Finally, we had our own prom. I know it doesn't sound like much from the view of everything else that happened, but it was a chance for 127 Freedom Writer Teachers from all over to cut loose together and enjoy each others' company. There is just something about having a prom where everyone can be friends, everyone wants to spend time together and everyone truly has the same core beliefs in their heart, even though some may have different religions, different political affiliations, different backgrounds, ages, you name it! What a day!

So, as you can all see, I am still just elated, four days later, and plan to continue this. I am forever grateful for what lead me down this path.