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My Philosophy of Teaching Writing Dr. Erinn J. Bentley, Columbus State University In //[|The 9 Rights of Every Writer]//, Vicki Spandel asks teachers to consider why writing is taught. She asserts, "Things like writing in multiple genres and for multiple purposes, developing and expressing ideas clearly and supporting them with evidence or detail, using language effectively and correctly, organizing information to promote understanding, or applying conventions correctly and in a way that enhances meaning and voice are skills to good writing...But they are a means to an end, not an end in themselves" (Spandel xi). In her guide for teachers, Spandel does not offer a one-size-fits all method for writing instruction; rather, she admits //The 9 Rights// is "my heartfelt conversation with teachers - with you - about writing issues that matter to me" (xi).

My Philosophy for Teaching Writing is based on Spandel's model. On these pages, I describe the writing rights I value for myself and for my students. These rights are based on personal convictions, research findings, and teaching experiences. Every class, I believe, is a writing class. Similarly, every writer is entitled to the following rights.

My Four Rights for Every Writer:

 * Right #1: The Right to Think
 * Right #2: The Right to Talk...
 * Right #3: The Right to Experiment
 * Right #4: The Right to Be True
 * Works Cited