National Writing Project of Acadiana

On Wednesdays, We Write 🍁

NoRedInk and the National Writing Project recently presented the webinar, Connection First: Strategies to Build Classroom Community. This engaging session explored how prioritizing relationships can create a safe, supportive learning environment where students are empowered to grow and thrive. Educators will gain practical strategies to build trust, encourage meaningful conversations, and foster a strong classroom community from day one. Check out the webinar replay here:
https://teach.noredink.com/connection-first-webinar?fbclid=IwY2xjawUCchFwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXBnb3gwUnRKdVhOZEtpQ2VzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEesFukD4SmOdfZZsC2yD4aLqOI--XJz3hUbu6TEjC0JSWFOoVBIUZ4op9-pvo_aem_r_ruhNCU_U8sul30gzDBsg

Webinar: Connection First webinar, strategies for educators, building classroom community, community of writers, National Writing Project

Submissions are open for the 2026 Southern Screen Festival Writing Challenge!
2026 theme: “Hubris”

Literature is filled with classic tales of hubris— Icarus, Captain Ahab, Lucifer. Evidence of hubris abounds in contemporary everyday life too, on a large scale with The OceanGate Titan Submersible, or a small one like a person pushing limits past heeded warnings at their own peril, or that of someone else. What character or event in your story leads to downfall due to maybe an abundance of pride, confidence, or a disregard for warnings?

The prize recipient will receive:
- $150 cash prize
- Published in Louisiana Literature Magazine and The Current
- Southern Screen Festival Pass and VIP Wristband
- Story read aloud at the Festival
More info - www.southernscreen.org/writing-challenge

DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 8

Volunteer spots are officially open for Festivals Acadiens et Créoles!

We’d love to have you join us this year. This festival is a major fundraiser for NWP‑A, and your support directly strengthens our Writing Project site. Volunteers must be 21+.

When: October 9–11
Where: Girard Park (right by the main stage — perfect for enjoying the music!)
What: Selling beer
Who: YOU

If you’re able to volunteer for this great cause, please fill out the contact form: https://tinyurl.com/NWPAFEST

On Wednesdays, We Write ✍️

Interested in attending NCTE? Author Alane Adams and the Rise Up Foundation have expanded a grant to NCTE to provide scholarship funding for 100 K–12 educators to attend the 2026 NCTE Annual Convention. To find more information about the application process, see the link below.
https://ncte.org/rise-up-foundation-scholarship/?fbclid=IwY2xjawT5LflwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTYwVk53cDN5ZTM3VHp4NzhzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEewQItWaHyttoQpNdSQ2sSRk9GO8hRVZx8-BOvL_BNC7IoMvhRr5SNxbrSq_Y_aem_4c6Ai5H8EZPK_UVQn21Rxw

Rise Up Foundation Scholarship The Rise Up Foundation and Alane Adams provided NCTE a grant to offer fifty K–8 classroom educators a scholarship to its Annual Convention.

On Wednesdays, We Write 🪙

The Two Writing Teachers site is a long‑running collaborative blog created by a team of dedicated literacy educators who believe writing workshop can transform classrooms. Their mission is to support teachers with practical, classroom‑tested ideas, reflective practice, and a strong community of writers and educators who learn alongside one another. Check out this resource here:

About Us Stacey Shubitz Stacey Shubitz is the Chief of Operations and Lead Writer for Two Writing Teachers. She is a certified literacy specialist and a former classroom teacher who taught fifth grade …

🌟FEATURE FRIDAY 🌟

This week we're featuring YOU! Drop those back to school pics in the comments and tell us what you're most looking forward to this school year! 📚🎉

📚📝In celebration of the first week of school, here are a few photos showcasing what we've been up to!

Last week we had our "Write Back into School" gathering celebrating community, creativity, and writing with this year's SI participants.

We also had the opportunity to facilitate the workshop, "Small Writing for BIG Impact" with middle and high school Lafayette Parish School System ELA teachers. Thanks, 6-12 ELA District Coaches for inviting us to be part of your back to school professional learning!