One Year of Writing PD for Your Entire School
Empower every teacher with expert-led, on-demand professional development — just $1,500 per school
What is the Teach Writing PD Mini-Series?
This 11-episode video series, led by Kristina Smekens—author of Launching the Writer’s Workshop—equips K-12 educators with the research-based strategies they need to teach writing confidently and consistently. Each episode includes a downloadable handout to guide discussion and deepen learning during PLCs or staff meetings.
How it works
Watch a 20-minute video
View each episode during grade-level, PLC, or all-staff meetings.
Discuss with colleagues
Use the discussion prompts to spark conversations during each video.
Implement right away
Apply what you learned to start building stronger writers immediately.
Features of the Teach Writing PD Mini-Series
The mini-series features 11 training videos focused on writing management, instruction, or assessment. Over half include unique versions for elementary and secondary educators.
Videos can be viewed anytime during the yearlong subscription. However, we recommend setting a schedule that allows educators to learn together throughout the entire school year.
Each videos lasts approximately 20 minutes and features a downloadable handout with space for note-taking and planning, discussion questions, and suggested next steps.
Participants can access the Smekens Education professional learning platform for a full year, allowing teachers to earn completion certificates after viewing individual videos.
Why Schools Love It
Short 20-minute videos make it easier to find time for teacher professional development—perfect for grade-level, PLC, or all-staff meetings.
Teachers gain the confidence and strategies they need to teach writing effectively.
Writing achievement improves as teachers lead effective yearlong writing instruction.
What You’ll Learn
How to plan meaningful writing mini-lessons
What essential skills to teach in narrative, informative, and persuasive/argumentative writing
How to use writing rubrics that students understand
How to assess and grade writing with confidence
How to plan writing units that scaffold learning
An entire year of writing PD
Equip your teachers with best-practice writing professional development
EPISODE 1
Make Time for Writing
Make writing instruction more effective by combining focused mini-lessons with consistent in-class practice. Explore strategies for carving out meaningful writing time—even within packed daily schedules.
>> Download Handout
EPISODE 2
Plan Mini-Lessons
Dive into the four key steps of effective whole-class writing mini-lessons: introducing the skill, direct instruction with modeling, guided practice, and closure with a writing task. Learn how to plan and deliver focused, standards-based lessons that make writing skills explicit and accessible for all students.
>> Download Handout
EPISODE 3
Informative Writing Skills
(Two versions: K-5 & 6-12)
Build a strong foundation for informative writing with four essential skills: introducing the topic, developing ideas with facts and details, organizing information, and crafting a conclusion. Support writers at any level with strategies that promote clarity and meet grade-level standards.
Download handout: K-5 | 6-12
EPISODE 5
Persuasive/Argumentative Writing Skills
(Two versions: K-5 & 6-12)
Unpack the essential elements of persuasive and argumentative writing—stating a claim, giving reasons, supporting with evidence, and crafting a conclusion—alongside instructional strategies that align with grade-level expectations.
Download handout: K-5 | 6-12
EPISODE 6
Constructed Responses
(Two versions: K-5 & 6-12)
Learn what short constructed responses are and how to teach this critical writing skill at all grade levels and developmental stages. Uncover how to guide students in clearly answering text-based questions by structuring their writing with an answer, evidence, and explanation.
Download handout: K-5 | 6-12
EPISODE 7
Growing Rubrics & Calculating Grades
(Two versions: K-2 & 3-12)
Grow an initial analytic rubric into a flexible tool that supports student progress across the year. Learn how to update criteria with student input, adapt a single rubric for multiple writing units, and use it consistently to score and grade writing.
Download handout: K-2 | 3-12
EPISODE 10
Mini-Unit Planning
(Two versions: K-5 & 6-12)
Building a yearlong writing curriculum starts with mastering time, instruction, and sequencing grade level skills before rushing into detailed planning. Gain insight into the key facets and factors involved in creating a yearlong writing plan.
Download handout: K-5 | 6-12
EPISODE 11
Kick-Start Writing Instruction
Set the year up for success by establishing routines that build students’ stamina, perseverance, and problem-solving strategies during independent writing time.
>> Download Handout
Your Guide to Better Writing Instruction
Kristina Smekens is the featured educator behind the Teach Writing PD Mini-Series, drawing from more than 20 years of experience supporting K–12 teachers in writing instruction. As a nationally recognized literacy consultant and the author of Launching the Writer’s Workshop, Kristina has helped thousands of educators strengthen their writing instruction with strategies grounded in the science of writing.
The Teach Writing PD Mini-Series was built on that foundation—drawing directly from Kristina’s classroom-tested methods and deep understanding of what works for students and teachers alike. Each episode features her signature high energy and practical approach, offering educators ready-to-use strategies they can implement right away.
Teachers consistently praise Kristina for her clear explanations, relatable style, and ability to make writing instruction feel doable and effective—no matter the grade level, subject area, or curriculum.
Customize Your Writing Professional Development
The Teach Writing PD Mini-Series has been designed to help K-12 staffs make gains in writing by providing educators with proven best-practice instructional strategies. But when teachers begin to implement what they have learned, it’s only natural that unique scenarios and specific questions will create the desire for more customized support.
When this occurs, the team of literacy consultants and coaches from Smekens Education is ready to help by providing customized professional learning that can occur in person or virtually, as part of a broader writing initiative.
In-person training, coaching, & consultation
During on-site school visits, Smekens literacy consultants can spend their time providing additional training, coaching individuals or small groups, partnering with teachers to plan writing units, or even modeling effective writing mini-lessons in actual classrooms.
Live virtual training, coaching, & consultation
Live virtual coaching sessions can occur throughout the school year, allowing teachers to ask questions, seek clarification, and celebrate successes. During every live virtual session, teaching writing is the main topic of discussion, helping to ensure that the entire staff remains committed to improvement.
Schoolwide Subscription Options
Choose from the options below to begin implementing your schoolwide writing initiative.
MINI-SERIES
A $1,780 value
12-month access to the “Teach Writing PD Mini-Series” collection of 11 professional learning videos
MINI-SERIES + KICK-START
$3,500/school
A $4,280 value
12-month access to the “Teach Writing PD Mini-Series” collection of 11 professional learning videos
12-month access to “Kick-Start Writing Instruction,” a 5-hour online workshop by Kristina Smekens
A digital copy of Kristina’s book Launching the Writer’s Workshop for every teacher
Lifetime access to the corresponding “secret site” of digital resources
MINI-SERIES + KICK-START
+ VIRTUAL COACHING
$6,500/school
A $7,600 value
12-month access to the “Teach Writing PD Mini-Series” collection of 11 professional learning videos
12-month access to “Kick-Start Writing Instruction,” a 5-hour online workshop by Kristina Smekens
A digital copy of Kristina’s book Launching the Writer’s Workshop for every teacher
Lifetime access to the corresponding “secret site” of digital resources
8 hours of customized Virtual Coaching to support implementation
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to watch an episode?
Episodes are typically around 20 minutes in length.
When are available?
All episodes are available to subscribers on demand. We recommend viewing episodes in the order provided.
How long will I have access?
You will have access to the Teach Writing PD Mini-Series for one year from the date that your enrollment begins.
When do you recommend viewing episodes?
Each 20-minute episode is designed to fit within a staff professional development session before, during, or after the school day. Videos are focused on one specific facet of teaching writing and include group discussion questions that administrators can use to facilitate conversations.
How do I subscribe and pay?
You may subscribe online with a credit card or by submitting a purchase order.
What happens after I subscribe?
Once you complete the subscription order form, we will send you an email to confirm your purchase. Then, our friendly team will reach out to begin your access to the package you purchased.
If you opt to include virtual coaching, our team will reach out to schedule your individualized remote coaching sessions.
Am I allowed to share my access with other schools?
With a schoolwide purchase of the Teach Writing PD Mini-Series, your entire staff will have the opportunity to view the modules. However, this access is exclusively available on a per-school basis, so you are not allowed to share your access with other schools.
Do you have a satisfaction guarantee?
Yes! The Teach Writing PD Mini-Series comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.
If you aren’t satisfied, contact our office within the first ten days of your purchase. We vow to give you a refund immediately. There are no additional forms to fill out, and there will be no delay. Just call (888) 376-0448 or email Brady Smekens