Planning and Teaching

Our schedules are impossible. Can we just plan via email?
No. Meet in person. And in the rare case that this isn’t possible (one of you is out of town, perhaps), then Skype or set aside the time for a phone call. E-mailing before you meet is a great idea, if you want to share readings, prompts, etc., but you really need some voice-on-voice contact to plan effectively. Seriously, this is the NUMBER ONE reason that workshops fail—because the fellows aren’t meeting to plan, so there isn’t ownership in the plan from both parties.

I can’t make it to an upcoming workshop. What should I do?
When you agree to be a writing fellow, you commit to be present at all workshops. This is a commitment to the youth in your workshop, not just to Deep. If you’re aware of a date you absolutely must miss, please let the staff know as far in advance as possible (at least a week.) We can arrange for a sub to take your place in the classroom to support your partner in your absence. It is your responsibility to plan and comment with your partner to prep for the week you will miss.

Life happens, and sometimes unforeseeable circumstances mean a writing fellow must miss a workshop. If you need a sub within 48 hours of your workshop, please let your partner know, then email  and call Deep staff. This ensures that we’re aware of the situation, and that a sub will be prepared to make your workshop as Deep as it can be.

What should we do first when we plan?
Read planning steps A, B, and C , then build your lesson plan using the weekly workshop planning guides for inspiration.