Introductory video

SabbaticalFall 2010Karyn W. TunksExploring the Writers Retreat as a Model for Classroom Writing InstructionWriting makes us experts on teaching writing. When we write, our classroom writing program and our interactions with students can be based on knowledge we have earned ourselves rather than received from others. Tim Gillespie, 1985Purposes:Develop my own skills as a writerAdvance my ability as a teacher educator in the area of writing instructionDisseminate what was learned to USA students and practicing teachers

This quote from Tim Gillespie, a veteran teacher with 40 years of experience sums up the intention of my sabbatical. The purpose was to study the craft of writing and further my own skills as both a writer and a teacher. And then share what I learned with others.2Bon Secours Spiritual RetreatMarriottsville, MD

Early in Fall 2010 I attended a writers retreat held at the Bon Secours Spiritual Center in Marriottsville, MD outside of Baltimore. The Spiritual Center sits on 313 acres of pastures and woodlands with spectacular views of Marylands countryside. 3More than just a retreat

I knew the workshop was being held at a Catholic Retreat but did not realize it was a Convent with no t.v., no radio, no internet, and cell phone use only in restricted areas. Next, our group leader informed us there would be no use of computers as we would be writing by hand with pen and paper. And there I was, with not one laptop but two, just for back up. 4Awakening the Writer WithinPeggy Tabor McMillanClarityWorks

The workshop was led by Peggy Tabor McMillan, a former teacher who followed her passion and established Clarity Works in 1996 for the purpose of meeting writers where they are and taking them to the next step. Peggy lives in North Carolina and conducts writers workshops all over the United States.5

We ate all meals together as a group and with the exception of the few hours to write alone each day, we wrote, critiqued, and celebrated our writing as a group. The women were all extraordinary in their own way and used writing in their personal and professional lives. In addition to our leader Peggy Tabor, a published author, there was a retired school counselor, music minister/poet, pastor who works with sexually abused women, a semi-retired teacher committed to bringing awareness to racial inequities, a yoga instructor who counsels families whose children have died, and a nun who operates a homeless shelter. It was a humbling experience to be in the presence of such a group of women.

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Took some adjustment when returning home. The world seemed unnecessarily noisy and loud. I continued writing using the methods learned at the retreat and also spent a good deal of time reading including revisiting old books. 7

Creating a website seemed like the most logical and feasible way to share what I learned with others.8"Happiness comes when your work and words are of benefit to yourself and others." Buddha

The Beginning