Saturday, March 7, 2015, a group of teachers left the Beard building on Main St. in Cortland, feeling invigorated, rather than deflated, after a four-hour professional development workshop. I know—unbelievable. You might ask, how does this come about? Teachers of The Seven Valleys Writing Project learn through writing. Teachers are the experts. And teachers teach…

Last year I challenged myself to read 50 books. I did and found that it’s possible and rewarding. I read a variety of books: collections of short stories, fantasy, volumes about how to become a better and more effective educator. I read short books, long books, and even managed to finish the colossal monstrosity that…