Writing Coaches of Montana seeks volunteers

Writing Coaches of Montana seeks community members in Flathead County to participate in its coaching program with the mission of helping local public school students in Columbia Falls, Evergreen, Kalispell and Whitefish improve their writing skills. 

Specifically, the program seeks to help students think critically about their writing assignments so they can become confident and competent writers across disciplines. Flexibility is built into the Writing Coaches of Montana volunteer experience. Once trained, there is no minimum hour requirement or coaching schedule. Instead, volunteers are informed by staff as teachers make requests and then volunteers choose which assignments, schools and grade levels, 4-12, they coach. No experience is necessary.  

To become a volunteer, community members can attend an upcoming training session on Thursday, Sept. 19, 5:30-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. For individuals who cannot attend on Sept.19, WCM will offer in–person workshops regularly for the remainder of the school year. WCM staff will be available for follow-up questions at any time.  

“I love the writing coaches’ organization and all they’ve done for my students,” said Kristi Sanders, Kalispell Middle School teacher. “It is wonderful to watch my teenage students light up as they share their writing with someone who really listens to them and hears their intent with respect and enthusiasm.”  

Community members interested in learning more about the program and to volunteer can contact Jeanne Wdowin at jeanne@writingcoachesofmontana.org  or visit www.writingcoachesofmontana.org.