Topic: David Rockower

David Rockower and Liz Prather discuss how students explore what matters to them through writing.

A list of Heinemann professional books about social-emotional learning.

David Rockower illustrates how middle and high school teachers can build engagement and foster genuine student relationships by embracing vulnerability.

How often do we ask students to walk into uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure? What about teachers?

Heinemann Fellow, David Rockower, explores through writing and discussion the power of courageous conversations.

Though this particular act was initiated by a student, it gave me the opportunity to share memories of my own reading life. I’m on the lookout for moments when an act of vulnerability leads to a memorable experience for my students.

Relational vulnerability isn’t a once-and-done practice. We need to be deliberate about making time to listen and know our students.

Witnessing a roomful of students typing or scribbling away, occasionally pausing to ponder a point or reconsider a sentence—this is teacher bliss. But how do we guide them to a place where they are writing for more than their teacher, for more than a grade?

Whether teacher vulnerability leads to an increase in student engagement is yet to be determined. However, an initial survey responses suggest students crave and appreciate authenticity.

As I begin my journey as a Heinemann Fellow, I would like the following question to guide my action research: In what ways does teacher vulnerability impact student engagement and classroom community?