The mission of The Heartbeat is becoming increasingly important as each state adopts assessment tests to measure student success. This results in reduced class time for creative thinking, and produces young writers who may fail to find their own unique vehicle for reaching the words in their hearts.  The Heartbeat aims to create opportunities for teachers and young writers to help fill that creative void.

Each seminar will include time for community building, designed to make participants feel at ease and “safe” with each other; seminar-like discussions; quiet time for contemplation and reflection; writing, and the sharing of writing.

Student Programs

Each day learners will be invited to share their learning experiences and/or writing as an entire group in a safe risk-free environment.  By conducting discussions in this fashion, every member is not only included, but crucial to the writing community's success.  In the end we hope each member can identify his or her unique place in the group and that the audience affirms and applauds the individual's accomplishments as important, needed, and worth doing.

Teacher Programs
Teachers can expect workshops to focus on exceeding minimum standards by facilitating students' learning in active, learner-centered, community-focused classrooms. Participants select strategies, programs, and approaches that meet the individual writing needs of their students. These activities allow teachers to create classroom environments where students surpass minimum standards and become enthusiastic partners in their own learning.  

Because we consider all Teachers of Writing as writers, and as writing models for students, we will encourage and expect teacher participants to engage in personal, reflective, and/or creative writing processes and activities.