Writing Coaches seeks volunteers

Writing Coaches of Montana seeks community members in Flathead County to participate in its coaching program with the mission of helping local students improve their writing skills.

To become a volunteer and learn about best writing instruction practices, community members can attend a virtual training on Thursday, Jan. 27 from 6 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Register at writingcoachesofmontana.org.

The Writing Coaches program seeks to help students think critically about their writing assignments so they can become confident and competent writers across several disciplines.

During the 2021-2022 school year, volunteers will coach in-person at schools and online using Google Meet. When students have online access, coaches can choose their preference of in-person or virtual coaching.

Jeanne Wdowin, Flathead Regional Coordinator, is running a coaching program in the following schools during the 2021-2022 school year: Columbia Falls High School, Muldown Elementary School, Whitefish High School, Whitefish Middle School, and working to recruit additional schools within Flathead County.

Writing coaches has had many positive reviews.

“I had an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from each and every one of my students about how much they valued their time with the writing coaches,” said Al Hammel of Whitefish High School about his English class.

He also expressed appreciation for his students to have human interaction and support from community members in western Montana.

“I just can't express my gratitude enough for the Writing Coaches of Montana,” he added.

Community members interested in learning more about the program and to volunteer can contact Jeanne at jeanne@writingcoachesofmontana.org. To learn more about the program, community members can also visit writingcoachesofmontana.org.

The Writing Coaches of Montana started with the Missoula County Public Schools in 1995 and then expanded to Ravalli County in 2016 and Flathead County in 2019.