PHIL VASSALLO

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is a communication and education consultant. He is the author of three writing guidebooks (HOW TO WRITE FAST UNDER PRESSURE, THE ART OF ON-THE-JOB WRITING, and THE ART OF E-MAIL WRITING), a play collection (QUESTIONS ASKED OF DYING DREAMS), two essay collections (PERSON TO PERSON and THE INWARDNESS OF THE OUTWARD GAZE), and two poetry collections (LIKE THE DAY I WAS BORN and AMERICAN HAIKU). He holds a doctorate in Educational Theory and Philosophy from Rutgers University. He may be reached at Phil@PhilVassallo.com.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Why and How I Teach Writing, Part 1: Motivation

People noticing my education level and publication record may say that writing is easier for me than it is for them.

Not true. Writing remains a challenge for me whether I'm working on a book, a course, or an email. Writing is not easy. Sure, some people write better than others, but writing at work is a skill that can be learned. It is a necessary ability for employment and promotion. It is a primary responsibility of most corporate employees, whether they are writing procedures, policies, reports, analyses, or proposals. 

For those reasons and more, I teach writing. In the coming 11 posts, I will explore some writing principles I live by to keep me committed, engaged, and informed as a teacher.