Thinking about Jan Arnow, Reflecting on NO MORE VIOLENCE

Because of the proximity of Sandy Hook and the literacy role I hold as a trainer of teachers and promoter of students, I've been thinking a lot about the NO MORE VIOLENCE work Jan Arnow did with my students at the J. Graham Brown School. Author of Teaching Peace, Arnow showed my students ways to analyze violence in their own lives and to delve deeper when understanding the structural, cultural, and historical layers that cause violent acts. She trained my students to work with other students, and with them she led national seminars on the importance of thinking critically about violence. I adapted much of what she taught (what an honor to be a co-director on this project) and used her analytical tools to teach smarter reading, writing, and thinking skills.

Last night, I spent a couple of hours designing a workshop to adapt what Arnow taught me for a session for the Literacy Essentials Conference at Central Connecticut State University held in April. Coupled with the Hope for the Flowers distribution in southern Connecticut, I think it is time for me to revisit the NO MORE VIOLENCE exercises and reflect on them in support of my fellow teachers.

I'm thankful to the National Writing Project's support throughout the last month and the many resources they've provided. As sad as it is, tragedy has occurred in the past and will likely occur again in the future. My colleagues and I at Fairfield University, too, are collaborating materials that are useful and disseminating them into local districts. As a result, I'm definitely reflecting on the years I spent with Arnow in Louisville.

We have a choice as educators to present a culture of fear or a culture of hope. I choose hope and, it is my hope to support as many communities as I can in the best ways I know how. This includes the wisdom entrusted to me by Jan.