Hello everyone! After hosting this podcast for 7 years, running my second podcast Craft & Draft, and talking about the importance of authentic writing instruction, I have come to learn an unsettling fact… writing is so often overlooked in professional development and curriculum documents. Too often, writing is pushed to the side or given a steady diet of drills, programs, or rules for kids to follow, rather than being a vehicle for self expression, discovery, and learning. It's also, as we discuss in this episode, often not taught across all of the  Joining me today to try and answer why this is, and why writing is so important to teach well, is Dr. Miah Daughtery. Miah Daughtery is the literacy director of content advocacy and design at NWEA. Prior to joining NWEA, she was a classroom reading and English teacher for almost 10 years, a district literacy specialist, the state literacy coordinator for the Tennessee Department of Education, the director of literacy for Achieve, and the executive director of professional learning for Odell Education. In part two we discuss: The power of writing Meaning before form and how this supports writers Cross-curricular writing and its importance  …and so much more!   This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new book, The First Five: A Love Letter to TeachersBy Patrick Harris II.   We all have stories. We all have experiences to share. A memoir with a call-to-action, The First Five affirms the humanity of all teachers. Patrick inspires you to dream big about what you want for yourself, our students, our schools, and our educational system. In The First Five, Patrick brings to light the realities of teaching, especially in the first five years. He immerses you in his world with personal stories that lead to lessons,  questions, and exercises to help you reflect on your own journey. Each chapter includes interviews with a diverse group of educators. Creating change in our education system is a process. It will happen from the ground up and the inside out. If we want to make a long-lasting impact we need to know more than just what to do; we need to start sharing our stories, not just our strategies. The work we do together throughout this book and beyond will leave you feeling hopeful, empowered, and challenged. No matter where you start, know that this work is ongoing. Give yourself grace. We are in this together, for the long haul. Here’s to the next five years.