The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword: Memoir Writing After Trauma

Many students in adult literacy have experienced some form of trauma, but they often hide their stories out of shame.  Researchers have documented the impact that trauma and prolonged exposure to stress can have on the brain, and how learning is affected by these changes.

This session will focus on the ways that writing memoirs or personal narratives can help students find their voices, tell their stories, feel empowered, and find a sense of wholeness after trauma.

Participants will learn how to get students to write, and how to use their writing as context (teachable moments) for improving student writing, and how to use the pen to help students heal rather than engage in destructive behaviors. Participants will spend roughly 25% of this session actively engaged in writing their own stories, and 25% of the session “workshopping” their writing with others.    

Presenter: Carmine Stewart, President and CEO of Aspire Consulting and Educational Services.

Carmine received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University with an emphasis in special education.  She earned her Master’s Degree at Cleveland State University. Carmine earned her doctorate in Urban Education in 2012. Since 2007 Carmine has been conducting professional development workshops for adult literacy instructors that provide them with strategies and tools useful for improving the instruction of all adult learners.  Carmine has designed a certificate program for adult literacy practitioners that she offers in partnership with Cleveland State University.  Carmine is also an Adjunct Professor at Cleveland State University where she teaches future educators in the Adult Learning and Development and Curriculum & Foundations departments and the Program Director of Seeds of Literacy.

Tea and Coffee Provided. Vending Machines Available.