2006 Administrator Certificates of Recognition Awarded to Deb Rodenburg and Tom Seib
(Transcript of presentation speech by Robert Brooke, NeWP Director)
Deb Rodenburg
To recognize Deb Rodenburg’s support of the Embedded Institute at Carriage Hill Elementary in the Papillion-La Vista School district, and her ongoing efforts to foster a culture of writing excellence at her school.
Deb Rodenburg’s nomination was supported by several members of her staff, some of whom had gathered student comments as well. This past year, she brought a Nebraska Writing Project Embedded Institute to her school and participated in it fully alongside 23 members of her staff. Students and staff alike appreciated her whole-hearted commitment to writing in her building. Several students praised her willingness to share writing and hear them read their work. One student commented: “I remember when I was terrified to even talk to her but now I read poems to her and I learned that you have to try, before you can judge how you think they are.” Several staff members praised her commitment to having the whole building engage in writing. One staff member wrote: “Taking this class with 23 other staff members has been an exceptional experience. I feel like I can communicate and brainstorm with any of them about writing ideas. The commitment of that many teachers in one building speaks volumes. We, as an entire building are trying to become better writers ourselves and in turn, will help our children develop a love for writing as well.” Another staff member wrote: “Some leaders may not have understood the importance of including an art teacher in a writing workshop, but Deb saw this as a way to fortify the art program at our school. Our school has developed a stronger sense of community as a result of this experience. This was an opportunity to develop myself not only professionally, but personally as well.” In recognition of this support of staff, students, and writing at Carriage Hill Elementary School, Nebraska Writing Project is pleased to present a 2006 Administrator Certificate of Recognition to Deb Rodenburg.
Tom Seib
To recognize Tom Seib’s support for the Pius X High School partnership with Nebraska Writing Project, now in its third year; not only has Tom Seib helped creatively fund three Embedded Institutes and one Summer Institute at Pius X, he has also participated fully as writer with his staff and has encouraged his teacher leaders to develop new NeWP programs at Pius as pilots for the entire network.
Tom Seib was nominated by Nebraska Writing Project Co-Director Jane Connealy, in conjunction with several members of the Puis X High School staff. Their nomination praised Tom for his enthusiastic support of the NeWP partnership, his own writing alongside staff members, and his leadership. One teacher wrote: “Tom Seib has been instrumental in the development of the Pius Embedded Institute. He has continually approached this with enthusiasm and energy, and because of this, our faculty has grown as writers and teachers of writers.” Another teacher wrote: “For me, the most enjoyable part of the workshop was the small group meetings, and having Tom Seib in our group made it even more so. His critiques were always constructive and presented in a positive way and he conveyed a genuine interest in our writing. Hearing him read his own work, which was always superb and elegantly written, was a rare treat. I have always admired Tom Seib, but now I appreciate, so much more, what a truly amazing man he is.” A third teacher wrote: “As a principal, Tom supported us 100%. Tom is headed back into the classroom and will use his expertise there to help his students learn and create. I appreciate Tom as a leader and as a fellow teacher. I look forward to working with him for many years to come. Thanks, Tom, for all you have done for Pius X High School.” For this support of writing and the NeWP partnership over several years, the Nebraska Writing Project is pleased to award Tom Seib a 2006 Administrator Certificate of Recognition.