This course focuses on creating an environment that nurtures writing for a variety of purposes and audiences. A critical examination of literacy standards with an emphasis on the interconnected nature of writing, reading, and speaking is included. Mentor texts are identified and created for use in teaching writing genre, craft, conventions, and living like a writer. Additional topics include the use of assessment data to inform instruction, high impact pedagogical strategies, and learning effective conferring skills to nurture the growth of writers. Assessment of knowledge and skills will include demonstration of literacy skills appropriate to the course. Each candidate will provide written documentation of appropriate planning, implementation, and assessment to accompany the demonstration.